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Franchising is a rewarding path to business ownership, but it also presents legal challenges that require focused, experienced counsel. Whether you are navigating a complex agreement, resolving a dispute, or expanding your franchise portfolio, having a trusted franchise law firm near you makes a significant difference.
At Luther Lanard, PC, our Newport Beach-based franchise law firms near me law firm offers comprehensive legal services to franchisees in Orange County and worldwide. From single-unit operators in Costa Mesa to multi-unit franchise corporations in Irvine, we have helped clients at every stage of the franchise lifecycle. Our team is here to provide practical and strategic guidance on franchise disputes, agreements, and transactions so you can focus on growing your business.
Why Franchise Law Experience Matters
Franchise law is highly specialized. It sits at the intersection of corporate law, contract law, real estate, and federal and state franchise regulations. Franchisees often find themselves locked into one-sided contracts, facing complex disputes with powerful franchisors, or making high-stakes decisions about investing in or exiting a franchise.
You need more than just a general business attorney. You need a franchise law firm that understands the industry, the players, and the rules. That is where our franchise law firm near you comes in.
Luther Lanard, PC Resolves Franchise Disputes with Precision and Strategy
One of the hallmarks of our practice is resolving franchise-related disputes, whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Our attorneys are known for being assertive, pragmatic, and solutions-driven. We represent franchisees in a wide variety of disputes, including:
Breach of Contract
The franchise agreement is the foundation of your relationship with the franchisor. When either party fails to uphold their obligations, it can lead to significant financial harm and operational disruption. We represent franchisees in cases where franchisors have failed to provide promised training or support, neglected to maintain the brand adequately, or unfairly terminated an agreement.
We meticulously analyze your franchise agreement, identify breaches, and aggressively pursue remedies through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Our goal is to recover damages, enforce the terms of the agreement, or, if necessary, facilitate a favorable exit from the franchise relationship.
Fraud and Unfair Trade Practices
The decision to invest in a franchise is often based on representations made by the franchisor or its sales team. Unfortunately, not all representations are accurate or complete. We assist franchisees who have been victims of fraud or unfair trade practices, such as misrepresentations about earnings potential, misleading Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), or deceptive marketing tactics.
We leverage federal regulations, state franchise investment laws, like California’s Franchise Investment Law, and consumer protection statutes to hold franchisors accountable for their deceptive practices. Our aim is to assist you in rescinding the agreement, recovering your investment, and pursuing compensation for your losses.
Termination and Non-Renewal Disputes
The termination or non-renewal of a franchise agreement can be a devastating blow to a franchisee. Franchisors often hold significant power in these situations, but franchisees have rights. We provide critical legal guidance to navigate the complex process of franchise termination or non-renewal, protecting your rights and interests.
We assess the legitimacy of the franchisor’s grounds for termination, challenge improper actions, and negotiate favorable terms for your departure, including the potential sale or transfer of your franchise and minimizing post-termination obligations like liquidated damages or non-compete clauses.
Exiting a Franchise
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, exiting a franchise becomes the most viable option. This can be a challenging process, as franchise agreements often include stringent terms regarding departure. We provide strategic counsel to franchisees seeking to exit a franchise, exploring all available avenues.
This includes assessing potential claims against the franchisor that we can leverage for a favorable exit, negotiating terms for the sale or transfer of your franchise to a new owner, or negotiating a mutual termination of the agreement. Our focus is on minimizing your financial exposure and helping you transition smoothly to your next venture.
Franchise Encroachment
A common and often damaging dispute arises when a franchisor opens a new corporate-owned or franchised unit too close to an existing franchisee’s protected territory. This encroachment can significantly dilute your customer base and revenue.
We vigorously represent franchisees whose territories have been encroached upon, analyzing the specifics of your franchise agreement’s territorial provisions and applicable state contract laws. We pursue claims for damages and work to prevent further encroachment, protecting your established business.
Lease Disputes
The commercial lease for many franchisees’ physical location is a critical component of their business. Lease disputes can arise with landlords or the franchisor if the franchisor holds the master lease.
We represent franchisees in various lease disputes, including issues related to rent, common area maintenance (CAM) charges, repair and maintenance obligations, assignment and subleasing rights, and lease renewals. Our experience ensures that your lease terms are understood, enforced, and, when necessary, challenged to protect your business operations.
Franchisee Misclassification
The classification of individuals within a franchise system can become a contentious issue in the evolving business landscape. Sometimes, individuals operating within a franchise model may be misclassified as independent contractors or franchisees in name only when they should be legally considered employees of the franchisor.
Conversely, a franchisee might mistakenly be treated as an employee. We analyze these complex relationships to determine proper classification and pursue claims where misclassification has occurred, ensuring our clients receive the legal protections and compensation they are entitled to under labor laws and franchise regulations.
Association and Class Actions
Collective action can be a powerful tool when a franchisor’s harmful actions affect multiple franchisees within a system. We have experience representing franchisees in association and class actions, allowing a group of similarly situated franchisees to combine their resources and legal leverage to pursue claims against a franchisor. This can be particularly effective in addressing systemic issues like widespread misrepresentations, unfair contract terms, or uniform breaches of agreement.
Franchise Agreement Services Near You
In addition to dispute resolution, our Newport Beach firm provides comprehensive agreement-related services to help you make smart, strategic decisions. Whether you are just starting your franchise journey or expanding your portfolio, our attorneys offer the contract review, negotiation, and transactional support you need.
Franchise Agreement Legal Review
The franchise agreement is the foundation of your relationship with the franchisor. Before signing, we conduct a thorough legal review of your FDD and franchise contract, identifying potential red flags, clarifying your obligations, and negotiating more favorable terms when appropriate. Our reviews include:
- Royalty and fee structures
- Territory protections
- Renewal and termination rights
- Personal guarantees
- Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses
- Required vendors and markups
- Dispute resolution provisions
With a clear understanding of these terms, you can make informed decisions that protect your investment and set the stage for a successful franchise relationship.
Multi-Unit and Area Development Agreements
If you are thinking bigger, our team helps franchisees secure and structure multi-unit, area developer, and regional franchise agreements, balancing growth potential with manageable risk. We ensure your agreements provide realistic timelines, achievable development schedules, and enforceable territorial rights.
Business Formation for Franchisees
If you are starting a new franchise business, we help franchisees establish the right legal entity, whether an LLC, corporation, or partnership, to protect personal assets, structure ownership, and set the stage for long-term success.
Lease Review and Negotiation
Franchise success often depends on location. Our franchise law firm near you assists with lease reviews and negotiations, ensuring your commercial lease aligns with your franchise obligations and protects you from common pitfalls. We focus on use restrictions, exclusivity clauses, CAM charges, personal guarantees, and exit strategies.
Buying or Selling a Franchise
Whether you are purchasing a new unit, acquiring an existing franchise, or planning an exit, we guide you through the entire transaction. We conduct investment due diligence, negotiate purchase agreements, and liaise with the franchisor for necessary approvals and document revisions.
Franchise Investment Due Diligence
If you are thinking about buying into a franchise system, we perform thorough franchise due diligence, including:
- Reviewing the FDD
- Investigating litigation history
- Analyzing unit-level economics
- Evaluating franchisor support
- Interviewing current and former franchisees
- Assessing brand reputation and longevity
This helps you make informed decisions before you invest your time and capital.
Outside General Counsel for Franchisees
Some clients retain us as outside general counsel to provide ongoing legal support. Whether you own one franchise or one hundred, we offer cost-effective legal guidance on contracts, compliance, risk management, and employment law for your internal staff. We are your long-term legal partner.
Who We Represent
We have served franchisees from across the globe, including:
- First-time investors in Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Fountain Valley, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Ladera Ranch, Coto de Caza, Lake Forest, Seal Beach, San Clemente, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, Tustin, and throughout Orange County
- International corporations with hundreds of U.S. locations
- Professional multi-unit operators expanding into multiple brands
- Franchise associations and franchisee groups
Our extensive experience across various sectors, including food and beverage, fitness, retail, education, wellness, home services, and hospitality, makes us a trusted legal partner for franchisees at all levels.
Why Choose Luther Lanard, PC for Your Newport Beach Franchisee Needs
When you are searching for a franchise law firm in Newport Beach or anywhere in Orange County you need more than a general business attorney. You need focused attorneys in franchise law who understand the unique legal challenges franchisees face. That is precisely who you will find at Luther Lanard, PC.
- Deep franchise experience: With more than 50 years of combined legal experience, our team brings unmatched insight into both transactional and dispute-side franchise matters. We have guided hundreds of franchisees, from first-time investors to multi-unit operators, in everything from reviewing franchise agreements to resolving franchise encroachment and breach of contract issues.
- Crafted for franchisees, by franchisees: Our mission is to help franchisees solve their legal issues. We pair in-house experience with entrepreneurial understanding. Attorney Nancy Lanard is a business owner who has served as in-house counsel, providing us with a unique perspective on how franchisors operate. This means we are not just advocates but thoughtful strategists who speak the same language as the other side.
- Creative, solution-oriented approach: At Luther Lanard, PC, we strive to craft win-win outcomes whenever possible and will litigate when necessary. Our mission emphasizes strategic creativity and a commitment to delivering results efficiently, backed by a track record of over $20 million in judgments and settlements.
- Local presence and national reach: Based in Newport Beach, with additional offices in Pennsylvania and Florida, we represent franchisees nationwide and internationally. Our local team possesses an in-depth understanding of Orange County’s commercial real estate market and court systems, along with California-specific franchise regulations.
- Personalized solutions for franchisees: We are a boutique firm, but we think big. That means personalized attention coupled with top-tier experience, not mass production. Our flat-fee structure for many franchise agreement reviews ensures value without surprises.
- Recognized excellence in franchise law: Our attorneys are recognized leaders in franchise law. Nancy Lanard has earned 12 consecutive Franchise Times Legal Eagle honors, and Doug Luther and Bryan Dillon are Certified Specialists in Franchise and Distribution Law through the State Bar of California. We also hold top peer-review ratings, including AV Preeminent from Martindale-Hubbell.
With vast experience, creative legal strategies, a firm commitment to franchisee clients, and a proven track record of success, Luther Lanard, PC is uniquely qualified to protect your investment and advance your business goals.
What to Expect When You Contact Our Franchise Law Firm
If you are searching for franchise law firms near you in Newport Beach or Orange County, here is how Luther Lanard, PC, can help:
- Initial consultation: We will discuss your franchise goals, review any current issues, and determine how we can assist.
- Document review: We will conduct a detailed review and outline key risks for agreements, leases, or purchase documents.
- Strategic advice: We will guide you through your options, potential outcomes, and legal strategies, enabling you to move forward with clarity.
- Ongoing representation: We will tailor our services to your needs, whether you require assistance with a specific issue or long-term legal support.
At every stage, our goal is to provide clear, practical guidance and trusted advocacy so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Contact Our Newport Beach Franchise Law Firms Near Me Law Firm
Franchising can be one of the most rewarding paths to entrepreneurship, but only if you protect your legal rights from the start. Whether you are reviewing a new agreement, resolving a dispute, or building a multi-unit empire, Luther Lanard, PC is here to help.
Contact our experienced franchise lawyers in Newport Beach today or complete our online form to schedule a confidential consultation. We will put the law to work for your business.