North America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Jennifer Dolman – Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Toronto
• Andraya Frith – Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Toronto
• Susan Grueneberg, Esq. – Cozen O’Connor, Los Angeles
• Ann Hurwitz – Baker McKenzie LLP, Dallas
• Beata Krakus – Greensfelder Hemker & Gale PC, Chicago
• Ellery C Lew – Witten LLP, Edmonton
• Dominic Mochrie - Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Toronto
• Lee J Plave – Plave Koch PLC, Virginia
• Adam Ship - McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Toronto
• Peter V Snell – Gowling WLG, Vancouver
• Jonathan Solish – Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, Los Angeles
• John Sotos – Sotos LLP, Toronto
• Rochelle Spandorf – Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Los Angeles
• Peter M Viitre - Sotos LLP, Toronto
• Larry Weinberg – Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, Toronto
• Eric B Wulff – DLA Piper LLP, Washington DC
• Philip F Zeidman – DLA Piper LLP, Washington DC
• Carl E Zwisler – Lathrop GPM, District of Columbia

Leading Firms

DLA Piper

Erik Wulff is lauded by market commentators as a “seasoned and experienced international transaction attorney in the franchise space”. He is well versed in advising clients on the international expansion of their brand.
Philip Zeidman is identified as “a legend in franchise law” by peers in the US market, with considerable experience with franchising and privatisation matters.
Stuart Hershman “embodies the characteristics of someone who lives and breathes franchising law” say sources, an area in which he has over 35 years of experience.
Norman Leon has built a strong reputation among peers for his skill and experience representing franchisors in state and federal courts in matters pertaining to breach of contract, fraud and FTC violations.
Richard Morey is a well-regarded name for franchise matters in the US. He works with established and start-up franchises in structuring new programmes across domestic and international markets.
Karen Marchiano is a respected franchise practitioner in the US market, recommended for her adept skill in representing franchisors throughout litigation and arbitration proceedings.

Lathrop GPM

Carl Zwisler is appreciated by respondents as “an excellent franchise specialist, who is very responsive” when representing franchisors, manufacturers and investors in the full range of franchising issues.
Elizabeth Street enjoys the acclaim of peers for her strong experience advising start-ups and experienced franchisors on their domestic and international franchise systems.
Gaylen Knack has garnered impressive endorsements from commentators for the first-rate advice he delivers to franchisors on distribution programs, as well as regulatory and trademark issues.
Michael Gray gains recognition as a strong disputes specialist who represents national franchises in litigation and arbitration proceedings.
Peter Klarfeld has over 35 years of experience advising franchisors on their business and representing them in litigation and arbitration proceedings.

Dady & Gardner

Ronald Gardner Jr comes “very highly recommended” by respondents, who say “Ron is a top franchisee attorney in the United States,” who is “highly skilled and trusted by clients and adversaries alike”.
J Michael Dady is one of North America’s foremost franchise specialists, well versed in advising franchisees and dealers in the domestic market on a range of issues.
J Mark Dady enjoys the reputation of “an up and coming star of the market” who is “incredibly responsive and skilled”, with peers saying they “really enjoy working with him to resolve disputes.
Jeffery Haff is trusted by clients due to his 30 years of experience in the field and expertise in advising both franchisees and distributors across the US.

Plave Koch

Of Lee Plave, peers say that “any question you have, he has an answer to it based on his depth of knowledge and experience”. He is described as “very business-oriented and practical lawyer who takes the technical answer and thinks about it in the frame of the business situation”.
David Koch sees market commentators readily endorse his franchise practice and deep expertise in the structuring of franchise programmes, licence agreements and supply chain transactions.
Marisa Faunce is “an incredible franchise lawyer” who “possesses many strengths with regard to customer service, business practicality, and incredible knowledge and experience”. She has “a strong knowledge base backed by valuable commercial experience” and is “well rounded in all areas of franchise business”.
Leslie Curran is sought after for her experience advising new and established franchises on structuring and M&A matters according to peers who “think very highly of her”.
Benjamin Reed is known as “an incredibly practical and knowledgeable lawyer, not just about litigation but franchising as a whole” who “really knows franchising and what to push for in matters”.

Cassels Brock & Blackwell

Larry Weinberg is “a big player in the market” and has “the ability to weigh the business POV, depth of knowledge, and his broad-based legal expertise” in matters. One peer effuses that he is “arguably the most prominent franchise lawyer in Canada at present”.
Derek Ronde co-chairs the firm’s class action practice and is a top-notch litigation specialist who secures extensive recommendations for his work on franchise class action proceedings.
Geoffrey Shaw is considered “one of the top franchise litigators in Canada” among peers. He is a proven expert for class action defence matters with a franchising focus.
Frank Robinson is lauded by respondents as “an outstanding lawyer”, and “a well-known, respected young franchise solicitor in Ontario”. His practice is geared towards franchising, licensing and distribution briefs.
Stéphane Teasdale receives endorsements from peers across the US market for his practice, which specialises in transactional and litigious matters pertaining to the franchise field.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Jonathan Solish is highlighted by respondents as “a standout lawyer who is above the foray”. He is a disputes specialist, with an enviable record in franchise and distribution matters.
Kenneth Costello has an accomplished domestic and international franchise practice, and is a go-to for licensing, branding, and regulatory matters in the franchise sector.
Glenn Plattner is a respected practitioner in the US regarding franchising briefs. His practice is geared towards advising franchisors in termination proceedings and enforcement issues.

Baker McKenzie

Ann Hurwitz is recognised by sources as “a strong lawyer for franchisor work”. She has over 30 years of experience of advising US franchisors on the structuring and operation of their franchises both in the US and internationally.
Will Woods is “a very thoughtful practitioner and great on transactional matters” note sources, adding he is well versed in representing franchisors across the full life-cycle of their franchises.

Osler Hoskin & Harcourt

Dominic Mochrie is recognised by sources as “a prominent and well-respected franchise lawyer” who is known as “excellent and responsive” in franchise issues.
Andraya Frith “is a real leader in franchise practice” and has over 20 years of experience in a range of franchise and distribution matters.
Jennifer Dolman is celebrated by peers as “one of the foremost franchise litigators in Canada”. She has over 25 years of experience with commercial litigation proceedings and representing franchisors.

Nixon Peabody

Andrew Loewinger focuses his impressive practice on outbound and inbound international franchise transactions as well as the protection of franchise clients’ intellectual property.
Steven Feirman is “an extremely good franchise lawyer” with strong experience aiding franchisors with the expansion of franchise systems domestically and internationally.
Kendal Tyre is “a very knowledgeable and responsive” franchise lawyer with over 25 years of experience with distribution, licensing and other franchise matters.
Keri McWilliams is praised as “an excellent franchise lawyer”. She co-leads the franchise and distribution group at the firm, and represents clients across the luxury brands, fitness and restaurant sectors.

Sotos

John Sotos is “a very prominent franchise lawyer in Canada”. One client effuses that they “are very grateful to have him watching our backs at all times and we feel a large part of our growth and continued success is attributed to the outstanding work provided”.
Peter Viitre is “a well-known and respected franchise solicitor in the Canadian market” and a go-to name for franchisors in the home services and retail sectors.
Allan Dick is recommended by sources as “an excellent litigator in the field” and “a very prominent franchise litigator in Canada”.

 

Other Leading Individuals

Canada

Witten’s Ellery Lew is lauded by sources as “a strong thought leader in the franchise field” and “a very smart, knowledgeable litigator” in the North American market.

Adam Ship of McCarthy Tétrault is known among peers as “a great guy and a great litigator” who specialises in “sophisticated franchise litigation proceedings”.

Peter Snell with Gowling WLG is “well known and respected as a franchise solicitor on the west coast” and comes “highly recommended as a very specialised franchise lawyer”.

Fasken’s Darrel Jarvis earns recognition from peers as “an extremely knowledgeable and experienced franchise lawyer with extensive in-house and private practice experience”.

Judy Rost at Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang is a top-notch litigation specialist in the US report respondents. She leads the firm’s business disputes and franchise practices, and represents both plaintiffs and defendants in disputes proceedings.

Chad Finkelstein with Dale & Lessmann is described by commentators as “a smart, energetic and entrepreneurial practitioner”, as well as “a rising star in Canadian franchise law”.

USA

Beata Krakus at Greensfelder Hemker & Gale is “a highly recommendable franchise lawyer”, whom clients turn to as “our first choice in the USA”.

Rochelle Spandorf of Davis Wright Tremaine is “impressive in domestic and international franchise, trademark, and employment matters” and provides “strong communication, as well as a sharp and aggressive approach when needed”.

Greenberg Traurig’s David Oppenheim is described by sources as “an excellent transactional and regulatory attorney”. His franchise expertise spans both domestic and international franchise licensing and distribution matters.

Charles Modell at Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren is appreciated as “a fantastic franchise specialist” by respondents. He has over 40 years of experience advising franchisors on the full range of franchise issues.
Joseph Fittante comes with emphatic endorsements for his franchise practice, which focuses on advising franchisors regarding structuring, registration, supply chain and branding matters.

At Haynes & Boone, Deborah Coldwell has “a very interesting practice” and is praised as “a savvy and great practitioner” who is “at the top of her craft”.

 

EMEA

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Mark Abell – Bird & Bird LLP, London
• Silvia Bortolotti – Buffa Bortolotti & Mathis – Studi Legali Associati, Turin
• Martine de Koning – Kennedy Van der Laan, Amsterdam
• Tessa de Mönnink – Parker Advocaten, Amsterdam
• Gordon Drakes – Fieldfisher LLP, London
• Anders Fernlund – Astra Advokater, Stockholm
• Olivia Gast – Gast Avocats, Paris
• Marco Hero – Schiedermair Rechtsanwälte, Frankfurt
• Pascal Hollander - Hanotiau & van den Berg, Brussels
• Babette Märzheuser-Wood – Dentons, London
• Karsten Metzlaff – Noerr LLP, Berlin
• John Pratt – Hamilton Pratt, Warwick
• Anders Thylin - Lindskog Malmström Advokatbyrå KB, Stockholm
• Grégoire Toulouse – Taylor Wessing LLP, Paris

Leading Firms

Bird & Bird

Mark Abell is distinguished as “a very experienced and respected franchise lawyer” and a “top name in market”. He is the firm’s global head of franchising and has 35 years of experience advising clients in the retail, food and beverage and hospitality sectors.
Victoria Hobbs is a dispute resolution specialist with standout experience and expertise in advising franchise clients in the retail, food and beverage and hospitality sectors on a variety of issues.
Shelley Nadler has “notable experience in the franchising sector, and impressive understanding of commercial and practical issues within the franchising sector” according to impressed sources.
Graeme Payne receives considerable recommendations from peers, who applaud his “impressive experience and knowledge of franchise law, as well as his wider view of how the franchise world works from both a franchisee and franchisor perspective”.
Clients say of Melissa Murray that “her insight on both franchisor and franchisee matters helps us in understanding issues from both sides and act accordingly”. She strikes the “perfect balance of ensuring that you are protected legally yet keeping both parties satisfied”.

Fieldfisher

Gordon Drakes is “highly recommended” by sources as “a very specialised franchise lawyer who is both knowledgeable and personable” and “one of the finest in the market”.
David Bond is acclaimed by peers for possessing a “calm, relaxed manner but also knows his stuff and does not over-complicate matters”. He is a specialist in IP matters pertaining to franchises.
Jordi Ruiz de Villa has over 30 years of experience as a litigator, and is well versed in domestic and international franchising, distribution, and unfair competition proceedings
Manish Bahl wins endorsements for being “a pragmatic and efficient lawyer, who is particularly strong in antitrust matters, and is a specialist for the Indian market”.
Vicky Reinhardt is “a highly recommended lawyer” and is singled out by market commentators as “an expert in franchise agreements”.

 

Other Leading Individuals

Belgium

Pascal Hollander at Hanotiau & van den Berg is a highly respected dispute resolution specialist who is lauded as “an excellent franchise lawyer, who is very involved in the arbitration of disputes”.

Pierre Vermeire is highlighted by sources as “a young and very busy lawyer” who is valued as a “great, pragmatic and precise practitioner”.

David Diris of Kocks & Partners is “an extremely experienced, excellent lawyer in terms of theory and practice”. His expertise lies in distribution litigation proceedings pertaining to the franchise sector.

England

Hamilton Pratt’s John Pratt is “one of the best franchise lawyers in the UK” and “an excellent practitioner”, who brings experience of being the British Franchise Association’s legal advisor to his impressive practice.

Babette Märzheuser-Wood with Dentons is “an excellent negotiator” and “very experienced franchise lawyer for international work, especially hotels and retail matters”.

Nicola Broadhurst at Stevens & Bolton is “a highly recommended name in the franchise field” say sources, with one peer confirming that the “have referred work to Nicola and would do so again”.

Damian Humphrey of Ashtons Legal is “a great franchise lawyer” who is “responsive and business oriented” and is known for his “strong client base and experience”.

Chris Wormald with Chris Wormald Associates is held in high esteem by market sources who singled him out as an “impressive sounding board and big ideas franchise lawyer”.

At NMW Legal/ Franchise Consultancy Services, Nina Moran-Watson is a go-to name in England for franchise operations and legal issues, and is well versed in representing clients operating in the retail and fitness sectors.

Finland

Advocare Law Office’s Patrick Lindgren ranks as one of Finland’s most highly regarded names in the franchise market, and is recommended for his knowledge of distribution contracts, licensing and other franchising issues.

Åsa Krook at Borenius Attorneys is “a great lawyer and has a high understanding and experience of the franchise industry.” One peer effuses that she is “very good and active; a leading name in this area”.

France

Grégoire Toulouse of Taylor Wessing is “a star in the European franchise market” report sources. One respondent effuses that Gregoire is “a very skilled practitioner and has in-depth expertise of franchise law combined with a strong practical approach”.

Olivia Gast with Gast Avocats is a top-notch dispute resolution specialist with a focus on arbitration proceedings, and garners extensive recommendations for her franchise expertise.

Olivier Binder at Herald is praised by peers as “a strong practitioner in the French market” whose practice is geared towards transactional briefs and litigation proceedings.

Germany

Marco Hero of Schiedermair Rechtsanwälte is a top-drawer franchise lawyer well known for his superb representation of franchisors and brands in the full range of franchising, licensing and distribution matters.

Karsten Metzlaff with Noerr is “a very experienced franchise lawyer” say respondents. He is a distribution and antitrust specialist with expertise in the retail, healthcare, life sciences and IT sectors.

Buse Heberer Fromm’s Dagmar Waldzus comes “highly recommended as she is a very specialised franchise lawyer” with over 20 years of experience in corporate and distribution issues.

Benedikt Rohrßen at Taylor Wessing receives noteworthy endorsements from peers across the European market for his impressive expertise with distribution systems.

Ireland

At Beauchamps, Imelda Reynolds receives considerable recommendations for her franchise practice from peers, who say she is “a very impressive competitor” and “is a leader in franchising matters”.

Italy

Silvia Bortolotti of Buffa Bortolotti & Mathis is a leading name in Italy for franchise law, with a wealth of experience and expertise in domestic and international franchising, licensing and distribution agreements.

Fabio Bortolotti is known as “a grand master of distribution law in Italy and Europe” and one of Italy’s foremost dispute resolution specialists.

Francesca Romana Turitto with Roma Legal Partners is appreciated as “a very knowledgeable practitioner” by sources. She is sought after for her skill with domestic and international franchising and transactions.

Alessandra Sonnati at Frignani Virano e Associati Studio Legale is lauded as a lawyer who “acts with precision and punctuality and provides clear opinions that are difficult to question while having a problem-solving approach”.

Netherlands

Tessa de Mönnink of Parker Advocaten is “very hands-on, approachable, experienced, and excellent in collaboration through contentious matters”. She is “a highly recommended franchise practitioner”.

Martine de Koning with Kennedy Van der Laan is described by sources as “an excellent lawyer, who knows a great deal about distribution-related competition law aspects”.

Loyal Lawyers’ Jaap van Till is described as "senior statesman" in the Dutch market. He focuses on commercial agreements and the litigious proceedings of domestic and international companies.

Spain

Rocio Belda de Mergelina at Garrigues is a renowned corporate transactions lawyer in the Spanish market, with her expertise in distribution matters a particular highlight.

Ignacio Alonso with Even Abogados is a key name in Spain report sources and is sought after for his distribution and tax expertise, as well as his dispute resolution work.

ARCO Abogados y Asesores Tributarios’ Mercedes Clavell is a highly regarded practitioner in the Spanish market, and wins extensive recommendations for her franchising, distribution and corporate transaction skill.

Sweden

Anders Fernlund at Astra Advokater is lauded by peers as “a commercially oriented, excellent practitioner” who is “well known in Sweden as a great franchise lawyer and for having a good network in the industry”.

Anders Thylin of Lindskog Malmström Advokatbyrå is known as “a strong lawyer with a focus on franchising, and often represents franchisees”. He is a dispute resolution specialist, with expertise in domestic and cross-border franchising briefs.

Magnus Nedström with Advokatbyrån Sigeman & Co is singled out by sources for his first-rate distribution practice, which focuses on international agent and dealer agreements.

Ramberg Advokater’s Mango Kask “has long practiced in this area and has a strong client base of franchise-related clients” report peers.

Switzerland

Christoph Wildhaber at Streichenberg Attorneys at Law is well versed in national and international distribution briefs, as well as the drafting and negotiation of franchise agreements.

Ukraine

Sayenko Kharenko’s Anzhela Makhinova is known as “a very responsive and direct franchise lawyer” and an international trade specialist, with a strong track record in distribution and franchising briefs.

 

Asia-Pacific

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Srijoy Das – Archer & Angel, New Delhi
• Stephen Giles – Norton Rose Fulbright Australia, Melbourne
• Terry Kim – Lee & Ko, Seoul
• Allison McLeod – HWL Ebsworth, Melbourne
• Penny Ward – Baker McKenzie, Sydney

Leading Firms

HWL Ebswoth

Allison McLeod has “a unique blend of technical knowledge, practical experience and flexible thinking”. One client says, “Allison has impressed with her capacity to quickly understand issues from a franchisor standpoint and apply her considerable technical knowledge.”

Tony Garrisson is an established franchise specialist whose practice encompasses the full range of franchising issues a client may face.
Sean O’Donnell enjoys an enviable reputation in the Australian franchise market and is sought after for his expertise advising on domestic franchise law and disputes.
Derek Sutherland is a well-regarded lawyer whose practice encompasses all franchise matters, including representing international master franchisees and franchisors.

 

Other Leading Individuals

Australia

Stephen Giles of Norton Rose Fulbright is considered by sources to be “a clear market-leader within Australia” and “an excellent franchise practitioner”.

Penny Ward with Baker McKenzie heads the firm’s Australian and Asia-Pacific franchising group, and frequently advises international clients on Australia’s franchise regulations.

China

Dominic Hui at Ribeiro Hui is lauded as “a great franchise lawyer who is friendly and responsive”. His practice focuses on franchising and licensing in the medical, fashion, luxury goods and catering sectors.

India

Independent practitioner Srijoy Das is “just exceptional and at the top of his game” and “very well connected”. He is respected by peers as “a user-friendly, responsive, excellent lawyer”.

Sandeep Mehta at J Sagar Associates is commended by market commentators for his experience and abilities as a transactional lawyer with expertise in foreign investments and M&A briefs.

Preeti Mehta of Kanga & Co has over 25 years of experience with franchising, M&A and international collaboration matters.

Japan

Aoi Inoue with Anderson Mori & Tomotsune is an “extremely good franchise lawyer who is responsive in his approach”, notably when advising international clients on direct franchise agreements and master franchise issues.

Etsuko Hara is highlighted by peers for his first-rate distribution and franchise agreement practice, in which he has over a decade of experience.

Korea

Terry Kim at Lee & Ko is a distinguished name in the Korean franchise market and has a wealth of experience in inbound and outbound franchising transactions and distribution agreements.

New Zealand

Stewart Germann with Stewart Germann Law Office is described by sources as “the guy for franchising matters in the market”. He has over 35 years of experience acting for franchisors and franchisees.

Scott Goodwin at Goodwin Turner “gets to the source of the issue immediately without going back and forth, and always seeks a solution”. One source effuses that he “is the only solicitor I know who is able to navigate solutions to the recent lease/lockdown issue”.

Singapore

Lorraine Tay at Bird & Bird is praised by respondents as “a fantastic franchise lawyer” with over 20 years of experience with IP protection, disputes and international clearances.

 

Latin America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Luiz Henrique O do Amaral - Dannemann Siemsen, Rio de Janeiro
• Jorge Mondragón - Gonzalez Calvillo, Mexico City

Leading Firms

Dannemann Siemsen Advogados

Luiz Henrique O do Amaral has “the respect of peers due to his knowledge and experience in the franchise field”. His expertise lies in franchising, licensing and IP matters.
Mariana Reis Abenza is confirmed by market commentators as an impressive practitioner in the franchising space. She has incisive insight into franchising, copyright and distribution matters.
Cândida Ribeiro Caffé is “a great peer in negotiations” report respondents. She is a contracts specialist, who is well versed in franchise transactions and licensing issues.

 

Other Leading Individuals

Colombia

Juan Carlos Uribe at Triana Uribe & Michelsen heads the firm’s IP and contracts group at the firm and earns recognition from peers for his considerable experience in franchising law.

Mexico

Jorge Mondragón of Gonzalez Calvillo is described by sources as “great in distribution and franchise matters”. He has over 25 years of experience with a wide variety of franchising and licensing issues.

Pablo Hooper is a well-respected IP and franchise specialist in the Mexican market report sources, with in-depth understanding of trademark and franchise regulations.