Global Franchise 9.3

A full-service law firm delivering tailored legal solutions to franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers, helping clients navigate challenges with efficiency, expertise, and business-focused strategies In an ever-evolving franchise industry, the right legal partner can make all the difference. Buchalter APC has successfully partnered with franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers since franchising’s inception, making it its mission to efficiently and effectively help businesses achieve their goals. The attorneys do this by taking a business-minded, bottom- line approach to every challenge clients may face and providing insights gained from decades of specialized experience. Buchalter lawyers are equipped to handle every conceivable franchise challenge – from registration to real estate, terminations to taxes, succession to acquisition. They have also been at the forefront of the fight to protect franchisors and franchisees from an increasingly perilous labor and employment atmosphere nationwide, as well as an evolving fixation on franchising in the State of California. While Buchalter has been successful in helping clients steer clear of most administrative actions and litigation, when the need arises, its depth of bench includes accomplished trial attorneys ready to aggressively pursue or defend their clients’ rights in jurisdictions throughout the country. So, whether they are in fast food, fitness, or any other franchise sector, this team of attorneys can help franchises navigate a challenging legal landscape. Providing full-service counsel to the franchise industry means Buchalter clients gain an economical, one-stop, and centralized resource for the many unexpected issues that arise. Services extend far beyond registering a franchise and include: • Business succession and estate planning • Compliance with state and federal regulations • Construction contracts • Corporate organization and restructuring • Employee benefits and executive compensation • Employment claims, including EEOC • Franchise disclosure/registration • Import/export compliance • Intellectual property registration and protection • Licensing and distribution • Mergers and acquisitions • Real estate leases and purchases • Sales, terminations and renewals • Suppler and vendor contracts • Tax transactions and consulting • Union contracts and collective bargaining issues. “Franchise advertising laws are akin [to] our industry’s caveat emptor [let the buyer beware],” said TomO’Connell, franchise attorney at Buchalter. “Requirements like not including inferences that profits are assured, the purchase of a franchise is a safe investment, or that failure is impossible ultimately helps protect franchisors from hasty investors and lawsuits based on buyer’s remorse.” B E S T F R A N C H I S E L AW F I R M Buchalter APC Buchalter Buchalter APC, established in 1933, operates across 13 offices and is admitted to practice in 38 states. The firm’s founding principle – providing clients with the best business solutions – continues to guide its operations. Buchalter values each client relationship, recognizing that client success is integral to the firm’s success. The overarching goal of achieving the best results for clients in a timely and cost-sensitive manner has fostered client loyalty, driving the firm’s growth. Established: 1933 Number of offices: 13, admitted to practice in 38 states Contact: buchalter.com/contact Tom O’Connell, franchise attorney at Buchalter. 31 GLOBAL-FRANCHISE.COM Globa l Franchi se Awards 2025 Fina l i sts