You’ve found a franchise opportunity that does it for you. The concept seems brilliant, the branding is razor-sharp, and you can already envision a wildly-successful grand opening. It feels like the perfect fit. But...
Franchise Legalities And Franchise Lawyers
Joel Libava
Do You Need a Franchise Lawyer?
(This stressed out aspiring franchisee clearly needs to hire a franchise lawyer!) You’ve found a franchise you’re pumped about. The brand looks solid. The numbers seem right. The franchisor’s sales rep...
Top Franchise Research Guide
How To Get Free Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD’s) in 2026
Spoiler Alert! Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD’s) are free. That’s right. The super important FDD documents that franchisors need to provide aspiring franchisees with won’t cost you a dime. Why...
The Risks and Consequences of Not Hiring a Franchise Attorney
Thinking about moving forward with franchise ownership without legal guidance? My experience in franchising tells me that doing that is like navigating a minefield blindfolded. In this post, I’ll explore why not...
New York is Trying to Force Big Fast Food Franchises to Share the Risk
The state of New York has introduced major legislation affecting the quick-service industry. This proposal (Senate Bill S7289), creates the “New York State Fast Food Franchisor Accountability Act.” It’s currently...
Finding an Experienced Franchise Attorney Just Got a Whole Lot Easier
After 24+ years in the franchise industry, I’ve seen too many people make the same costly error: signing franchise agreements without getting them reviewed by a qualified, experienced franchise attorney. So I...
10 Reasons Why Aspiring Franchisors Need a Seasoned Franchise Attorney
Turning your successful independent business into a franchise isn’t just scaling. It’s entering an entirely different legal and professional universe. That being said, here’s why you need expert...
10 Reasons Why Aspiring Franchisees Need a Great Franchise Attorney
As an aspiring franchisee, you may be about to invest $200,000 or more into your future. Congratulations! But you need to know something. The franchisor who you’re about to partner with has high-level franchise...
How to Choose the Right Franchise Attorney: The 5 Essential Questions You Need to Ask
If you want to learn how to choose the right franchise attorney, read this entire post. Because finding and choosing a franchise lawyer shouldn’t be a shot in the dark. Bottom line? Whether you’re...
How To Read The Franchise Disclosure Document (And Spot Red Flags)
Learning how to read a Franchise Disclosure Document is one of the things standing between you and a couple hundred thousand dollar mistake. (Yikes!) And while a good number of aspiring franchisees tend to skim through...
Should Your Franchise/Small Business Be An LLC?
Deciding on the right structure (business entity) for your new franchise or independent business can feel like a giant puzzle with way too many pieces. But you’re not alone. That’s why I decided to talk...
The Top 10 Reasons To Pay Legal Fees To A Franchise Attorney
Franchise business ownership is an exciting endeavor that offers you the opportunity to leverage a proven business model. But there will be legal fees involved (if you do it right). That’s because some aspects of...
Did Your Franchisor Lie To You? Report It Here.
This is long overdue. Lesley Fair, an attorney who works for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), wants you to report any potential fraudulent activity you feel your franchisor has engaged in. In other words, if you feel...
Should Your Franchise/Small Business Be An S Corp?
These days, it’s pretty common to set up an S Corp for a franchise, or other small business. For instance, my small business is an S-Corp. And thanks to my friend, Sue, I had it changed from an LLC years ago. And...
