Thomas W. France

Partner
France Thomas

Tom France is a corporate attorney representing businesses in a wide variety of corporate transactions. He has experience in hospitality and franchise transactions and leads the firm’s franchise law practice. Tom focuses on negotiating franchising and licensing agreements, structuring corporate reorganizations and new ventures, and advising on securities matters, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance and compliance matters. He assists organizations of all sizes in various industry sectors, including hospitality, technology, financial services, and government contracts.

His versatility and experience working on industry-specific transactions allow him to analyze his clients’ goals and develop strategies tailored to their needs.

Experience

Government Experience

    Representative Matters

    • Has represented an international hospitality company since 2007 in various franchise transactions, including negotiating franchise and related agreements in connection with sales of hundreds of franchised hotels
    • Represented a specialty finance company for government contractors in a corporate reorganization
    • Represented numerous businesses and entrepreneurs in analyzing franchise business transactions
    • Represented a government contractor in a $250 million acquisition
    • Represented a network security products and services firm in a $250 million convertible note offering, a $450 million acquisition, a $84 million public stock offering, a $35 million acquisition, and a $15 million acquisition
    • Represented a global supplier of digital network equipment in a $28 million acquisition
    • Represented an investment banking firm in a $13 million public stock offering by a bank holding company
    • Represented a publicly traded REIT in a $50 million repurchase of senior notes
    • Represented an Internet marketing company in a $50 million initial public offering

    Insights

    Credentials
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    Education

    • J.D. cum laude Washington and Lee University School of Law 1995
      • Lead Articles Editor,Washington and Lee Law Review, 1994-95
    • B.A. summa cum laude Oregon State University 1992

    Bar Admissions

    • District of Columbia
    • Virginia

    Professional Memberships and Activities

    • Member, American Bar Association, Business Law Section
    • Member, American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising

    Recognition
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    • The Best Lawyers in America, 2008 – 2023
    • Chambers USA, Corporate/M&A (Band 3), Northern Virginia, 2004 – 2013
    • Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, Virginia, 2008

    Community
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    Pro Bono

    • Represented various entities in the Northern Virginia region on a pro bono basis, including a non-stock corporation that promotes public knowledge and education of certain historical civil rights leaders in the region, a women’s health clinic, and a nonprofit organization promoting low-income housing opportunities in the region

    Volunteerism

    • Director, Volunteer Fairfax, 2012 - 2018
    • Member, Leadership Fairfax Inc., Leadership Fairfax Program, Class of 2010

    Personal Activities

    • Tom is married and has three children.