Why Does A Prospective Franchisee Need To Retain An Experienced Franchise Attorney?

On Behalf of Lanard and Associates | Aug 4, 2016 | Firm News

So you’ve decided to invest in a franchise opportunity. You’ve done a lot of research yourself, and you’ve even spoken with other franchisees about their experiences. Yet even if you’re fully locked in and immersed in what you need as a franchisee, you still need an experienced franchise lawyer on your side.

The team at Luther Lanard, PC would like to explore why prospective franchisees need an experienced franchise attorney. We’ll also review a few reasons why you should consider our franchise attorneys to provide the help and support you need.

If you’re ready to discuss your situation and goals with our experienced team of franchise lawyers, contact Luther Lanard, PC today. We have law offices in Florida, Pennsylvania, California, and Texas.

Why You Need a Franchise Lawyer If You Are a Franchisee

Here are four important reasons why franchisees need to hire a franchise attorney.

1. Franchise Attorneys Can Navigate Complicated Laws

Franchise law is a complex series of regulations and statutes issued by the federal government (FTC) and various states. Although the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) items are supposed to be written in “plain English,” their importance and implications are often difficult to understand.

A franchise attorney can translate legalese into plain English and provide you with a strong understanding of how state and federal laws could affect your business.

2. Attorneys Can Identify Atypical Clauses in Franchise Disclosure Documents

As a new franchisee, you likely haven’t looked through many Franchise Disclosure Documents. You may not have a sense of what’s normal, what’s atypical, what’s missing, and what clauses could impact your venture.

Experienced franchisee attorneys, on the other hand, review Franchise Disclosure Documents daily. A good lawyer will know what is typical and what clauses are of concern and should be modified.

3. Franchise Lawyers Can Spot Red Flags in Documents and Processes

Related to the above, new franchisees may not be aware of major red flags as they are getting their business off the ground. Without a legal professional focused on problems, you may run into expensive and frustrating setbacks.

Experienced franchise attorneys can identify red flags early and steer you clear of these issues. If you work with an honest and transparent team of franchise attorneys like the one here at Luther Lanard, PC, we can let you know when to walk away from an opportunity that could backfire.

4. Franchise Lawyers Can Educate You on Important Aspects of the Law

The most important aspect of retaining experienced franchisee counsel is the knowledge you can gain about the franchise. Even if you’ve done research, a good franchise lawyer can help add to your base of knowledge in franchise law and help you understand what to look for and how to look out for your venture.

Why You Should Work with the Franchise Attorneys at Luther Lanard, PC

There are many lawyers that franchisees can choose from in California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas, but few can match the experience and dedication of the franchise attorneys at Luther Lanard, PC. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team is ready to help franchisees get off to the best start possible.

We Carefully Review the Franchise Disclosure Document

The franchise attorneys at Luther Lanard, PC follow a specific review process when retained to review an FDD for a client. This process includes:

• Checking that the trademark is a live, valid trademark (it is the cornerstone of the franchise opportunity)
• Reviewing the FDD sections that are not part of the franchise agreement (the contract between the franchisee and franchisor)
• Reviewing the franchise agreement (a thorough review of the franchise agreement), which included noting revisions to the agreement

We Are Experienced Franchise Attorneys with a Record of Excellence

As experienced franchise counsel, our attorneys are members of notable legal organizations, including:

• The American Bar Association Forum on Franchising (the ABA’s franchise law section)
• The Pennsylvania Bar Association Business Law Section
• The Montgomery County Bar Association Franchise Law Committee

Attorney Nancy L. Lanard has been named a Franchise Legal Eagle by Franchise Times for several consecutive years. This is an honor awarded to less than 5% of all franchise attorneys in the United States.

We Have Useful Connections for Your Franchise

Our decades of combined experience in franchise law mean our attorneys have access to many resources and connections that can help franchisees thrive. At Luther Lanard, PC, we’ll be happy to connect you with accountants and financing services. If red flags arise and we advise you to walk away, we can connect you with consultants who can help you find a much better franchise opportunity.

We Are Fully Transparent About Cost and Pricing

The attorneys at Luther Lanard, PC review FDDs on a flat fee basis. All franchisees will know up front exactly what their costs will be. Our flat fee for the FDD review has not changed in many years. The cost for our services is comprehensive and includes negotiating the franchise agreement on your behalf.

Contact the Franchise Attorneys at Luther Lanard, PC for a Consultation

Don’t go into franchising alone. You’ll need an attorney to help avoid growing pains and achieve some peace of mind. Luther Lanard, PC is ready to help. To set up a consultation and learn more about what we can offer you, contact our franchise attorneys today.