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Trusted Counsel To Franchisees Worldwide One Objective: To Solve Legal Issues
For Franchisees
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Trusted Counsel To Franchisees Worldwide One Objective: To Solve Legal Issues
For Franchisees
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ACCOMPLISHING YOUR OBJECTIVES THROUGH DRAFTING, NEGOTIATION OR LITIGATION

Deciding to become a franchisee is a big step. The process can feel overwhelming, and a small mistake can have significant financial repercussions. At Luther Lanard, we will guide you through each step of the process. Our experienced team can evaluate your franchise legal documents, negotiate multiunit agreements, set up your legal entity as a corporation or LLC and help you negotiate a strong commercial lease. When you’re ready to sell or buy additional franchises, we can assist with that too.  With over 50 years of combined legal expertise in franchise law, we are confident that we can put you on the right path to business success.

If you’re a franchisee in a dispute with the franchisor or your landlord we can help. We will negotiate, litigate and, if necessary, take a matter to trial to achieve your objectives. With prior experience as a in-house counsel for a franchisor, we understand how franchisors approach these issues, which gives us an advantage in advocating on your behalf. Problems get resolved faster when all parties speak the same language and understand each other’s point of view. And if the other side is unreasonable, we will be ready to take the matter to trial. 

We have represented franchisees worldwide from single unit owners to corporations owning hundreds of units and everyone in between. Let us take care of your legal issues so you can focus on running your business.

“We are passionate about representing franchisees — we believe franchising can be the American dream if you have the right lawyer on your side.”

What Our Clients Say

You have a brilliant legal mind, keen business instincts, incredible emotional intelligence, true professional decorum, and a sunny disposition…. We are truly lucky to have you.

Jared T., Amada Senior Care

Both my wife and I own small businesses that over the years have expanded rapidly. I have always looked to Doug for advice on the legal issues that have arisen. We have worked with him both to revise the agreements we use with our business as well as to resolve disputes that have come up. He has wealth of knowledge on the issues that growing businesses face and his counsel has been invaluable.

Lars C., JC's Carpet Cleaning

Doug’s attention to his clients and dedication to his craft shows how he treats all his clients like they’re his family member. If you’re looking for a lawyer to provide assistance with all sorts of business matters, he’s the one to work with! He’ll provide the dedication and attention to detail to help you navigate through any complex legal matter you may face in your normal business operations.

Justin H., 1545 Media

Thank you for everything going all the way back to the LOI. This has been a long road. I very much appreciate your patience, your guidance, your expertise, and your commitment every step of the way. I have every confidence that I have the best possible terms & conditions in this lease because I had you in my corner. I hope to be in touch again in just under five years to get your help with our first extension! Until then, I hope to hear about Lanard and Associates involvement in many other Athletic Republic center openings – we’ll be all the better for it.

Alen M

Having used LUTHER|LANARD for both a Franchise Agreement review and development of an Asset Purchase Agreement, I would without hesitation refer and use the firm again for any of my business needs. Kim went above and beyond in closing this deal to the point where she was driving the timelines with the sellers. Fantastically client focused firm.

G&P H

Please accept my apologies for the delay in corresponding with you. Thank you so much for assisting me in negotiating the sub lease for my new office space. You were both a pleasure to work with and I will most certainly keep you in mind for future needs. I am now fully moved into the space and enjoying its use. I have attached an executed copy of the lease agreement for your records. I wish the both of you the very best!

Bruce H

You have been the most professional, knowledgeable, and thorough attorney that I have ever dealt with. With your assistance, my three year journey to own a small business has finally come to fruition. I wish you the best in the future. And if I ever need your assistance, or have someone who needs a great business attorney, I will recommend you.

R.M.

Wanted to first say thank you and tell you how much I appreciate your work on this and previous leases. You really have brought a ton of value to each negotiation helping us understand, and effectively negotiating to get us the best possible terms. Thank you again for your quality and professional service throughout.

T.B.

Thank you Erin for being so diligent and patient in explaining the various items, and answering our questions, during our review call this morning. We were very happy and impressed with the thoughtful and comprehensive notes, comments that Erin included on the Franchise Agreement. …. Thank you both again for all your help and assistance and providing a valuable education on the aspects of a franchise agreement.

RM

How are you? We had our lease review today with Kimberly. Kim was excellent. We were very impressed with Kim’s work in the lease review process. Thank you very much for having her work with us. We are still meeting next week with the landlord but I just wanted to send a quick note. Have a pleasant weekend.

Bhavesh

Thank you so much for making this process extremely smooth, digestible to understand and for being so prompt with all communications! Hopefully we can do it again in the future, it was truly a pleasure and we are glad you guided us through the process with our first franchise. Thank you Nancy for introducing and having Rebecca work with us, you all are amazing!

M&M

Thank you, Sara – we cannot say enough good things about you and the services you provided for us. We mention you and the Lanard firm by name whenever we speak to other potential franchisees or even other business associates. Thank you for doing such a thorough job and getting us the in the best position possible. Much appreciated. All the best!

Z.P.
Over 25 Years Representing Business And Franchise Clients

Why Should You Work with Luther Lanard?

  • Worldwide reach: Our firm represents clients throughout the Unites States and countries around the world that engage in franchising.   We can help you confidently and seamlessly expand your business through the country and beyond.
  • Franchise experience: With over 50 years of combined franchise law experience, we provide the in-depth legal insights to help make your business successful.
  • Widely recognized: Nancy has a “Superb” rating on Avvo and is AV Preeminent peer-review* rated, the highest rating, through Martindale-Hubbell and has received Legal Eagle recognition by Franchise Times over 12 consecutive years. These honors reflect the skills, knowledge and expertise to get the results you desire.
  • Personal attention: We work closely with clients, providing the high level of attention they deserve. We want to help your business grow and thrive.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.

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Meet
Doug Luther

  • Franchisor general counsel
  • Verdicts, pre-trial judgments, and settlements amounting to more than $20 million
  • Undefeated at trials and arbitrations first or second chaired
  • Multiple state supreme court decisions unanimously in the clients’ favor
  • Former Chair of the California Lawyers Association’s Franchise Law Committee
  • Certified Specialist in Franchise and Distribution Law by the State Bar of California 
  • Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star
  • Franchise Times Legal Eagle
  • Past Speaker at the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising
  • Published by the Franchise Law Journal
  • Co-author of the California chapter of the Third Edition of the American Bar Association’s Franchise Deskbook.
  • Worked at Global 100 firm Sheppard Mullin and litigation powerhouse Glaser Weil
  • UCLA Law – Business Law and Policy Specialization

Meet
Nancy Lanard

  • Over 25 years of experience in franchising
  • Former franchisor corporate counsel for 1300+ franchise location system
  • 12 time Franchise Times Legal Eagle
  • Selected to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
  • Rated Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent
  • Avvo.com Superb Attorney
  • Women Owned Law, Distinguished Member Service Award
  • Nationally recognized speaker on franchise legal issues
  • University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University of Law graduate

Franchise Law Insights

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Commercial Lease Review: Evaluation And Negotiation

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