Franchise Lawyer in PA

Franchising can be a great way to grow a business, enter an established market, and build wealth with the backing of a national or international brand. However, for franchisees, the relationship with the franchisor is rarely an equal one. The legal documents are long, complex, and typically written by the franchisor’s attorneys, focusing on their interests rather than yours. This is why you need our experienced franchise lawyer in PA law firm to be on your side.

At Luther Lanard, PC, we represent franchisees, not franchisors. Whether you are considering purchasing a single unit or managing hundreds of locations across multiple states, our goal is to level the playing field. We help franchisees make smart, informed decisions from day one and stand ready to aggressively protect their rights if disputes arise. Our experienced franchise lawyers provide trusted guidance to franchise owners across Pennsylvania, throughout the U.S., and around the world.

Why You Need a Franchise Lawyer Who Represents Franchisees

Many law firms advertise franchise law services, but few limit their practice to franchisees. We do so because franchisees face specific legal risks and challenges that require a focused and strategic approach. Our clients are the ones taking on the financial risk, managing the day-to-day operations, and navigating complex relationships with large franchisors.

We understand what is at stake, and because we never represent franchisors, our loyalty is never divided. We work exclusively to protect your business, investment, and future if you are buying into a franchise system, negotiating lease terms, or facing a legal battle.

Our Lawyers Offer Comprehensive Legal Services for Pennsylvania Franchisees

Our firm provides a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the needs of franchisees at every stage of their business, from pre-investment legal reviews to high-stakes litigation. Below are the core services we provide:

Franchise Agreement Legal Review

Before signing any franchise agreement, it is crucial to understand every clause, obligation, and restriction. We conduct thorough legal reviews of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) and franchise agreements, identifying areas of concern and negotiating more favorable terms when possible. Our reviews cover:

Hidden fees and royalties
Territorial protections and exclusivity
Renewal and termination clauses
Personal guarantees and liability exposure
Vendor requirements and markups
Dispute resolution provisions

Do not let fine print become a future trap. Let us equip you with the knowledge to make informed and confident investment decisions.

Multi-Unit Franchise Agreements

If you are scaling your business through multi-unit development or area representative agreements, understand that these contracts involve greater complexity and risk. We help multi-unit franchisees:

Negotiate phased development schedules
Protect unit exclusivity rights
Understand performance obligations and benchmarks
Safeguard exit options
Avoid burdensome commitments to underperforming markets

Whether you plan to open five units or five hundred, we will help structure agreements that support your long-term goals.

Buying and Selling Franchises

Our team represents franchisees on both sides of franchise transactions, from due diligence to closing. We assist buyers by:

Reviewing financials and operations
Assessing lease and vendor obligations
Negotiating favorable purchase terms
Performing franchise agreement assignments

For sellers, we:

Guide you through franchisor approval processes
Help navigate transfer restrictions
Draft asset or stock purchase agreements
Protect you from lingering liabilities post-sale

If you are buying or selling a franchise unit or portfolio, we will help you avoid surprises and close the deal with confidence.

Franchise Disputes and Litigation

Franchise relationships are not always smooth. When conflicts arise, we are aggressive, experienced advocates for franchisee rights. We handle franchise litigation and disputes involving:

Breach of Contract: Franchisors that fail to deliver promised support, miscalculate royalties, or otherwise violate the agreement
Fraud and Unfair Trade Practices: Misrepresentations during the sales process or deceptive conduct in operations
Termination and Non-Renewal: Wrongful or retaliatory termination of franchise agreements
Franchise Encroachment: Violation of territory protections through new locations, delivery service, or online sales
Lease Disputes: Conflicts with landlords over commercial leases tied to the franchise
Misclassification: Misclassified licensees and franchisees
Association and Class Actions: Group legal actions against systemic franchisor abuses or unfair policies

If you are facing a dispute with your franchisor or a third party, we will help you understand your legal options and fight to protect your business.

Exiting a Franchise

Leaving a franchise system is not always easy, but it is sometimes necessary. Whether your business is underperforming, you are in a hostile relationship with your franchisor, or you have received an unfair franchise termination notice, we provide guidance on how to exit with minimal damage. We help clients:

Negotiate early terminations
Limit liability for liquidated damages, unpaid royalties and fees
Transfer or sell the unit to a new buyer
Challenge illegal or retaliatory terminations
Respond to default notices or termination threats

You do not have to accept unreasonable penalties or walk away with nothing. We will help you protect your rights and financial future.

Lease Review and Negotiation

A bad lease can undermine even the strongest franchise. We work with franchisees to review, negotiate, and resolve issues in commercial leases, whether tied to a franchised location or independently negotiated. Our lease services include:

Reviewing landlord buildout and maintenance responsibilities
Negotiating rent escalations, CAM charges, and term length
Ensuring proper assignment and subletting rights
Coordinating lease terms with franchise obligations

When disputes arise, we are prepared to litigate or negotiate with landlords to protect your occupancy and investment.

Business Formation for Franchisees

Choosing the right legal structure is critical for liability protection, tax planning, and compliance with franchise requirements. We help franchisees set up:

LLCs and corporations
Multi-entity structures for asset protection
Partnerships or joint ventures for multi-unit owners
Operating agreements aligned with franchise obligations

We also confirm that your formation documents satisfy the franchisor’s requirements and provide you with the necessary room to grow.

Investment Due Diligence

Buying into a franchise is a major financial decision. We provide in-depth legal and business due diligence to help you thoroughly vet the franchise system before committing. Our process includes:

Analyzing the FDD and franchise agreement
Researching franchise litigation history
Interviewing current and former franchisees
Reviewing financial disclosures and obligations
Identifying red flags and hidden risks

We help clients determine whether the franchise is sustainable, whether support is sufficient, and whether promises align realistically.

Outside General Counsel for Franchisees

Running a franchise can involve a constant stream of legal issues, from contract review to regulatory compliance. We serve as outside general counsel for franchisees who want ongoing legal support without hiring a full-time in-house lawyer. Our services include:

Contract negotiation and vendor disputes
Risk management and compliance
Crisis response and dispute resolution
General business counseling and strategy

We are your legal partner, available when you need us, and invested in your success. In addition to providing ongoing support, we also serve franchisees at every scale and across a wide range of industries.

Who Our PA Franchise Lawyers Represent

Our franchise clients range from individual entrepreneurs investing in their first unit to large corporations owning hundreds of franchised locations. We have worked with franchisees across various industries, including:

Quick-service and full-service restaurants
Retail chains
Health and wellness services
Automotive repair and maintenance
Education and tutoring franchises
Fitness studios and gyms
Hospitality and lodging
Home services and cleaning businesses
Gas stations

Whether you operate a single location in Pennsylvania or manage dozens of units nationwide, we understand your challenges and know how to help.

Why Choose Luther Lanard, PC for Your Pennsylvania Franchise Law Services?

When you partner with our franchise attorneys in Pennsylvania, you gain a strategic ally who understands the high-stakes, high-risk nature of franchise ownership. Here is why our clients choose our franchise law firm:

Franchise-Centered Advocacy: Unlike many firms that split loyalties, our exclusive dedication to franchisees ensures our unwavering focus remains on protecting your interests.
Deep Industry Knowledge: From everyday nuisances to disputes that threaten your livelihood, we have a comprehensive understanding of the franchise landscape and are equipped to address every challenge and change.
Proactive and Creative Legal Solutions: We utilize our proficiency to efficiently achieve results and think creatively to deliver solutions that position franchisees for long-term success.
We Speak Softly but Carry a Big Stick: While we often pursue win-win, negotiated outcomes that preserve franchise relationships, we do not hesitate to litigate when a franchisor or third party refuses to act in good faith. Our aggressive approach has yielded over $20 million in favorable judgments and settlements.
Your Success Is Our Success: We aim to guide you into the right franchise opportunity, help you avoid problems, and fight fiercely when disputes arise.
Nationwide Experience, Local Presence: With offices on both coasts, including our Montgomery County, PA location, we offer a rare blend of local grounding and national reach.

If you are a PA franchisee seeking proactive, aggressive counsel with a track record of success, our Montgomery County office is ready to be your legal partner on your terms.

How Much Does a PA Franchise Attorney Cost?

At Luther Lanard, PC, we believe that franchisees deserve top-tier legal counsel without breaking the bank. That is why we offer transparent, value-focused pricing designed to match your needs and budget. For many common services, such as franchise agreement reviews, business formation, or lease reviews, we offer flat-fee packages, so you know exactly what to expect with no billing surprises.

For more complex matters, like litigation, multi-unit agreements, or large transactions, we provide clear estimates and flexible fee arrangements, always keeping you informed and in control. As noted in our mission, we aim to efficiently obtain results and protect your bottom line while delivering exceptional legal service. We scale our services to meet your needs without compromising quality or commitment. We will work with you to structure a legal strategy and pricing model that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and growth trajectory.

Do You Really Need a Lawyer to Buy a Franchise?

Yes, you do need an attorney to buy a franchise, and here is why. Buying a franchise is a long-term legal commitment with significant financial and operational consequences. Franchisors typically present prospective franchisees with lengthy legal documents that their lawyers draft to protect them.

Without a franchise lawyer in PA, you may be signing a contract that is heavily stacked against you without even realizing it. At Luther Lanard, PC, we focus exclusively on helping franchisees navigate this critical phase. Here is how we support you during the franchise purchase process:

We Explain What You Are Signing

The franchise agreement is the foundation of your business relationship. It governs everything from fees and royalties to territory, marketing requirements, renewal terms, and dispute procedures. We break down every obligation and restriction, so you understand exactly what you are signing and what it will mean for you in the years to come.

We Identify Red Flags

Even well-known franchise systems can bury unreasonable or one-sided terms deep in their documents. We thoroughly review your FDD and franchise agreement, flagging:

Hidden fees or aggressive royalty structures
Restrictive non-compete clauses
Weak or non-existent territorial protections
Termination clauses that favor the franchisor
Personal guarantees that expose your assets
Tedious vendor and supply chain obligations

We Help You Negotiate Better Terms

While many franchise agreements are non-negotiable in theory, in practice, some terms can often be improved, especially when franchisors are eager to close a deal or when dealing with emerging or startup franchisors. We know where there is room to negotiate and how to approach those conversations strategically. Your ability to shape the contract may be greater than you think.

We Perform Due Diligence

The FDD includes hundreds of pages of disclosures, but not all of them are straightforward. We investigate:

Pending or historical litigation
Franchisee turnover rates
Item 19 earnings claims
Territory saturation risks
Support and training commitments

We Give You a Reality Check

We are here to protect you and not to push you into a bad investment. If your legal review reveals that the franchisor is litigious, unstable, or routinely exploits franchisees, we will tell you honestly and help you evaluate other options. We aim to help franchisees establish the right franchise relationship and avoid problems.

Consult with a Franchise Lawyer in PA Today

Franchisees often do not receive a fair shake, but with Luther Lanard, PC, in your corner, you can take control of your investment and protect your rights. If you are a franchisee in Montgomery County or anywhere else in the U.S. or abroad, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Whether you are reviewing a new opportunity or fighting to defend your business, our franchise lawyers in PA are here to help you succeed on your terms.