Ashley Nielsen

After practicing franchise law with a North Carolina law firm, Ashley Nielsen ventured out on her own to establish Nielsen Franchise Law. Ashley now focuses her practice on representing current and prospective franchisees on a nationwide basis, a reflection of her passion for helping small business owners.

Ashley’s practice background includes nearly a decade of representing franchisors and franchisees, drafting and negotiating hundreds of franchise disclosure documents (FDDs) and franchise agreements from both sides of the table. Her substantial experience advising franchisors provides her with valuable insight and perspective, which she utilizes in advising franchisees.

For prospective franchisees, Ashley conducts a comprehensive review of the FDD and franchise agreement prior to execution of the agreement. For existing franchisees, she assists with a broad range of franchise-related legal services, such as negotiating retail and commercial leases, addressing employment issues, handling franchise renewals, and selling a franchise.

Ashley takes a comfortable, personal approach in advising her clients. She knows firsthand how daunting it can be to start a new small business, and she wants her clients to feel empowered and confident. Ashley makes sure that she answers all the client’s questions and addresses every concern. Her extensive franchise law experience enables Ashley to anticipate questions and provide all the information the client needs to make full-informed decisions. She spends as much time as necessary to ensure that there are no outstanding issues and that the client is ready to move forward with confidence.

Born and raised in Utah, Ashley moved to North Carolina in 2015. She clerked for Justice Cheri Beasley of the North Carolina Supreme Court before joining the law firm where she previously practiced as a franchise law attorney.

Ashley lives in New Hill, North Carolina, with her husband and two young sons. In her leisure time, Ashley loves spending time with her family, lounging at the beach or pool, and doing high-intensity interval training and Peloton workouts.