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Trusted Counsel To Franchisees & Franchisors Worldwide View More
Trusted Counsel To Franchisees & Franchisors Worldwide Learn More

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 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 and franchisees 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 go the distance.

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

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

Franchise Law Insights

News Releases And Blog Articles

Luther Firm, PC and Lanard & Associates, P.C. Merge to Create Nationwide Law Firm Servicing Franchisees

Luther Firm, PC and Lanard & Associates, P.C. announced today that they have combined their practices.  The new firm will conduct business as “Luther Lanard, PC” going forward.  Luther...

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California Governor Vetoes Rebate Disclosure Bill

On September 29, 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom returned Senate Bill 1247 without his signature. If signed, the new bill would have required franchisors to disclose very specific information...

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The FAST Recovery Act: What Is It & How Does It Affect Franchising?

California recently passed legislation that could increase costs for quick service restaurant consumers and small franchise owners by twenty percent. The bill, known as AB257 or the FAST Recovery Act,...

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Claims Under the California Franchise Investment Law

What claims can be brought under the California Franchise Investment Law (“CFIL”) and what protections are provided to franchisees.  The CFIL regulates the sale and disclosure of franchise...

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