Embarking on the journey of franchise ownership is a thrilling venture, but it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in the realm of legalities. As the backbone of your business, choosing the right franchise attorney is a decision that can profoundly impact your success. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricate landscape of franchise law, unraveling the complexities that can make or break your business.

Welcome to a curated exploration of the top 10 franchise attorneys, a must-read companion for any entrepreneur navigating the franchising terrain. This article is designed to be your indispensable resource, offering a profound understanding of the legal dynamics that surround the franchise industry. Beyond the surface-level considerations, we aim to equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, ensuring that you select an attorney whose expertise aligns seamlessly with your business aspirations. Additionally, it’s crucial to note that costs for franchise attorneys can vary significantly, ranging anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000. At Visa Franchise, we work closely with attorneys to guarantee our clients the lowest cost, providing added value to your franchising journey.

What does a Franchise Attorney Do?

Franchise attorneys play a pivotal role in guiding businesses through the intricate web of legal issues inherent in the franchise industry. These specialized attorneys are well-versed in franchise law, a multifaceted field that encompasses a range of issues such as contract negotiation, compliance with regulatory frameworks, intellectual property protection, and dispute resolution. At the core of their responsibilities is ensuring that franchise agreements are meticulously crafted to safeguard the interests of both franchisors and franchisees. Franchise lawyers act as interpreters of complex legal documents, providing clarity on terms and conditions, and navigating the intricacies of disclosure requirements.

Their expertise extends to advising clients on regulatory compliance, mitigating risks, and, when necessary, representing their interests in legal disputes. In essence, franchise lawyers are instrumental in fostering a legal framework that fosters fair and mutually beneficial relationships between franchisors and franchisees, contributing significantly to the success and longevity of franchise ventures.

How can we help you?

As part of our streamlined investor visa process, we go above and beyond to facilitate a seamless journey for individuals seeking a U.S. investor visa. Central to this process is our commitment to thorough due diligence, ensuring that our clients are well-informed and confident in their investment decisions.

Our approach begins with a meticulous review by an experienced immigration attorney who assesses the chosen business or businesses to determine their eligibility for an E2 visa. Taking transparency to the next level, we coordinate calls with existing franchisees and investors associated with the selected business, allowing prospective investors to gain valuable insights and firsthand perspectives. As a crucial step in our process, we provide the opportunity for an in-person meeting or attendance at a virtual discovery day with the business, fostering a deeper understanding of the investment opportunity. To fortify our commitment to legal clarity, we offer the expertise of a dedicated corporate and franchise attorney.

This professional conducts a comprehensive review of the franchise’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement, providing clients with invaluable legal advice to ensure their investment aligns seamlessly with both their financial goals and visa requirements. Our holistic approach aims to empower investors with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the investor visa process successfully.

Top 10 Franchise Attorneys

Top Franchise Attorneys in New York & Pennsylvania

Joshua Marks

• JM LAW GROUP
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Josh, a seasoned attorney, embarked on his legal journey following a transformative college internship where he assisted a Philadelphia Municipal Court judge. This experience ignited his passion for the law, prompting him to pursue a legal education after graduating from Pennsylvania State University. In 1997, he graduated Cum Laude from the Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware, marking the beginning of his illustrious career.

Over the years, Josh honed his expertise in the transactional realms of business and real estate law, eventually founding JM LAW GROUP, LLC, in 2009.

Evan M. Goldman

• Franchise Law Practice Group
• New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey

Evan M. Goldman stands as a prominent figure in the legal landscape as a partner and co-chair of the Franchise Law practice group at Greenspoon Marder LLP. Operating as a seasoned Franchise Law attorney licensed in New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey, Evan specializes in navigating the complexities of franchises. His focus extends across both franchisor and franchisee representation, where he adeptly engages in the drafting, negotiation, and registration of crucial documents such as disclosure documents, franchise agreements, and other related contractual paperwork.

Top Franchise attorneys in Florida — Miami, Orlando, and Tampa

Joseph C. Wasch

• Greenspoon Marder LLP
  
• Boca Raton, Florida

With a legal career spanning over 35 years, Joseph C. Wasch brings a wealth of experience and invaluable insights to the table. His journey in law began within various corporations, where he held positions as vice president and general counsel until 2007. Notably, two of these corporations operated within franchise systems, providing Joseph with a unique perspective on the inner workings of successful businesses. In 2007, Joseph established his solo practice, serving as fractional or part-time general counsel to small businesses. His client portfolio includes a national franchisor of fast-casual restaurants with over 400 units, showcasing his prowess in navigating the complexities of the franchise industry.

Adam Gruder Wasch

• Greenspoon Marder LLP
• Boca Raton, Florida

Adam Gruder Wasch stands as the founder and partner of a dynamic business and franchise law firm meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of small and emerging businesses, as well as franchise companies. With a keen understanding of the challenges inherent in operating businesses and franchises, Adam takes pride in offering cost-efficient legal services tailored to meet clients’ transactional and litigation needs on a project-by-project basis.

Top Franchise attorneys in California — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County and San Diego

Janet Martin

• Janet Martin, Inc.
  
• Orange County, California

Janet Martin, a seasoned legal professional with over 30 years of dedicated service, has been a stalwart advocate for the needs of franchisees and franchisors in Orange County and across California. Her extensive experience spans the entire spectrum of franchise operations, from developing and selling franchises to overseeing mature franchise systems. Janet’s expertise is not just a testament to her longevity in the field but is also marked by a commitment to employing proven legal strategies and offering pragmatic representation.

Francisco Ramos

• West Coast Trial Lawyers
• Los Angeles, California 
  

Meet Francisco Ramos, a dedicated Attorney at West Coast Trial Lawyers, whose commitment to justice is the cornerstone of his legal career. Francisco earned his B.A. in Political Science, with a minor in Business Administration, from the University of La Verne before obtaining his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law. Prior to joining West Coast Trial Lawyers, he honed his skills at a boutique law firm, specializing in a range of employment-related litigation matters.

Top Franchise attorneys in Texas – Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio

Kat Tidd

• Law Offices of Kat Tidd
• Dallas, Texas

Kat Tidd stands as a distinguished attorney who, since founding her law firm in Dallas, Texas in 1994, has been a formidable force in the realm of franchise and business opportunity laws. With a strong emphasis on all aspects of these legal domains, Kat’s practice is dedicated to advising small and medium-sized businesses, franchisors, franchisees, dealers, and entrepreneurs. In addition to her role as a legal advisor, Kat also serves as a consultant to fellow attorneys, providing expertise on franchise and business opportunity matters.

Richard Eldredge

• Leavitt & Eldredge Law Firm
  
• Dallas, Texas

Richard Eldredge, a formidable presence at the firm, is often hailed as the legal magician, seamlessly navigating through the intricacies of the legal landscape. As a professional engineer and a skilled patent lawyer, Richard’s expertise extends beyond conventional boundaries. When urgency is paramount and time is of the essence, Richard is the go-to professional to get things done promptly.

Top Franchise attorneys (Rest of U.S.)

Robert M. Galloway

• Galloway, Wettermark, & Rutens, LLP
  
• Montgomery, Alabama

Robert M. Galloway, a distinguished legal professional, is a proud alumnus of the University of Alabama, where he earned both his B.A. and J.D. degrees. His commitment to continuous learning and specialization is evident in his LL.M. degree in taxation from New York University, showcasing a dedication to mastery in his field.

In regard to his bankruptcy practice, Bob specializes in bankruptcies involving tax issues and handles primarily Chapter 11 bankruptcies, but also Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

Conclusion

In conclusion, venturing into the realm of franchise ownership is an exhilarating endeavor, laden with both promise and challenges. The significance of selecting the right franchise attorney cannot be overstated, as they stand as the legal cornerstone of your business. This comprehensive guide has unraveled the intricate landscape of franchise law, shedding light on the complexities that can shape the destiny of your franchise venture.

As you navigate the dynamic world of franchising, the top 10 franchise attorneys highlighted in this guide emerge as invaluable partners in your journey. Beyond a mere list, this compilation serves as an indispensable resource, offering profound insights into the legal dynamics surrounding the franchise industry.