The Goldstein Law Firm is one of only a limited number of national franchise law firms that devotes its practice exclusively to representing franchisees and dealers. Why is this important? Franchising is a complex and unique area of the law, and lawyers who practice in other areas often simply will not have enough time to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the law and the franchise industry. When lawyers represent franchisees and franchisors (which usually means that they mostly represent franchisors), they may actually devote much of their time to creating new law that disadvantages franchisees.
For more than 30 years, firm founder Jeffrey M. Goldstein has been devoted to protecting the interests of franchisees and dealers. Today, the Goldstein Law Firm actively represents new and established franchisees in the following areas:
Franchise Agreement and FDD Review
When you become a candidate for a franchise, the franchisor will provide you with a copy of its franchise agreement and Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). As part of your due diligence, it is critical to have these documents reviewed by an experienced attorney. At the Goldstein Law Firm, we offer flat-fee franchise reviews that focus on identifying potential issues and points for negotiation, and comparing your chosen franchise opportunity against industry standards.
Franchisee Groups and Associations
We represent groups of franchisees and formal franchisee associations in disputes with their franchisors. By joining together, franchisees with shared interests can often increase their leverage in negotiations while also saving on legal fees. Of course, aligning will not always be in franchisees’ best interests, and we can advise you of the risks and limitations involved in forming a group or joining an association as well.
Franchise Renewals
As a franchisee, the renewal process begins well before the expiration date of your franchise agreement. Most franchise agreements require weeks or months of advance notice, and there are likely numerous steps you will need to take (at your expense) in order to exercise your “right” to renew. At the Goldstein Law Firm, we can help you understand your obligations upon renewal and negotiate your renewal franchise agreement.
Franchise Disputes and Litigation
A significant portion of our practice is devoted to representing franchisees in disputes with their franchisors and in franchise litigation. We have significant experience in informal dispute resolution, arbitration proceedings and litigation in both state and federal court, and have successfully represented franchisees against some of the largest franchisors in the world.
Franchise Terminations
Whether you are seeking to exit a franchise system or your franchisor is trying to force you out, the Goldstein Law Firm can represent you during the termination process. Since it can be much more challenging to address termination-related issues after your franchise ends, it is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. We regularly represent franchisees who are facing:
- Wrongful franchise terminations
- Wrongful franchise non-renewals
- Default-based terminations
- Situations in which they are seeking to terminate their franchise agreements
Contact the Goldstein Law Firm – A Franchise Law Firm
If you are considering a franchise opportunity, facing renewal or termination, or preparing for a dispute with your franchisor, contact the Goldstein Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation. To speak with national franchise attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein in confidence, call 202-293-3947 or contact us online today.