FALLS CHURCH, Va. – October 13, 2026 – Plave Koch PLC announced today that Lani Binnie is joining the firm as a partner. Lani brings more than a decade of in-house legal experience in franchising, regulatory compliance, transactions and business operations, most recently serving as Assistant General Counsel at Authority Brands.
At Authority Brands, Lani advised executive leadership on franchise relationships, regulatory compliance, governance, strategic transactions, risk management and organizational development. She played a key role in supporting the company’s expansion from seven brands to 15 through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, advising on acquisitions and helping develop standardized legal, compliance and operational frameworks to support post-acquisition integration.
As the company’s primary in-house counsel for Franchise Disclosure Document strategy and execution, Lani oversaw annual updates and amendments, state registrations and renewals, and the integration of newly acquired brands into the Authority Brands franchise infrastructure. Her broader experience includes franchise sales programs, broker agreements, franchise resales, dispute resolution, executive employment and separation agreements, compliance programs and employee training.
Before joining Authority Brands, Lani served as Corporate Counsel at Paul Davis Restoration, where she was primary counsel for a system with more than 300 U.S. franchise locations, helping develop and lead the company’s franchise compliance program. Earlier in her career, she served as Employee Operations and Compliance Counsel for the Jacksonville Jaguars, advising on employment matters as well as sales, marketing, sponsorship, licensing and operational issues.
“Lani brings a valuable combination of in-house franchise experience and a strong understanding of the business considerations that shape legal decisions,” said Lee Plave, co-founder of Plave Koch PLC. “Her experience supporting franchise systems through growth, acquisitions and operational change will be a strong addition to our team and our clients.”
Lani earned her J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law, where she received the Governor Merit Scholarship, a Sports Law Certificate and Pro Bono Honors. She earned her B.A. in Political Science, cum laude, from Pacific Lutheran University, where she received the Provost Scholarship.
About Plave Koch PLC:
Plave Koch PLC is a prominent and widely recognized U.S. franchise law firm known for combining deep experience, efficiency, and practical, business-oriented thinking to deliver specialized legal guidance in franchising, licensing, and distribution. Serving clients from emerging brands to global businesses, the firm provides strategically and commercially sound solutions, supporting clients at every stage of growth. Plave Koch attorneys offer expertise in franchise agreements, operational and financial matters, and franchise-related litigation, tailoring strategies that mitigate risk while enabling business success. As trusted partners and active members of the franchise community, Plave Koch PLC delivers advanced, innovative guidance in a constantly evolving legal landscape. Learn more at www.plavekoch.com and join the community on Facebook and LinkedIn.