Kaitlyn Harries is an Associate Attorney in FSBR’s Business & Franchise Practice Group. After a successful summer as a law clerk, she returned to the firm full-time, drawn by the dynamic nature of franchise law and its role in shaping business growth. She helps franchise systems, multi-unit operators, and growth-oriented businesses navigate the complex legal challenges that accompany expansion, reorganization, and ownership transitions.

Her practice focuses on drafting and reviewing franchise disclosure documents (FDDs), preparing lease addendums and amendments, and coordinating transfers of membership interests, liquor licenses, and franchise agreements. Kaitlyn also assists with corporate governance updates and entity reorganizations—ensuring business structures remain aligned and transactions proceed smoothly.

Bringing a strong foundation in business and real estate, Kaitlyn earned dual bachelor’s degrees from Penn State University in Risk Management with a concentration in Real Estate and Communication Arts and Sciences. She is ARGUS Enterprise certified and experienced in real estate analytics and financial modeling. Prior to law school, she gained hands-on experience in marketing, human resources, and hospitality operations, giving her practical insight into how legal decisions affect day-to-day business functions. Kaitlyn also completed an externship with the Ingham County Probate Court.

Her passion for law stems from a love of problem-solving and intellectual challenge. Raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia’s rich legal and constitutional heritage, she developed an early interest in how laws impact communities and markets. This perspective deepened through her coursework in real estate and business law at Penn State and now guides her commitment to helping clients pursue growth with confidence and clarity.

Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys playing tennis, sailing whenever she can get on the water, baking for family and friends, and following Formula 1 racing.

EXPERIENCE

• Drafted Item 19 Financial Performance Representations for Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
• Prepared lease addendums and amendments for franchise clients
• Coordinated transfer documents for membership interests, liquor licenses, and franchise agreements
• Assisted in corporate reorganizations, including entity structure updates and member interest changes

PUBLICATIONS

• “A Comparative Study: Student Rental Rates v Non-Student Rental Rates in College Towns,” Undergraduate Honors Thesis, Penn State University (2021)
• “Shark Attack: Spain’s Involvement in the Shark Fin Trade, Its Impact on Shark Conservation Efforts in the Mediterranean, and Implementing an Interdisciplinary Education and Conservation Model,” 32 Mich St Int’l L Rev 315 (2024)

EDUCATION

• Michigan State University College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude
• Penn State Smeal College of Business, B.S. Risk Management with a concentration in Real Estate, with Honors
• Penn State College of Liberal Arts, B.A. Communication Arts and Sciences

HONORS & CERTIFICATIONS

• Jurisprudence Award in Tax Clinic I
• Dean’s List
• ARGUS Certified
• Mulroy Real Estate Competition (3rd Place)
• Deloitte Leadership Program
• Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Program

BAR ADMISSIONS

• State of Michigan

PAST ROLES

• Penn State’s IFC/Panhellenic Dance MaraTHON committee member (THON) – Largest student-run philanthropy benefiting Four Diamonds to fight pediatric cancer
• Doylestown Hospital Patient Transport Volunteer

CURRENT ROLES

• State Bar of Michigan Administrative & Regulatory Law Section
• State Bar of Michigan Antitrust, Franchising & Trade Regulation Section
• State Bar of Michigan Business Law Section
• State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section
• Schreyer Honor College Alumni Society Professional Development Committee