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Franchise Law Services

Accurate, Up to Date, information from a well known and experienced franchise attorney.

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Whether you are a franchisor or franchisee, or exploring either one of these options, JohnstonVanderpool is a full-service franchise firm.  Our firm’s philosophy is to provide excellent service in a relaxed atmosphere.  We have flat fee pricing on many of our franchise services.  Our attorneys have represented brands in all industries and of all sizes for both franchisors and franchisees.  Our franchise expert James “Duke” Johnston has over 25 years of experience representing several major international franchises as in house general counsel.  He has spent the last 5 years in private practice representing both franchisors and franchisees.  He has seen most of what there is to be seen in the franchising arena and knows the traps, pitfalls, and areas of concern.

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Franchisor Representation

If you are an existing franchisor, are you looking to make your legal processes more efficient than what the big firms can provide? Do you want extensive experience at a reasonable cost?

 

From FDD’s to franchise agreements, franchisee disputes to managing complex litigation, JohnstonVanderpool PLLC will provide the service, experience, and efficiency that only a boutique franchising law firm can provide. Duke has handled all aspects of major franchisors legal needs for many years.  Franchising is second nature to Duke and he will understand your issue as if he were your inside general counsel.  In fact, JohnstonVanderpool PLLC offers franchising General Counsel services so that for a reasonable monthly fee, Duke can be available to you to touch base as if he were your inside general counsel.  The ability to use such an experienced attorney as a sounding board can potentially save franchisors thousands of dollars and keep the company out of expensive litigation.   

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If you are an existing franchisor, are you looking to make your legal processes more efficient than what the big firms can provide? Do you want extensive experience at a reasonable cost?

 

If you are considering franchising your business, then Duke has assisted in starting several successful franchise brands.  It is a very complex process that has great potential reward, but also great business and personal financial risk.  If a franchise is sold incorrectly, you could lose your business and have personal financial liability.  And you may be selling a franchise even if you think you are not.  Also, there are other options besides selling a franchise that might be worth looking at, like selling a license or business opportunity. Duke can discuss these and other options with you so that you can minimize liability and maximize your chances of success.

Click here to check out our General Counsel services.

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Frachisee Services

If you are considering purchasing a franchise and making a major investment of money, time, and effort, then investing in a franchising attorney could make the difference between a successful business adventure and a financial and emotional disaster.  A franchise agreement and franchise disclosure document are complicated documents with lots of esoteric terms that have considerable financial and legal responsibilities tied to them.  If the franchise agreement is not analyzed correctly and negotiated by someone who has seen thousands of them, then you risk getting into something that you did not understand and that cost you down the road enough for you to lose your franchise and owe the franchisor money.  That is the last thing you want to happen.  JohnstonVanderpool can guide you through the franchise disclosure document and the franchise negotiating process to help you see the important meanings behind the various terms of the franchise agreement.  Then you can make an informed decision on a particular franchise opportunity and negotiate the best terms.  You will also have peace of mind knowing that you have an experienced advocate at your side. 

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If you are already a franchisee and have an issue with your franchisor, then JohnstonVanderpool can clarify your rights and responsibilities, inform you of your risks, and help you communicate with the franchisor from a position of strength.  Sometimes, just getting an experienced attorney in the field smooths out communications and brings a matter to resolution in a faster manner.  JohnstonVanderpool is ready to help move you through the franchising process you can get back to doing what you do best.  Contact us and we will be happy to discuss your particular situation in an expedited fashion.

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