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    Stephen E. Story

    Member • Co-Chair of Franchising
    Office: Norfolk
    Admissions: Virginia

    T (757) 624.3257

    F (888) 360.9092

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    Biography

    Steve is the Co-Chair of the firm’s Franchise practice area. His practice includes a unique emphasis on franchising, intellectual property, technology, sales, distribution, marketing issues, and antitrust law. He represents several local, regional, and national franchisors and also multiple-unit operator franchisees and single-unit franchisees.

    Practices

    Industries

    Representative Matters

    • Represent franchisors as general counsel in drafting franchise disclosure documents, franchise and related agreements, franchise registration issues, and on trademark matters
    • Represented two franchisees in cases seeking refund of all initial franchise fees based upon franchisor’s failure to locate a suitable site in accordance with franchise agreement terms
    • Represent hotel franchisees in negotiations and litigation with franchisors over liquidated damages provisions; recently negotiated substantial discounts on three liquidated damages claims for local hotel licensees
    • Represent franchisees (area developers and single unit) in evaluating franchise offerings and related work (setting up a legal entity, negotiation of leases) for start-up franchisees

    Recognition & Honors

    • Best Lawyers in America, 2004-2025
    • Top Lawyers; CoVaBIZ, 2017-2019, 2023
    • Best Lawyers in America; Norfolk Litigation – Patent Lawyer of the Year, 2025
    • Best Lawyers in America; Norfolk Litigation – Intellectual Property “Lawyer of the Year”, 2016, 2022
    • Virginia’s Legal Elite; Intellectual Property Law, Virginia Business Magazine, 2000-2014, 2016-2024
    • Legal Eagle; Franchise Times, 2014, 2019-2020 
    • Virginia Super Lawyers; (Franchising/Dealership) Law & Politics, 2006-2017
    • AV® Rated; Martindale-Hubbell

    Associations

    • American Bar Association; Forum on Franchising and Antitrust Law Section
    • International Franchise Association (Legal/Legislative Committee)
    • Virginia State Bar; Past Chairman, Antitrust, Franchise and Trade Regulation Section, Board of Governors, 1995-2003
    • First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk, Virginia; Trustee, 2003-2009; 2014-
    • Norfolk-Portsmouth Bar Association

    Education

    • University of Texas; B.A., 1978
    • University of Texas School of Law; J.D., with honors, 1981

    Press & Publications

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