Defending Franchisees Against Power Imbalances in the Franchise System
Jeffrey M. Goldstein, Franchise Attorney, leads The Goldstein Law Firm, one of the few national law practices that represents franchisees and dealers exclusively—never franchisors.
With over 30 years of specialized experience, including working at the Federal Trade Commission and top-tier international corporate firms, Jeff approaches franchise law with a singular focus: protecting the interests of franchisees in a system where the deck is often stacked against them.
The Practice Focus of Jeffrey M. Goldstein, Franchise Attorney
Jeff’s practice spans the full lifecycle of franchise ownership, from initial agreement review to complex litigation involving wrongful termination, antitrust violations, and unfair trade practices.
See for yourself:
Pre-Investment and Transactional Services:
- FDD Analysis and Agreement Review: Thorough evaluation of Franchise Disclosure Documents and franchise agreements before you commit
- Negotiation Strategy: Identifying opportunities to modify terms during the review period (many franchisors negotiate despite claiming otherwise)
- Investment Advisory: Strategic counsel on whether a specific franchise opportunity aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance
- Renewal Negotiations: Protecting your interests when franchise terms come up for renewal
- Mergers and Acquisitions: Representing franchisees in buying, selling, or transferring franchise operations
Franchise Litigation and Dispute Resolution from Jeffrey M. Goldstein, Franchise Attorney:
- Wrongful Termination Defense: Aggressive representation when franchisors threaten or execute improper terminations
- Non-Renewal Disputes: Fighting for your rights when franchisors refuse to renew without legitimate cause
- Franchise Default Claims: Defending against allegations of system violations and protecting your business
- Mediation and Arbitration: Expert representation in alternative dispute resolution proceedings required by most franchise agreements
Antitrust and Competition Law:
- Price-Fixing Claims: Challenging illegal agreements that restrict your pricing freedom
- Tying Arrangements: Fighting requirements that force you to purchase goods or services from designated suppliers
- Restraint of Trade: Addressing non-compete and territorial restrictions that unfairly limit your business
- Customer and Territory Restrictions: Protecting your market against franchisor overreach
Unfair Trade Practices and Fraud:
- FDD Misrepresentation: Pursuing claims based on false or misleading statements in disclosure documents
- Oral Fraud Claims: Holding franchisors accountable for promises made during the sales process
- Deceptive Market Conduct: Challenging unfair business practices that harm franchisee operations
- Discriminatory Treatment: Addressing unequal application of system standards or support across franchisees
And more.
Jeffery M. Goldstein Provides The Exclusive Franchisee Representation Difference
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: most franchise attorneys who claim to represent franchisees also represent franchisors. They’ll tell you they only work with “good” franchisors, or that dual practice gives them valuable insight.
Jeff sees it differently. And his 30-year track record backs up why.
Franchisors have deeper pockets than individual franchisees. Law firms naturally gravitate toward the side that pays bigger retainers. When high-stakes litigation arrives, those “hidden conceptual conflicts of interest” can become real obstacles to aggressive franchisee representation.
Jeff has never represented a franchisor. Not once in three decades.
This isn’t marketing—it’s a strategic advantage. There’s no second-guessing about whose interests come first. No concern about whether your attorney’s advocacy will be tempered by franchisor relationships.
When you’re facing wrongful termination or challenging fraudulent FDD misrepresentations, you need a franchise lawyer who knows every franchisor tactic, because he’s spent his entire career countering them.
Client Testimonials
“Jeffrey Goldstein was excellent! I am extremely happy I hired him to handle my case. Due to his overall knowledge he was able to skillfully navigate my way out of a bad situation caused by a franchisor. He put the time in to fully understand my case, and he prepared me well. It was impressive to see him operate. I am forever grateful to Jeffrey, and would recommend him to any franchisee.”
– Scott T.
“You were quick, efficient and effective. I am very glad I retained you to review my franchise agreement and FDD before I signed it, as you caught many things that I wouldn’t have. You saved us a lot of headaches and perhaps my business in the future.”
– Single-Unit Franchisee with no prior franchise experience
“Without your assistance the franchisor would have taken our restaurant back without paying us a dime. Your tenacity kept their feet to the fire and they finally allowed us the opportunity to sell the store and come out of the situation whole.”
– Multi-Unit Franchisee
Franchise Lawyer, Jeffrey Goldstein: From Working for the FTC to Franchisee Advocacy
Jeff’s legal career began at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the Economics Policy and Regulation Office, serving as Assistant to the Deputy Director of the Bureau of Competition. This role involved complex trials regarding anti-competitive conduct…the exact issues plaguing many franchise systems today.
He then spent eleven years representing Fortune 500 corporations in antitrust and distribution disputes at Skadden, Arps and Morgan, Lewis. This showed him exactly how major franchisors use resources, legal strategies, and contract provisions to maintain control over smaller business owners.
The result?
That insider knowledge now serves franchisees exclusively.
Educational Background of Jeffery M. Goldstein
- Boston University – Joint JD-MA in Economics (only graduate in university history to earn this dual degree)
- Bucknell University – BA in Philosophy and Economics (magna cum laude)
Bar Admissions: Licensed in all 50 states through direct bar membership or pro hac vice admission
International Practice: Represents franchisees globally, including clients in the Middle East, England, and South America.
Jeff’s Professional Recognition
Industry Awards:
- Complex Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year – USA
- Antitrust & Franchise Law Firm of the Year – Washington DC
- Legal Eagles (2020-2023): One of only three national firms representing franchisees exclusively
- Franchise Lawyer of the Year and Franchise Law Firm of the Year (ACQ5 Global Awards)
Franchisees: This is When to Contact the Goldstein Law Firm
Before You Invest: You’re evaluating a franchise opportunity and need objective FDD analysis, want to understand what you’re actually agreeing to, or need investment advisory counsel on franchise financial viability.
During Operations: Your franchisor is treating you differently than other franchisees, you’re facing renewal, system changes are impacting profitability, or you’re considering selling your franchise.
When Disputes Arise: You’ve received default or termination notices, you’re being forced to purchase from designated suppliers at inflated prices, you believe you were defrauded during sales, or you’re facing non-compete enforcement.
Contact and Hire Jeffrey M. Goldstein
Goldstein Law Firm, PLLC
1629 K St. NW, Suite 300,
Washington, DC 20006
202-293-3947
Goldstein Law Firm, PLLC
30 South Wacker Drive 22nd Floor #3341,
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312-382-8327