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Elena Sandell is a franchise attorney based in Newport Beach, California. She works with franchise owners who are dealing with disputes, strained relationships, or difficult turning points in their businesses. She approaches each matter with a focus on clarity, steady strategy, and helping clients feel supported when the situation feels uncertain.
Her work centers on helping franchisees resolve conflicts and protect what they have invested. In practice, that often means stepping in when conversations break down or when a business owner needs help deciding what to do next. Clients often experience her as thoughtful and prepared. She explains what is happening in plain language, stays organized, and takes time to talk through options before pushing for a decision. The goal is to help clients feel informed and confident rather than overwhelmed by the process.
Before focusing on franchise matters, Elena handled complex business disputes involving ideas, confidential information, and broken trust between companies. That work gave her a strong foundation in understanding how disputes grow and how they can be resolved without losing sight of the bigger picture. She earned her law degree after completing her undergraduate studies and began her career working in both state and federal courts. Since joining Luther Lanard PC, she has built her practice around representing franchisees and learning the franchise relationship from their point of view, which shapes how she advises clients day to day.
Outside the office, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog and making the most of Southern California through hiking, camping, skiing, and beach days.
Bar Admission:
- California State Court
Education:
- University of California, Los Angeles School of Law – Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Business and Securities Law
- Bocconi University, Milan, Italy – J.D., Specialization in International Business and
Competition Law - Freie University, Berlin, Germany – Joint Certificate in International Business Law
Professional Associations:
- American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising
- Orange County Bar Association
- University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law Alumni Association
Awards & Recognitions:
- UCLA School of Law – Dean’s Tuition Fellowship
Fun Facts
- Lived in 4 countries
- Fluent in Italian
- In law school served as President of the law society
- Skied 34 mountains across 4 countries