Guest Contact Information
Kelly Spann
Attorney & Partner
FortmanSpann, TM Law & Associates, and True Estate Planning
FortmanSpann, TM Law & Associates, and True Estate Planning
June 24, 2025
Kelly Spann: Underestimated – From Teen Mom to Legal Mogul
Episode 52
“The good news is you have options. The bad news is, is they’re all bad.”
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Kelly Spann: Underestimated – From Teen Mom to Legal Mogul
Episode 52
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"I want my clients to feel comfortable. I want them to feel relaxed. And quite frankly, I don't need to put on a suit to activate my brain, which is what you're paying an attorney for."
Kelly Spann is an attorney and entrepreneur who owns and operates three distinct law firms: FortmanSpann (franchise law), TM Law and Associates (trademark and copyright), and True Estate Planning (estate planning and probate). Her expertise lies in franchise law, where she exclusively represents franchisees against franchisors in an industry she describes as having “zero regulation” despite being promoted as highly regulated. This episode explores her unconventional journey from pregnant teen to legal powerhouse, her strategic approach to building multiple businesses, and her refreshingly authentic leadership style that breaks every stereotype about what attorneys should look like and how they should operate.
This episode is essential listening for aspiring entrepreneurs, current business owners, legal professionals, and anyone considering franchise ownership. Listeners will learn the hidden realities of the franchise industry, discover why traditional business advice often fails, and understand the power of authentic leadership and strategic delegation. Most importantly, you’ll gain practical wisdom about pivoting through life’s challenges, the importance of asking for help, and how to build sustainable businesses by being genuinely yourself rather than trying to fit someone else’s mold—knowledge you can immediately apply to your own professional and entrepreneurial journeys.
Show Notes
Professional Background & Journey (02:42 – 36:50)
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Kelly Spann owns and operates three separate law firms: FortmanSpann (franchise law), TM Law and Associates (trademark/copyright), and True Estate Planning (estate planning and probate).
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Started career path at 18 as pregnant high school senior, began working at accounting firm during tax season, then transitioned to legal work when attorney needed assistant.
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Worked for John Fortman for approximately 15 years, absorbing legal knowledge through direct involvement in all cases, hearings, and depositions before attending law school.
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Completed bachelor’s degree online through Western Governors University in less than 18 months using test-out system, taking 28+ credit hours in first semester.
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Attended law school full-time while working full-time and raising three children, graduating with bar license in 2021 despite having 20+ years of legal experience.
Business Strategy & Structure (07:10 – 08:35)
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Maintains three separate firms strategically for different marketing approaches, client bases, and exit strategies rather than combining into one large firm.
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Each firm operates with distinct branding: separate names, websites, phone numbers, client lists, and target markets.
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Franchise and trademark practices serve nationwide clients while estate planning focuses on St. Louis metropolitan area and Illinois.
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Structure allows for bringing in attorneys who can earn ownership interest and eventually take over individual firms as exit strategy.
️ Franchise Law Expertise (02:42 – 01:01:20)
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Specializes in representing franchisees (franchise owners) rather than franchisors (parent companies like McDonald’s corporate).
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Won significant case based on single word ‘reasonable’ in 200-page contract, resulting in eight-figure judgment for 58 plaintiffs after four-week Texas trial.
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Franchise industry lacks proper regulation despite being promoted as ‘highly regulated’ – FTC has rules but no enforcement mechanism for private parties.
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Common misconception that franchising is ‘business in a box’ when reality involves 300-page contracts heavily favoring franchisors.
Client Philosophy & Approach (10:06 – 26:04)
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Practices casual dress code, showing up in jeans and sweaters rather than formal suits to make clients comfortable, reserving suits only for court appearances.
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Standard client consultation line: ‘The good news is you have options. The bad news is they’re all bad’ to help clients understand realistic expectations.
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Focuses on translating legal complexities into everyday language without condescension.
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Has witnessed numerous bankruptcies, divorces, and suicides related to franchise failures, emphasizing that financial damage often cannot be 100% recovered.
Leadership & Management Principles (43:21 – 48:20)
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Hires staff based on character (good human being, strong work ethic) rather than legal experience, believing skills can be taught but character cannot.
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Office policy simplified to ‘don’t be a dick’ rather than complex HR manual.
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Admits to staff that delegation is not her strength, encourages them to identify tasks they can take over.
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Emphasizes being ‘confident that I don’t know everything’ and ‘confident that I will make mistakes’ as key to actual confidence.
Professional Insights & Advice (01:06:34 – 01:29:16)
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Recommends potential franchisees always consult franchise law specialist before signing any agreements, as standard contract review is insufficient.
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Advises asking ‘how much money can you stand to lose?’ rather than focusing only on potential gains when considering franchise investment.
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Advocates for admitting ignorance and mistakes as source of power and respect in legal practice, citing courtroom example where judge praised honesty.
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Emphasizes importance of thinking outside the box and being authentic rather than conforming to traditional attorney stereotypes.
Content Notice
This podcast and all She Lift Project content represents the opinions of Cynthia Kirkpatrick and her guests. The content here is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice – financial, legal, medical, or otherwise.
Views and opinions expressed in the podcast and across all She Lift Project media channels are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.
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