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Franchising offers the opportunity to own a business with the support of an established brand. However, for franchisees, that opportunity often comes with complex legal obligations, power imbalances, and high financial stakes. Whether buying your first unit or managing an extensive portfolio of franchise locations, having help from an experienced franchise law firm near you can make a significant difference.
At Luther Lanard, PC, we focus exclusively on protecting franchisees’ rights and interests with our franchise law firm near me location. From contract disputes and regulatory compliance, to multi-unit agreements and lease negotiations, we help franchisees in Central Florida, across the country, and around the globe navigate the legal landscape of franchising with clarity, confidence, and strength.
Luther Lanard, PC Offers Experienced Legal Counsel for Franchisees Only
Our firm has built its reputation by standing with franchisees across industries and borders. We are committed advocates for franchisees, and we have seen it all, from multi-million-dollar disputes to early-stage investments gone wrong. We understand the challenges franchisees face, including:
- Imbalanced power in franchisor-franchisee relationships
- Restrictive contract provisions and personal guarantees
- Lack of promised support, training, or operational help
- Discriminatory enforcement of system standards
- Encroachment and dilution of exclusive territories
- Overreaching non-compete and resale restrictions
Our clients range from individual entrepreneurs launching a single-unit store to multi-unit franchisee corporations managing dozens or hundreds of locations. Whether you operate a quick-service restaurant, automotive shop, gym, daycare center, or senior care franchise, we have the industry insight and legal experience to protect your investment.
Luther Lanard, PC Serves Franchisees Across the Country and Beyond
From our offices in Orlando, FL, Newport Beach, CA, and Plymouth Meeting, PA, Luther Lanard, PC proudly represents franchisees across the country. We understand the local business landscapes, including the competitive pressures and regional leasing practices that can impact franchise operations. Whether you are negotiating a lease in a fast-growing retail district or pushing back against franchisor overreach in a multi-unit system, we bring regional insight and national experience to every matter.
However, our reach does not stop at these locations. We have represented franchisees across the U.S. and internationally, supporting clients with cross-border investments, global franchise systems, and complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes. Our focus is to protect franchisees from unfair practices, help them grow confidently, and ensure their legal rights are respected. No matter where you operate, if you are searching for a trusted franchise law firm, Luther Lanard, PC can provide the advocacy you need.
Why You Should Retain Dedicated Legal Representation from Luther Lanard, PC
Franchise agreements are often lengthy, one-sided contracts designed to protect the franchisor. They can include restrictive terms, personal guarantees, and broad termination rights that put franchisees at significant risk. Without a knowledgeable franchise attorney reviewing the agreement, it is easy to overlook provisions that could hurt you down the line. With a practice focusing exclusively on franchisee issues, the attorneys at Luther Lanard, PC can spot these red flags and negotiate more balanced terms.
Franchisees also face unique legal challenges beyond the contract itself. Common pain points include territorial encroachment, lack of promised support, discriminatory enforcement of brand standards, and sudden policy changes. These issues require counsel who understands the nuances of franchise systems and the power imbalance that often exists. With our dedication to franchisees, Luther Lanard, PC brings targeted strategies and the ability to respond quickly when disputes arise.
Luther Lanard, PC Offers a Wide Range of Services
Whether entering a franchise, expanding, or planning your exit, Luther Lanard’s dedicated legal representation gives you more than peace of mind. It gives you leverage. With an experienced advocate to assist you, you can make informed decisions, protect your rights, and safeguard your investment at every stage of your franchise journey.
Franchise Dispute Resolution Services
Even the best-intentioned franchise relationships can end up in conflict. At Luther Lanard, PC, we help franchisees resolve disputes quickly and effectively through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
Breach of Contract
Franchise agreements are lengthy, complex legal documents. While they are often one-sided, franchisors must still legally honor their obligations. If your franchisor has failed to provide marketing support, training, access to approved vendors, or otherwise violated the agreement, we can help you enforce your rights. Conversely, if you are accused of breaching the agreement, we will defend your interests and vigorously challenge unlawful enforcement efforts.
Fraud and Unfair Trade Practices
Some franchisors make misleading claims about the franchise systems during the sales process. This might include inflated earnings projections, concealment of fees, or false promises of support. These actions may constitute fraud or deceptive trade practices under state and federal law. We represent franchisees seeking damages for fraudulent inducement and violations of franchise disclosure laws.
Termination and Non-Renewal
Improper franchise termination or non-renewal can jeopardize years of hard work and investment. Franchisors must follow strict legal procedures when terminating an agreement. If you have received a notice of termination or have been unfairly denied renewal, the experienced attorneys at Luther Lanard can review your options, negotiate on your behalf, or initiate legal action to protect your business.
Exiting a Franchise
If you are ready to move on from the franchise system, we can help you plan an exit strategy that minimizes risk. That may include negotiating a buyout, transferring your location to a new owner, or securing a release from burdensome obligations like personal guarantees or non-compete clauses.
Franchise Encroachment
Franchisees are often promised exclusive territories. If your franchisor opens a new location nearby or allows its competing brands into your area, it can severely harm your business. We evaluate territorial rights and enforce your protections against unlawful encroachment.
Lease Disputes
Commercial leases often mirror the long-term, high-stakes, and complex franchise relationship. Whether you conflict with a landlord or dealing with issues stemming from co-tenancy clauses or real estate disputes, we offer lease enforcement and negotiation services designed to protect your location and livelihood.
Misclassification
In some systems, franchisees are treated like employees and must follow strict schedules, use mandated vendors, and operate under tight franchisor control, without employee benefits or protections. These arrangements may amount to misclassification. We advocate for franchisees in these grey-area situations and fight for fair treatment.
Association and Class Actions
When multiple franchisees face similar issues, such as systemic overcharging, unfair supplier mandates, or fraudulent representations, we help organize legal responses. From establishing independent franchisee associations to initiating or joining class actions, we build strength in numbers to counter abuse perpetrated by franchisors.
Franchise Agreement Legal Services
Franchise agreements define nearly every aspect of your business relationship. They are dense, legalistic, and often stacked in favor of the franchisor. Before signing anything or modifying an existing agreement, you should consult with the experienced franchise attorneys at Luther Lanard, PC.
Franchise Legal Review
At Luther Lanard, PC, we have the experience necessary to review your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement in detail, flagging risks like:
- Unlimited termination rights for franchisors
- Restrictive non-competes and transfer restrictions
- Vague performance standards
- High royalty and marketing fee requirements
- One-sided dispute resolution clauses
Beyond just identifying problems, we provide practical advice on how to move forward. If you decide to proceed, we can negotiate fairer terms with your franchisor and help you prepare for the realities of franchising.
Multi-Unit Agreements
Owning multiple locations can offer higher returns but also higher risk. Multi-unit and area development agreements may require aggressive opening schedules and large upfront investments. At Luther Lanard, PC, we help clients negotiate timelines, exclusivity terms, and development incentives that work in the real world.
Business Formation
We help franchisees choose and form the right business entity to operate their franchise and draft key documents such as operating and ownership agreements. Our dedicated team works to ensure that these documents comply with both state law and franchisor requirements.
Lease Review and Negotiation
Franchisors often mandate certain lease provisions or require landlord approval. We review lease documents to ensure that your rent obligations, maintenance responsibilities, and sublease options align with your franchise obligations. If you are negotiating a new lease, Luther Lanard, PC will help structure it to protect your interests and best meet your goals from day one.
Buying and Selling Franchises
We represent buyers and sellers in franchise resale transactions. Whether you are purchasing an existing unit or selling your franchise business, Luther Lanard, PC can handle the entire process, including due diligence, franchise approval, asset purchase agreements, and closing.
Investment Due Diligence
The franchise attorneys at Luther Lanard, PC have the experience necessary to provide thorough due diligence before you buy a franchise. Our services include reviewing the FDD, assessing the franchisor’s litigation and bankruptcy history, evaluating financial statements, and investigating hidden costs and restrictions.
Outside General Counsel
For large franchisees or franchisee corporations, we provide outside general counsel services, managing day-to-day legal matters such as:
- Contract negotiation
- Compliance reviews
- Risk management
- Expansion strategy and dispute resolution
This gives you access to experienced legal counsel without hiring full-time, in-house lawyers.
Benefits of Retaining Outside General Counsel for Franchisees
Retaining outside general counsel allows franchisees, especially multi-unit owners and franchisee corporations, to streamline legal oversight and decision-making across all areas of operation. Instead of scrambling to find legal help when issues arise, Luther Lanard, PC provides a dedicated legal team that understands your business model, industry, and the challenges you face as a franchisee. This continuity leads to more strategic planning, better risk management, and faster response times when problems emerge.
Our outside general counsel services offer a cost-effective alternative to hiring full-time, in-house attorneys. You get high-level legal insight and ongoing support without the overhead, making it easier to scale your operations while staying compliant and protected. Whether negotiating leases, reviewing franchise documents, or planning your next market expansion, having Luther Lanard, PC’s team of experienced franchise attorneys on call helps you stay focused on growing your business.
Why Franchisees Trust Luther Lanard, PC
Franchisees choose Luther Lanard, PC because we deliver results with integrity, clarity, and commitment:
- Franchisee-only representation: We do not represent franchisors, which means there are no conflicts of interest–just clear, focused advocacy for franchisees.
- Industry experience: For over five decades, we have represented franchisees in nearly every major franchise sector, including food service, retail, fitness, hospitality, senior care, and automotive repair.
- Strategic problem-solving: Some problems require litigation, while others can be solved with a well-timed letter or thoughtful negotiation. We tailor our strategies to meet your business goals, not our billing goals.
- Global reach, local roots: Though based in Central Florida, we represent clients across the United States and internationally. Our thorough knowledge of Florida business law and global franchise insight make us a trusted partner for franchisees around the world.
- Client-centered communication: We do not hide behind legal jargon. We explain your options clearly, keep you informed, and respond quickly, because we know how much is on the line.
If you are looking for a franchise law firm that understands the realities of franchise ownership and fights to protect your investment, Luther Lanard, PC is here to help. Our client relationships are built on trust, loyalty, and a commitment to long-term success for franchisees across the globe.
What to Expect When You Work with Luther Lanard, PC
Choosing a law firm is a major decision, especially when your franchise, livelihood, and future are on the line. That is why we have built a process focused on transparency, strategy, and ongoing support.
- Schedule a consultation: We start with a consultation to learn about your business and legal concerns.
- Strategy development: We create a plan based on your goals, whether launching your first unit, resolving a dispute, or planning a smooth exit.
- Personalized legal services: You will receive straightforward advice and responsive support from a team committed to your success.
- Long-term support: We do not disappear after resolving one issue. Many of our clients stay with us for years as their businesses grow.
Whether you are in the early stages of exploring a franchise opportunity or navigating complex legal challenges with a national brand, you can expect proactive communication, strategic guidance, and a legal partner who puts your interests first.
Contact Luther Lanard, PC at our Franchise Law Firm Near Me Law Firm
At Luther Lanard, PC, we understand that your franchise is more than a business. It is your investment, livelihood, and future. That is why we offer personalized attention, strategic guidance, and unwavering advocacy tailored to your unique goals and challenges. At Luther Lanard, we take the time to understand your business and provide the clear, effective legal support you deserve.
With experience representing franchisees globally, from single-unit operators to corporations managing hundreds of locations, we bring depth and breadth to every matter we handle. If you are looking for a trusted and knowledgeable franchise law firm near you in Central Florida or beyond, we are ready to help. Contact us today for a confidential consultation, and let us protect your rights, help you avoid costly mistakes, and build a business that works for you.