International Franchise Law Firm in Washington D.C.

Our firm represents international franchisees in negotiations and dispute resolution proceedings involving U.S.-based franchisors and suppliers. With more than 30 years of franchise law experience, and with experience representing franchisees on four continents and in virtually all major franchise systems, we are trusted representatives for franchisees worldwide who need a franchise lawyer in the United States.

About the Goldstein Law Firm

Based in Washington D.C., our firm is dedicated to franchisee and dealer representation. Our firm’s founder, attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein, is admitted to practice in multiple states and in federal courts across the country, and routinely represents clients in a broad range of franchise-related legal disputes. Mr. Goldstein also provides strategic representation for initial and renewal franchise agreement negotiations, calling upon his decades of litigation experience to help his clients negotiate potentially-costly terms.

We have earned an international reputation for our commitment to franchisee-only representation. Some of our recent awards and accolades include:

  • Best Law Firm for Franchise Disputes – Acquisition International
  • Chosen Law Firm for Commercial Litigation – Lead Counsel
  • Franchise Law Firm of the Year – Finance Monthly
  • Franchise Law Firm of the Year – Lawyers of Distinction
  • Recommended Firm in Franchise Litigation – Global Law Experts
  • Top Attorney USA – Litigation – Who’s Who Top Attorney
  • Top Franchise Litigator for Franchisees and Dealers – Leaders in Law

The Importance of Franchisee-Only Representation

Our firm is one of only four in the United States that only represents franchisees, not franchisors. When seeking representation for franchise litigation, this distinction is critical. Providing legal representation to both franchisors and franchisees involves certain inherent conflicts of interest; and, frequently, lawyers in these firms are far more loyal to their franchisor clients (who pay large monthly legal bills).

Learn more: The Four Kinds of Franchise Lawyers (and Which One is Right for You).

Our Areas of Practice

We represent international franchisees and dealers in all franchise-related legal matters. Whether you are considering a franchise with a U.S.-based franchisor, need to renew your franchise rights, or are concerned about potential litigation in the United States, it is important that you seek legal representation promptly. When you contact us, we will make arrangements for you to meet with Mr. Goldstein as soon as possible regarding your legal needs. Our areas of practice include:

We offer a variety of flexible fee options, and every engagement begins with a free and confidential consultation. We want to make sure you understand your options and feel confident in your choice of representation before you start incurring legal expenses.

Representing International Franchisees in the United States

We have represented many foreign citizens seeking to invest in franchises in the United States. We have also represented numerous foreign citizens in franchise disputes and litigation involving U.S. franchisors.

As a foreign citizen, evaluating competing franchises, conducting due diligence and negotiating the franchise agreement can all present particular challenges. But, investing in a franchise in the U.S. – whether through an E-2 investor visa or other means – can also open up a wealth of opportunities. Whether you currently reside in the United States or you intend to relocate to the U.S. to open a franchised business, Mr. Goldstein can provide advice and representation every step of the way.

Mr. Goldstein can also provide advice and representation if you are facing a dispute with a U.S. franchisor. Mr. Goldstein has decades of experience in mediation, arbitration, and litigation at the state and federal levels. He has successfully litigated on behalf of international franchisees in a broad range of industries, and he takes a cost-conscious approach focused on achieving favorable results as efficiently as possible.  

Representing U.S. Franchisees Investing in Foreign Brands in the U.S.

If you are planning to invest in a foreign brand that is franchising in the United States, this also requires special consideration. While some foreign franchisors invest in ensuring compliance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Franchise Rule and state franchise disclosure and relationship laws, others do not. This means that the quality and appropriateness of foreign Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) and franchise agreements for use in the U.S. are far from uniform.

Often, foreign franchisors will rely on U.S.-based “regional developers” or “master franchisees” who may or may not provide services to unit-level operators. Investing in an international franchise requires comprehensive due diligence and careful decision-making. As a result, it is important to seek representation from an attorney with specific experience handling international franchise matters.

Representing U.S. Franchises Investing in Foreign Brands Abroad

If you are a U.S. citizen and you are seeking to invest in a foreign brand abroad, there are many unique considerations you need to address in this scenario as well. Franchise laws vary drastically between countries, and in some countries, the law provides extremely limited protections for franchisees. International franchise agreements can also contain very different terms from those used in the United States. So, here too, it is imperative to rely on the advice of a franchise attorney who has specific experience representing U.S. franchisees abroad.

In addition to assisting with the purchase of foreign franchises, Mr. Goldstein also provides legal representation for U.S. franchisees facing disputes with international franchisors. Mr. Goldstein works with local counsel in foreign jurisdictions as necessary, bringing his deep knowledge of U.S. and international franchise laws to the table. Similar to legal rights and remedies, court rules and procedures also vary amongst international jurisdictions—and in many foreign jurisdictions, they are wholly unlike the rules and procedures followed in U.S. state and federal courts. With his international experience, Mr. Goldstein is able to strategically advise franchisees while also working effectively with local counsel abroad. 

Contact Us About Your International Franchise

For more information about our firm or our areas of practice, please contact us to schedule a complimentary initial consultation with franchise attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein. You can reach our law offices worldwide at (202) 293-3947, or send us your contact information and a member of our firm will contact you as soon as possible.

Lawyer USA

Super Lawyers

Lawyer USA

Complex Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year – USA

Lawyer USA

Complex Commercial Distribution Litigation Representative

Lawyer USA

Antitrust & Franchise Law Firm of the Year – Washington DC

Lawyer USA

Best Franchise Lawyer of the Year – New York

Lawyer USA

Best for Franchise Disputes – USA

Lawyer USA

Complex Commercial Litigation Law (Franchisees and Dealers) 2021 – USA

Lawyer USA

Antitrust and Franchise Law Firm of the Year in DC

Lawyer USA

Leading Professionals in Law

Lawyer USA

Franchise Law
in the District of Columbia

Lawyer USA

Franchise Law Firm
of the Year – USA

Lawyer International

Lawyer International
Legal 100
2018

Lawyer International

Lawyer International
Legal 100
2019

ACQ5 LAW AWARDS 2019

US (New York)
Franchise Lawyer
of the Year
ACQ5 GLOBAL AWARDS 2019, JEFF GOLDSTEIN, GOLDSTEIN LAW FIRM, PLLC

ACQ5 LAW AWARDS 2019

US (New York)
Franchise Law Firm
of the Year
ACQ5 GLOBAL AWARDS 2019, GOLDSTEIN LAW FIRM, PLLC

Lawyers of Distinction logo

2020 Power Lawyers

Esteemed Lawyers of America Logo

Esteemed Law Firm Complex Litigation

Global Law Experts Logo

Recommended Firm in Franchise Litigation

Who's Who Attorney Logo

Top Attorney USA – Litigation

Avvo Franchise Lawyer Symbol

Superior Attorney in Franchising

Avvo Franchise Lawyer Symbol

Superior Attorney in Antitrust

Finance Monthly Global Award Winner Logo

Franchise Law Firm of the Year

Lead Counsel logo

Chosen Law Firm for Commercial Litigation

BBB of Washington DC

A+ Rated

Washington DC Chamber of Commerce

Verified Member

Lawyers of Distinction logo

Franchise Law Firm of the Year

ISSUU

Best Law Firm for Franchise Disputes in 2017

Law Awards Finanace Monthly

Franchise Law Firm of the Year - 2017

Top Franchise Litigator for Franchisees and Dealers

Top Franchise Litigator for Franchisees and Dealers

2017 Finance Monthly Award

2017 Finance Monthly Award

ACQ5 LAW AWARDS 2018

Franchise Law Firm
of the Year
ACQ5 LAW AWARDS 2018

ACQ5 LAW AWARDS 2019

Franchise Law Firm
of the Year
ACQ5 LAW AWARDS 2019

Franchise Law Firm of the Year

Franchise Law Firm of the Year

Franchise Law Firm of the Year

Franchise Law Firm of the Year
Global Awards 2017

Global Law Experts

Franchise Law Firm
of the Year
in New York – 2019

Finance Monthly Law Awards - 2018

Finance Monthly Law Awards - 2018

Franchise Law Firm of the Year

Franchise Law Firm
of the Year
Global Awards 2018

Contact Us

Goldstein Law Firm, PLLC

1629 K St. NW, Suite 300,
Washington, DC 20006

Phone: 202-293-3947
Fax: 202-315-2514

Free Consultation

Downtown Chicago Office

30 South Wacker Drive 22nd Floor #3341,
Chicago, IL 60606

Phone: 312-382-8327

Free Consultation

Free Consultation