How to find a good franchise lawyer

During the franchise investigation process, potential late-stage buyers will receive some very important documents. First and foremost is the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Regulated by the FTC's Franchise Rule, it consists of 23 different sections (articles) that cover all aspects of the brand's proposition for . When it comes time to make an informed decision about buying a franchise, both parties will be bound by the franchise agreement. A frequent caveat in the franchising industry is that entrepreneurs exercise due diligence when investigating concepts. With respect to the two sample documents provided above, it is strongly recommended that potential buyers hire a good franchise attorney to review the fine print.

If a candidate does not follow this advice and undertake this process alone, it is tantamount to representing themselves in the courtroom. And you know what they say about people who don't seek legal representation – they have a fool for a client. Hiring a good franchise attorney is of the utmost importance, as their job is to review legal documents on your behalf. But the real value comes in the guidance you receive, regarding your suitability for owning a particular franchise. Franchise lawyers also work with many operations related to existing operations, as well as brands that are exploring the franchise model to expand their business footprint.

Related: What Franchises Should Look For in a Law Firm

Entrepreneur has announced the Best Franchise Providers Ranking, a multi-faceted directory that includes the best of the best service providers in the industry. Here are the top 15 law firms that earned a well-deserved spot on the 2022 list:

1. Spadea Lignana Franchise Lawyers

Spadea Lignana offers unlimited support to franchisors for a fixed monthly fee, as well as expert advice on Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), state registrations, and franchise and multi- units. Our proprietary software systems make it easy for you to see where you can sell, disclose leads, track status records, and learn franchisor best practices. Gain franchise by choosing Spadea Lignana to help you create a lasting legacy and build generational wealth. "We pioneered the flat-rate subscription model for all franchise regulatory legal needs of franchisors," says Tom Spadea, founding partner of the firm. "By not charging by the hour for our legal work, we develop deep, long-term relationships with our clients. We have a team approach, backed by proprietary technology, giving our clients accurate, transparent and timely updates on the status of their FDD, state registrations and all franchise agreements."

2.Fisher Zucker LLC

FisherZucker is a law firm with a national practice dedicated almost exclusively to franchise and business licensing matters, with offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our lawyers have extensive experience in pre-litigation advice, mediation, litigation and arbitration, and regularly litigate cases nationally. We have an active M&A practice, including performing due diligence for private equity firms. We also advise our clients on franchise development, regulatory compliance, corporate incorporation/governance, and trademark licensing and protection issues. Our experienced attorneys are familiar with multi-unit franchises, international franchises and complicated disclosure issues. According to Lane Fisher, partner at FisherZucker, it takes a meticulous approach to be considered among the best law firms in the franchising industry. “We pride ourselves on taking meticulous care of our customers and their brands,” says Fisher. “Our attention to detail, our personal relationships with our clients and fellow franchise executives, and decades of franchise-specific experience set us apart. While many law firms tout franchising as one of many areas of practice, it is our bread and butter. This allows us to focus our time and energy on monitoring and dissecting regulatory changes and staying abreast of the latest innovations in all sectors in order to advise the better our clients on how to stand out as a brand while staying smart as a franchisor."

3. Internicola Law Firm

Internicola Law Firm Helps Emerging Brands Obtain Assistance...