Attorney Representing Chicago Franchisees
Whether downtown, by the airport or out in the suburbs, in Chicago, there is no shortage of viable locations for retail-based franchisees. Chicago’s status as a tourist destination, sports haven and business center means that there are opportunities for franchise owners in virtually all industries, and in recent years, the city has seen significant growth in terms of the number of franchised outlets that are open for business. However, if you are considering a franchise in Chicago, or if you are currently a Chicago-based franchisee, it is important to understand that not all franchisees find success. In fact, a significant of franchisees fail – often within the first few years of operation. While there are numerous factors that contribute to the number of unsuccessful franchisees, one of the most-common issues is a lack of support from the franchisor; or the lack of a consultation with a Chicago franchise attorney.
Whether you currently own a franchise or are thinking about venturing into the world of franchising, understanding how Illinois and federal laws protect franchisees is critical to making informed decisions and mitigating your risk of loss. From knowing what to negotiate to knowing when to initiate arbitration or litigation, having a firm grasp of the relevant legal concepts and how they apply to real-world situations is the only way to protect yourself in the event that something goes wrong. The best protection is often a consulting with a Chicago franchise agreement lawyer.
Franchise Lawyer for Current and Prospective Franchisees in Chicago
At the Goldstein Law Firm, we have decades of experience representing new and existing franchisees in franchise agreement negotiations and franchise-related litigation. We know the hallmarks of a successful franchise, and we know the issues that can lead to trouble for franchisees. By exclusively representing franchisees and dealers, we have earned a national reputation as devoted and aggressive advocates for franchisees’ rights.
We serve franchisees and dealers in two primary areas: transactions and dispute resolution. In both areas, we offer flexible fee options, and we work closely with our clients to offer legal solutions that are custom-tailored to their unique individual needs. Whether your Chicago franchisee attorney is reviewing a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement for specific concerns, or representing an active franchisee in complex federal litigation, in every matter we bring the same focus and attention to detail that have allowed us to serve franchisees for more than 30 years.
Services for Prospective Franchisees in Chicago
If you are considering a franchise opportunity in the Chicago area, you will likely want to work with a few different professionals as you progress toward making an informed buying decision. In addition to an experienced franchise attorney, this would generally include your accountant, and you may also want to consider hiring a franchise consultant who has a proven track record of helping franchisees find success under the franchise model. We have relationships with local and national advisors who can help you evaluate your chosen franchise opportunity, and we offer flat-fee service options that include:
- Reviewing the terms of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) and franchise agreements
- Advising on franchisees’ rights under Illinois’s franchise disclosure and relationship laws
- Assisting with due diligence during the franchise buying process
- Negotiating key terms of the franchise agreement
- Providing comparative information and industry insights based upon our experience representing franchisees in competing franchise systems
Our Chicago Franchise Agreement Lawyer Can Also Help Existing Franchise Owners
If you currently own a franchise and are looking for legal representation, this likely means one of three things: (i) you are seeking to renew your franchise, (ii) you are seeking to transfer your franchise, or (iii) you are facing an issue with your franchisor. Our Chicago franchise agreement lawyers represent franchisees in all three scenarios, and we have substantial experience in franchise arbitration and litigation proceedings across the country.
As a current franchisee, facing legal issues presents certain additional challenges. If your goal is to save your franchise, enforcing your rights can require a measured and strategic approach. If you are fed up with your franchisor and wish to operate an independent business, you will need to have a clear understanding of your options regarding transfer or termination and the implications (including non-compete obligations) of ending your relationship with your franchisor.
See a list of our services for current franchisees.
Benefits of Hiring a Chicago Franchise Attorney
What are the benefits of hiring a Chicago franchise attorney? Here are just some of the ways we help current and prospective franchisees in Illinois:
1. Understanding What Is (and Isn’t) in Your FDD and Franchise Agreement
An experienced Chicago franchisee attorney can help you understand the key sections of your FDD and franchise agreement. These are both complex legal documents, and they both have critical implications for your legal rights as a franchisee. Your attorney will be able to identify risks, ambiguities, and potential red flags and will be able to help you make your next steps with confidence.
Just as important, your attorney can also explain what isn’t in your FDD and franchise agreement. If your franchisor has omitted required disclosures from its FDD, this may provide you with grounds to take legal action under the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act (IFDA). Likewise, if your franchise agreement is missing key protections—either for you or your franchisor—an experienced Chicago franchisee attorney will be able to spot this as well.
2. Understanding How Illinois’s Franchise Law Protects You
The Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act is an extremely important statute for franchisees in Chicago. Not only does it provide protections related to franchisors’ disclosure obligations, but it also provides protections during the franchise relationship, including a prohibition on terminating franchise agreements without “good cause.” If you need to assert your legal rights under the IFDA, your Chicago franchise attorney can walk you through everything you need to know.
3. Making Informed Decisions
Whether you are thinking about buying a franchise or you are facing a dispute with your franchisor, informed decision-making is critical. An experienced Chicago franchise attorney can work closely with you to ensure that you are making informed decisions. Your attorney will be able to help you consider all of your options, identify potential concerns you may not have considered previously, and guide you forward while helping make sure that you meet your contractual obligations.
4. Communicating Effectively with Your Franchisor (or Prospective Franchisor)
Effective communication is critical within the franchise relationship. This is true at all stages of the ownership lifecycle—from negotiating your franchise agreement up front to resolving disputes with your franchisor down the line. Whether you need to negotiate important protections into your franchise agreement or attempt to resolve a dispute without it devolving into litigation, an experienced Chicago franchisee attorney will be able to communicate effectively with your franchisor (or prospective franchisor) on your behalf.
5. Being Prepared to Take Legal Action to Protect Your Investment
While it is typically in all parties’ best interests to avoid litigation when possible, as a franchisee, you also need to be prepared to protect your investment. If taking legal action is your best option under the circumstances at hand, your attorney can help you understand your legal obligations (i.e., any obligation to pursue mandatory mediation or arbitration), your legal rights, and the strategies you can use to cost-efficiently target a favorable resolution.
Choose Jeffrey Goldstein as Your Chicago Franchise Attorney
The Goldstein Law Firm is a national franchise law firm founded by attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein. Having practiced franchise law for more than three decades, Mr. Goldstein is intimately familiar with the state and federal laws that apply to franchise and dealer relationships, and he has represented franchisees and dealers in numerous high-profile cases involving complex issues with significant ramifications. Our Chicago franchise law firm has received numerous awards, and Mr. Goldstein is recognized as a leading authority in franchise law and litigation.
To schedule a confidential initial consultation with Mr. Goldstein, please call or contact us online. You can reach us by phone at (202) 293-3947 or submit our consultation request form and a Chicago franchise attorney will be in touch as soon as possible.
