Foley & Lardner LLP: Michael J. Lockerby

Hello, Washington D.C. business owners, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs! In today's dynamic marketplace, managing relationships with distributors, dealers, and franchisees, protecting your intellectual property, and navigating complex commercial disputes are crucial for success. When these challenges arise, having a highly seasoned and globally recognized legal expert right here in the District of Columbia can be the key to safeguarding your business interests. This article introduces you to Michael J. Lockerby, a distinguished trial lawyer and partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, who brings over four decades of experience to the cutting edge of distribution, franchise, and business litigation.

Michael J. Lockerby is a leading authority in his field, co-chairing Foley & Lardner LLP's Distribution & Franchise Practice and serving as a key member of their Appellate, Intellectual Property Litigation, Antitrust & Competition, and Privacy, Security & Information Management Practices. His extensive career, spanning over 40 years, has seen him representing manufacturers and suppliers across numerous industries, helping them resolve complex disputes and proactively minimize litigation exposure. He is not just a litigator but a strategic advisor who deeply understands the commercial realities facing businesses today.

Our aim is to provide you, the local user in the District of Columbia, with a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Michael J. Lockerby's legal practice at Foley & Lardner LLP. We'll delve into his convenient D.C. location, explore the specialized services he offers, and highlight the key features that make him an ideal choice for businesses grappling with intricate commercial, intellectual property, and antitrust challenges within our nation's capital and beyond.

Michael J. Lockerby is a highly respected and long-standing partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, a prominent international law firm. Based in the firm's Washington D.C. office, he is a cornerstone of their litigation practice, serving as co-chair of the Distribution & Franchise Practice and a significant member of several other key practice groups, including Appellate, Intellectual Property Litigation, Antitrust & Competition, and Privacy, Security & Information Management. For over four decades, Mr. Lockerby has distinguished himself as a trial lawyer, operating at the forefront of legal issues affecting manufacturers, franchisors, distributors, and dealers.

His expertise is particularly focused on the intricate legal relationships between manufacturers and their independent sales networks. This includes issues ranging from the consolidation of distribution networks and rebranding efforts to the enforcement of exclusive dealing requirements and addressing "encroachment claims" related to direct sales and internet marketing. He also assists clients with implementing new franchise system standards. Mr. Lockerby has litigated these complex issues in state and federal trial courts across the country and before arbitrators, demonstrating a nationwide reach and versatility in dispute resolution.

Beyond litigation, Michael J. Lockerby's practice is also highly proactive. Leveraging his extensive trial experience, he advises clients on strategies to minimize future litigation exposure. This includes regularly negotiating and drafting critical agreements such as license, franchise, and distribution agreements for both domestic and international use. He helps numerous clients navigate the complexities of federal and state franchise disclosure and registration laws in the U.S., as well as their overseas counterparts. His diverse industry experience spans computer hardware and software, telecommunications, alcoholic beverages, various types of heavy equipment (construction, forestry, farm, etc.), motor vehicles, petroleum marketing, and a wide array of franchised businesses. He has been consistently recognized for his excellence, including being selected for "Super Lawyers" on multiple occasions.

Michael J. Lockerby's office, as part of Foley & Lardner LLP, is located at 3000 K St NW Washington Harbour, Washington, DC 20007, USA. This address places the firm in the prestigious Georgetown neighborhood, specifically within the iconic Washington Harbour complex. This is a highly desirable and accessible location along the Potomac River.

While Georgetown is not directly served by a Metrorail station, the firm's location at Washington Harbour offers several convenient options for public transportation. The nearest Metrorail stations include Foggy Bottom-GWU (Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines), which is a moderate walk or a short bus ride away. The Circulator bus, a popular local transit option, has stops conveniently located near Washington Harbour and connects to various parts of downtown D.C. and other Metro stations, including Dupont Circle and Rosslyn. Numerous Metrobus routes also serve the Georgetown area, enhancing connectivity for clients throughout the District of Columbia. The neighborhood is known for its pedestrian-friendly streets, offering a pleasant walk along the waterfront or from nearby commercial areas.

For those who prefer to drive, Washington Harbour features a large underground parking garage, providing direct and convenient parking for visitors. Additionally, there are other commercial parking garages and limited street parking available in the surrounding Georgetown area. The ease of parking within the building itself is a significant advantage in D.C., making visits to the office straightforward. The scenic waterfront location, coupled with the professional environment of the Washington Harbour complex, provides a distinguished and comfortable setting for legal consultations. Its accessibility makes it a suitable choice for businesses located throughout D.C. and the greater metropolitan area.

Michael J. Lockerby's practice at Foley & Lardner LLP focuses on comprehensive legal services related to commercial relationships, intellectual property, and complex business disputes, particularly for manufacturers and suppliers. His key service areas include:

• Distribution & Franchise Law: Advising manufacturers and franchisors on all legal aspects of their distribution networks, including drafting and negotiating agreements, ensuring compliance with federal and state franchise disclosure and registration laws, and resolving disputes with dealers, distributors, and franchisees.

• Intellectual Property Litigation: Representing clients in disputes involving trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, including cases related to unauthorized access to secure portals and rebranding issues.

• Antitrust & Competition Law: Counseling on antitrust compliance, unfair competition claims, and litigation related to pricing policies (e.g., resale price maintenance, minimum advertised price programs) and other competitive practices.

• Business Litigation & Commercial Disputes: Handling a broad range of complex commercial disputes and business torts, including breach of contract claims and other commercial disagreements.

• Appellate Litigation: Representing clients in appeals stemming from complex commercial, intellectual property, antitrust, and franchise disputes in federal and state appellate courts.

• Privacy, Security & Information Management: Addressing legal issues related to data privacy, information security, and compliance with data management regulations, particularly as they impact distribution networks and business operations.

• Litigation Risk Minimization: Proactively advising clients on strategies and best practices to reduce their exposure to litigation, drawing on decades of trial experience.

• System-Wide Litigation Management: Leading nationwide litigation efforts for clients facing system-wide issues, ensuring consistent and strategic handling of complex, multi-jurisdictional matters.

Michael J. Lockerby's practice at Foley & Lardner LLP is distinguished by several key features and highlights:

• Over 40 Years of Trial Experience: His extensive career as a trial lawyer provides unparalleled insight and a proven track record in complex commercial disputes.

• Leading Authority in Distribution & Franchise Law: Co-chairs Foley & Lardner's highly regarded Distribution & Franchise Practice, recognized by Chambers USA as preeminent in the field.

• Comprehensive IP Litigation Expertise: Deep knowledge in handling disputes involving trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, crucial for brand protection and innovation.

• Antitrust and Competition Acumen: Provides expert guidance on competitive practices and compliance, including complex pricing strategies and relationships with independent networks.

• Nationwide Litigation Leadership: Has led system-wide litigation efforts across the country, demonstrating the capability to manage large, complex, and multi-jurisdictional cases effectively.

• Proactive Litigation Minimization: Utilizes his extensive litigation experience to help clients draft robust agreements and implement strategies that reduce their future legal risks.

• Industry-Specific Insight: Possesses deep understanding across diverse sectors including automotive, food & beverage, telecommunications, and heavy equipment manufacturing, enabling tailored legal solutions.

• High Professional Recognition: Repeatedly selected for "Super Lawyers" and recognized by Chambers USA, attesting to his high standing and effectiveness in the legal community.

• Strategic Washington Harbour Location: Offers clients a prestigious and easily accessible office with convenient on-site parking in the beautiful Georgetown neighborhood.

Publicly available information for Michael J. Lockerby and Foley & Lardner LLP does not typically list specific promotions or special offers in the way a retail business might. As a partner in a large, international corporate law firm specializing in complex business litigation and advisory services, their fee structures are generally tailored to the specific needs and scope of each client's engagement. However, it is common practice for firms of this caliber to offer:

• Initial Consultations: Prospective corporate clients or business leaders can typically schedule an initial consultation to discuss their legal needs, explore potential strategies, and understand the firm's approach to their specific challenges. While these may not always be complimentary, they serve as a crucial first step for evaluating legal options.

• Strategic Advisory Services: Beyond immediate litigation, Mr. Lockerby actively helps clients minimize future litigation exposure by advising on the negotiation and drafting of key agreements, which can be seen as a proactive, value-added service aimed at long-term client benefit.

For detailed information regarding his specific services, the firm's fee arrangements, or to inquire about a consultation, businesses and individuals are encouraged to contact Michael J. Lockerby's office directly using the provided contact information.

To connect with Michael J. Lockerby at Foley & Lardner LLP and discuss your business's legal needs, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 3000 K St NW Washington Harbour, Washington, DC 20007, USA

• Phone: (202) 945-6079

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-945-6079

It is advisable to contact his office during standard business hours to schedule an appointment or to discuss potential legal representation for your business.

For businesses, manufacturers, and franchisors operating in the District of Columbia, Michael J. Lockerby at Foley & Lardner LLP presents an exceptionally suitable and valuable legal resource. The firm's location at 3000 K St NW, within the prestigious Washington Harbour complex in Georgetown, offers a highly professional and accessible setting. While not directly on a Metro line, the excellent Circulator bus connectivity and easy access to major thoroughfares, coupled with convenient on-site parking, make it a straightforward destination for D.C. businesses and their representatives. This prime location allows local companies to access top-tier legal talent without the typical downtown D.C. logistical headaches.

More significantly, Mr. Lockerby's suitability for D.C. businesses stems from his profound and highly specialized legal expertise. In a city that is a hub for national and international commerce, manufacturing, and regulatory activity, complex distribution, franchise, intellectual property, and antitrust issues are commonplace. His over 40 years of experience as a trial lawyer, combined with his leadership roles in key practice areas, mean he offers a rare depth of understanding in these critical fields. Whether a local D.C. manufacturer is facing a dispute with a distributor, an intellectual property infringement, or needs proactive advice on compliance with franchise laws, Mr. Lockerby brings a comprehensive and strategic approach. His ability to lead system-wide litigation and advise on preventative measures ensures that D.C. businesses receive not just reactive legal defense but also strategic foresight to minimize future risks. For any local business navigating complex commercial relationships and high-stakes disputes, Michael J. Lockerby provides the expertise and seasoned judgment necessary for success in the nation's capital.