Ben Mitchell is a business lawyer who helps companies navigate complex transactions, protect valuable brands, and structure deals that drive growth.
Overview
Ben Mitchell is a business lawyer who helps companies navigate complex transactions, protect valuable brands, and structure deals that drive growth.
About
Ben advises businesses across industries on mergers and acquisitions, franchise systems, trademark protection, and commercial contracting. He has guided public companies, private equity groups, family-owned businesses, and startups through transactions ranging from multimillion-dollar acquisitions and exits to early-stage financings. Clients turn to Ben for practical, deal-focused advice that balances legal protection with business objectives.
He also counsels companies through the unique regulatory requirements of franchise and gaming businesses. His experience includes advising on franchise sales spanning multiple states with complex regulatory considerations. He has also represented clients in online sportsbook agreements and sophisticated technology licensing arrangements. On all projects, Ben brings a collaborative approach aimed at creating value and closing deals efficiently.
Experience
Mergers & Acquisitions
- Representation of OneWater Marine Inc. (NASDAQ: ONEW) in $125 million acquisition of Ocean Bio-Chem, Inc. (NASDAQ: OBCI)
- Representation of OneWater Marine Inc. (NASDAQ: ONEW) in $185 million acquisition of T-H Marine Supplies, a leading manufacturer of boat parts and accessories
- $140 million sale of oil and gas technology provider
- $17 million acquisition of furniture manufacturer
- $10 million acquisition of equipment distributor
- Acquisitions of irrigation dealerships with $19 million total transaction value
- Acquisitions of boat dealerships with total transaction value of $203 million
- $46 million sale of yacht service center
- $52 million sale of government defense contractor
- $50 million sale of payment card processor
- $66 million sale of ROW vegetation management company
- $16 million sale of majority stake in hospitality company
- $90 million sale of transportation and logistics company
Trademark
- Trademark clearance, prosecution, and maintenance
- Enforcement and dispute resolution
- Buy-side trademark counsel in acquisition of major furniture brand and manufacturing operations
Franchise
- National franchise counsel for franchisors in restaurant, education, and vacation rental industries
- Counsel in franchise system acquisitions
- Spin-off of franchisor operations
- Buy-side and sell-side unit acquisitions
Gaming
- Online sportsbook agreements, including market access, platform, and framework agreements
- Contract templates and provisions library for major gaming and hospitality company
- Local gaming counsel opinions for syndicated financings and payment processors
- $7 million sale of casinos
- $9 million casino real estate acquisition
- $20 million offer to acquire casino
Other Transactions & Commercial Matters
- $18 million investment in oil and gas technology provider
- $20 million investment in nuclear facility development
- $13.2 million technology license to municipal authority
- Cannabis manufacturing, distribution, and marketing contracts
- Startup venture finance
- Lumber sales contract; sawtimber supply agreement
- Software and IP license agreements
- Service, purchase, supply, confidentiality, and other commercial agreements
Distinctions
- BL Rankings, The Best Lawyers in America®
- Franchise Law, 2023-2026
Bar Admissions
- Colorado, 2008
- Mississippi, 2013
- U.S. District Courts
- Mississippi: Northern, Southern
- U.S. Court of Appeals
- 5th Circuit
Education
- Wake Forest University, J.D., 2008
- Moot Court Board, Problem Book Editor and Competition Chair
- The College of Wooster, B.A., Political Science, 2004
- Phi Sigma Tau
Associations
- American Bar Association - Forum on Franchising
- Member, 2011 - Present
- Technology Committee, 2014-2016
- Corporate Counsel Committee, 2012
- The Mississippi Bar - Intellectual Property, Entertainment & Sports Law Section
- Executive Committee Chair (2022-2023), Vice Chair (2021-2022), Secretary (2020-2021), and Member at Large (2018-2020)
Papers, Presentations & Publications
- Author, Mississippi chapter, Franchise Relationship Laws: A Practical Guide (ABA Forum on Franchising, American Bar Association, August 1, 2025), providing state‑specific analysis of franchise relationship statutes.
- Co-Author, "USA - Colorado," Gaming Law 2024, Chambers and Partners, December 11, 2024.
- Author, Mississippi chapter, Covenants against Competition in Franchise Agreements, Fourth Edition (ABA Forum on Franchising, American Bar Association, January 20, 2023), contributing state‑specific analysis for non‑compete and restrictive covenant issues in franchise agreements.
- Co-Author, "USA - Colorado," Gaming Law 2023, Chambers and Partners, November 28, 2023.
- Author, “Next Steps For Now – Legal Mississippi Medical Marijuana,” Law360, December 3, 2020.
- Author, "LAW ELEVATED - Medical Marijuana is coming to Mississippi," Mississippi Business Journal, November 2020.
- Author, "It's a Good Time to Franchise Your Business - Can You Do It?" Mississippi Business Journal, July 2015.
- Author, “The Art and Science of FDD Drafting,” Presentation at the American Bar Association Forum On Franchising’s 2014 Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA, October 2014.
- Author, "Three Things Outside Counsel Can Do to Impress Their Franchisor Clients," The Franchise Lawyer, Vol.15, No. 2 (Spring 2012).
- Author, "Ethical Issues Facing an InHouse Franchise Counsel," Presentation at the International Franchise Association's 2012 Legal Symposium in Washington, D.C., May 2012.