The AAFD’S FRANCHISEE LEGALINE ℠ is an exclusive network of experienced franchisee counsel throughout the United States to represent the interests of franchisees and prospective franchisees. Currently, the Franchisee LegaLine operates in more than 40 states, offering FREE initial consultations to AAFD members and valuable special member programs including initial franchise opportunity reviews, initial franchise dispute reviews and special member pricing.
All Franchisee LegaLine affiliated attorneys are listed on our website. If you are an AAFD Member, please click on this link for a personal LegaLine attorney referral.
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BULMAN, DUNIE, BURKE & FELD
Mark W. Shupe, Esq.
Work 4610 Elm Street Bethesda, MD 20815-6051 work
Work Phone: 301-656-1177work
Work Fax: 301-986-5847workfax
Work Email: mshupe@bulmandunie.comINTERNET
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Mr. Shupe holds a Masters Degree in Taxation and has been representing franchises and other small businesses for almost 15 years. Recognizing the best legal answer to a problem isn't always responsive to a small business owner's needs, his approach is to consider the legal, tax and practical aspects of each transaction. |
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CARMEN D. CARUSO P.C.
Carmen D. CarusoTrial & Appellate Lawyer Business Litigation Franchise, Dealership & Distribution Law
Other 77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 4800 Chicago, Illinois 60601 postal
Work Phone: Firm: 312-606-8640work
Work Phone: Direct: 312-606-8706work
Work Fax: Fax: 312-873-4634workfax
Work Email: cdc@cdcaruso.comINTERNET
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Carmen D. Caruso has more than twenty years experience as a trial and appellate lawyer in complex franchise litigation in state and federal courts throughout the country, and in arbitration and mediation. Unlike other attorneys who strictly limit themselves to one "side" of franchising or the other, Carmen represents franchisors and franchisees, and independent franchisee associations, and strongly believes that his breadth of experience makes him a more effective advocate for all of his clients. His franchise clients are engaged in the retail, food service, business services, health care, automotive after-market, auto rental, and hospitality industries. In 2000, he won a significant appeal in the United States Court of Appeals, in Interim Health Care of Northern Illinois, Inc. v. Interim Health Care, Inc., 225 F3d 876 (7th Cir. 2000), where the court confirmed the application of the duty of good faith & fair dealing to a franchisor's national accounts program and to termination decisions. The Interim decision remains an important precedent to this day. Carmen has also litigated cases involving earnings claims and other disclosure issues, fraud and R.I.C.O. claims, claims involving site selection, training, encroachment, trademark infringement, non-compete, transfer, renewal, termination and/or product supply issues, and a claim for racial discrimination in the denial of a franchise opportunity. Carmen has also represented independent franchisee associations in collective negotiations for renewal franchise agreements. He has served as "Program Chair" for the AAFD's annual meetings in 2002, 2003 and 2004; and in 2004, he became a member of the AAFD Board of Directors. He also serves as current chair of the AAFD Legaline.
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CHERNOW KAPUSTIN, LLC
Harris J. Chernow, Esquire
Other 721 Dresher Road Suite 1100 Horsham, PA 19046 postal
Work Phone: 215-659-3600work
Work Fax: 215-659-3222workfax
Work Email: hchernow@chernowkatz.comINTERNET
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Offices in PA, NJ, MD amd DC
A nationally recognized franchise and intellectual property practice providing comprehensive, practical, solution-oriented franchise and business counseling. Representing multi and single unit franchise owners, area developers, master franchisees, franchisee associations, franchisors, distributors and business owners desiring to expand through franchising and distribution systems. The firm is involved with UFOC reviews, negotiations, registration and compliance, franchise acquisitions and sales, renewals, terminations and dispute resolution involving mediation, arbitration and litigation. Harris has received the honor of being selected as 1 of only 4 franchise lawyers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and 1 of only 169 internationally to be nominated to The International Who?s Who of Franchise Lawyers. He has also received a number of accolades from Franchise Times and other national organizations; is on the Governing Committee of the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising and served as a its Chair of its Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, is Chair of the Montgomery County Franchise Law Committee, and past chair of the AAFD's LegaLine along with receiving its prestigious Member of the Year award. Harris is a frequent speaker on franchise and business related topics. Offices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and DC.
Mr. Chernow recently received the honor of being selected by Franchise Times as a "Hotshot Franchise Lawyer". Mr. Chernow serves on the American Bar Association (ABA) Forum on Franchising's Publications Committee and Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, served as chair of the AAFD's LegaLine and the Montgomery County Franchise Law Committee and was one of five members of the 1999-2000 ABA Nominating Committee for the Board of Governors of the ABA Forum on Franchising. He is an active member of the ABA Forum on Franchising, New Jersey Bar Association's Franchise Law Committee, Philadelphia Franchise Law Committee, AAFD, International Franchise Association and serves as a co-chair of the Second Annual Latin America Conference on Franchising. Mr. Chernow is a frequent speaker at various venues on franchise and business related topics. Among his publications, he is a contributing author of Franchising 101, the Complete Guide to Evaluating, Buying and Growing Your Franchise Business, published by Upstart Publishing Company.
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DADY & GARDNER, P.A.
J. Michael Dady, Esquire
Other 5100 IDS Center 80 South Eighth Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 postal
Work Phone: (612) 359 9000work
Work Fax: 612-359-3507workfax
Work Email: jmdady@dadygardner.comINTERNET
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The firm limits its nationwide practice to the representation of franchisees, distributors and dealers in disputes with their franchisors and suppliers. Dady & Gardner lawyers have successfully resolved disputes against more than 250 different franchise and supply systems. The firm's three most senior partners are listed in the Best Lawyers in America. In appropriate cases, the firm shares the risk of litigation with clients by making contingent fee arrangements. The firm also maintains an office in New York.
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DAVID L. STEINBERG, P.C.
David L. Steinberg Esquire
Work 30150 Telegraph Road Ste. 444 Bingham Farms, MI work
Work Phone: 248-645-1700work
Work Fax: 248-645-8205workfax
Work Email: dsteinberg@thavgross.comINTERNET
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Since 1982, Mr. Steinberg has represented both franchisors and franchisees. He is experienced not just in the development of franchise programs for start-up franchise companies, but also in the negotiation and purchase of franchisees for individual and multi-unit franchisees.
As an experienced arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association, Mr. Steinberg is often requested to represent franchises in arbitration, as well as state and federal courts.
As a former general counsel to a publicly-held franchise company, and a former franchise owner, Mr. Steinberg has acquired a unique understanding of the dynamics of the franchisor/franchisee relationship, helping his clients to achieve expedient and cost effective solutions to their respective issues.
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EINBINDER & DUNN, LLP
Michael Einbinder, Esq. and Terrence M. Dunn, Esq.
Other 104 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018 postal
Work Phone: 212-391-9500work
Work Fax: 212-391-9025workfax
Work Email: info@ed-lawfirm.comINTERNET
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Einbinder & Dunn, LLP represents franchisee clients nationwide in state and federal courts and in arbitration and/or mediation. The firm has represented franchisees in matters such as fraud claims concerning earnings misrepresentations, claims relating to franchisor misappropriation of advertising and rebate funds and claims based on the breaches of franchise agreements (i.e., encroachment disputes, termination issues and franchisor's approval of sales of franchised businesses).The firm also represents franchisee clients in disputes relating to non-compete agreements and other post-termination matters.
The firm represents franchisee clients in all matters relating to business transactions involving the development, acquisition and sale of franchises from franchisors as well as from existing franchisees including the review and negotiation of franchise agreements, lease negotiation and negotiation of territorial development agreements. The firm also advises clients in the negotiation of renewals of existing franchise agreements. In addition, the firm counsels franchisee clients in the structuring of their businesses.
Einbinder & Dunn, LLP represents franchisees in the formation of franchisee associations and has represented associations in system-wide negotiations and dispute resolution with franchisors.
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FRANCHISE & BUSINESS LAW GROUP
Harry M. Rifkin and David L. Cahn
Work 20 South Charles Street, 3rd Floor Baltimore, MD 21201 work
Work Phone: (410) 347-9442work
Work Fax: (410) 986-0123workfax
Work Email: office@FranBusLaw.comINTERNET
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Franchise & Business Law Group is a boutique firm that focuses on providing legal services to franchisees and early stage franchisors as a counselor, negotiator and advocate. Harry M. Rifkin, head of the firm�s litigation practice, has more than 25 years of experience representing franchisees and franchisors in litigation, arbitration and mediation, with particularly deep expertise in the hotel and motel industry, automotive services and quick-service food franchises. David L. Cahn, the firm�s founder, is a noted counselor and transactional attorney and is the immediate past chairman of the Maryland State Bar Association Franchise Law Committee.
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GERARD P. DAVEY
A Professional Law Corporation
Gerard P. Davey, APLC
Other 1301 Dove Street, Suite 900 Newport Beach, CA 92660-2473 postal
Work Phone: (949) 475-9300work
Work Fax: (949) 666-6060workfax
Work Email: gdavey@daveylaw.comINTERNET
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Mr. Davey has practiced franchise law for more than 30 years, representing franchisees and franchisors in many types of transactions, including dispute resolution, franchise development, subfranchising and multi-level franchising programs, franchise contract negotiations and franchise disclosure document review. He has served as an arbitrator, mediator and expert witness in numerous franchise cases. Mr. Davey was the founding chairman of the California Franchise and Distribution Law Commission, which created the nation's first franchise law certified specialization program. A
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HALL & EVANS, L.L.C.
John E. Bolmer, II, Esq.
Work 1125 17th Street, Suite 600 Denver, CO 80202 work
Work Phone: 303-628-3300work
Work Fax: 303-628-3368workfax
Work Email: bolmerj@hallevans.comINTERNET
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John Bolmer's experience includes franchise litigation, non-competition litigation, review of franchise agreements, drafting of agreements for franchisees and franchisors, business litigation and employment law. The firm's lawyers have extensive experience in other areas, including estate planning, employment and environmental law.
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HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP
Harry B. Ray
Other 736 Georgia Avenue, Suite 300 Chattanooga, TN 37402 postal
Work Phone: 423-755-2654work
Work Fax: 423-266-5499workfax
Work Email: harry.ray@huschblackwell.comINTERNET
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Our firm provides focus on the design, implementation, financing and maintenance of franchise and distribution systems. We represent domestic and international business clients in all stages of franchise development and maintenance. We also assist clients in the formation and operation of buying and marketing groups. We provide support in related practice areas, such as Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, Litigation, Real Estate Securities, Mergers & Acquisitions, Tax & Antitrust.
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JOHNSON, HEARN, VINEGAR, GEE & GLASS, PLLC
M. Blen Gee, Jr.
Work Two Hannover Sq., Suite 2200 Raleigh, NC 27601 work
Work Phone: 919-743-2200work
Work Fax: 919-743-2201workfax
Work Email: bgee@jhvgglaw.comINTERNET
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M. Blen. Gee, Jr. regularly represents franchisees and prospective franchisees. Mr. Gee does not represent franchisors. Mr. Gee's areas of concentration include business litigation, mediation and arbitration; purchase or sale of businesses; and business, corporate and trade association law. Mr. Gee and his firm also have a very active automobile dealer practice. Mr. Gee is an honors graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law and holds an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest peer review rating
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LAGARIAS & BOULTER, L.L.P.
Peter C. Lagarias & Robert Boulter
Other 1629 Fifth Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-1828 postal
Work Phone: 415-460-0100work
Work Fax: 415-460-1099workfax
Work Email: info@lb-attorneys.comINTERNET
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Lagarias & Boulter is one of California's leading franchise litigation firms. Robert S. Boulter has 16 years experience in representing franchisees in negotiations, lawsuits, and arbitration proceedings. The firm has litigated significant cases advancing franchisee rights in trial and on appeal. The firm also helps prospective franchisees evaluate their opportunity for success by assisting in the due diligence process |
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LAW & LEGAL MANAGEMENT OFFICES OF KAT TIDD, P.C.
Kat Tidd
Home 14232 Marsh Lane, Suite 484 Addison, TX 75001 home
Work Phone: 972-247-6934work
Work Fax: 972-247-7535workfax
Work Email: kat@tiddlaw.comINTERNET
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Kat Tidd advises franchisees and franchisors, dealers, small and medium sized businesses and entrepreneurs on franchise and business opportunity matters. Her practice emphasizes franchise and business law, including UFOC review, franchise compliance, and preparation and registration of franchise documents as well as extensive representation in franchise dispute resolution. Kat has worked with the franchise industry for more than 20 years, serving as general counsel of franchising, licensing and distribution companies for 12 years and founding her own firm in 1994.
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MARIO L. HERMAN
Mario L. Herman, Esq
Other 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 postal
Work Phone: 202-686-2886work
Work Fax: 202-686-2879workfax
Work Email: mherman@franchise-law.comINTERNET
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Mr. Herman specializes in representing franchisees in negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation with their franchisors. Mr. Herman has practiced nationally for over twenty years, has an excellent reputation, and his rates are very reasonable.
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MILLER LAW GROUP, P.C.
Mitchell Miller
Other 260 Sheridan Ave Suite 208 Palo Alto, CA 94306 postal
Work Phone: 650-566-2290work
Work Fax: 650-566-2298workfax
Work Email: mmiller@millerlg.comINTERNET
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The Miller Law Group focuses on representing franchisees and small business owners. Our clients include many businesses and franchisees in the hospitality industry, including hotel owners, developers and restaurant owners. We have litigated and negotiated with many major franchisors. We are litigators, advocates, and seasoned negotiators for our clients.
We are proud to be a part of AAFD, AAHOA, NABHOOD, and CLIA. Feel free to give us a call.
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MILLS & HOOPES, LLC
Scott R. Hoopes
Other 1550 North Brown Road Suite 130 Lawrenceville, GA 30043 postal
Work Phone: 770-513-8111work
Work Fax: 770-513-8150workfax
Work Email: scott@millshoopeslaw.comINTERNET
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Mr. Scott Hoopes and his law firm represent primarily franchisees and dealers in the State of Georgia and throughout the country. Mr. Hoopes is experienced in reviewing and providing quality feedback of the UFOC and franchise agreement, is experienced in handling all matters of disputes with franchisors of many industries, and is an experienced, agressive and fierce defender of his clients in litigation in both state and federal courts across the country.
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RICHARD L. ROSEN LAW FIRM, PLLC
Richard L. Rosen, Esq.
Other 110 E. 59th Street 23rd Floor New York, NY 10022 postal
Work Phone: (212) 644-6644work
Work Fax: (212) 644-3344workfax
Work Email: rlr@rosenlawpllc.comINTERNET
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The Richard L. Rosen Law Firm, PLLC and its predecessors, have been engaged in the practice of franchise law since 1969. We have been actively involved in representing franchising clients regarding the negotiation of franchise agreements, the analysis of franchise opportunities, litigation (on both federal and state court levels), arbitration of franchisor/franchisee disputes, and corporate and real estate matters pertaining to franchised businesses.
Our franchising practice includes the preparation and review of UFOC documents, the registration of franchising entities under applicable state law, as well as the formation and representation of franchise associations and other franchisee operating entities. Our firm brings experience and insight as well as an aggressive approach, when required, to the representation of clients in franchising matters. The RIchard L. Rosen Law Firm, PLLC also maintains an active practice in transactional work involving real estate and corporate matters.
Our litigation practice encompasses many areas of law, including general commercial, contact, real estate, and corporate matters. The firm also provides sophisticated trust and estate and asset protection counseling on behalf of its individual clients.
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ROSS LAW FIRM, LCC
David G. Ross
Work Air Rights Center 7315 Wisconsin Ave. Suite 700 East Tower Bethesda, MD 20814 work
Work Phone: 301-654-7900work
Work Fax: 301-907-2975workfax
Work Email: dross@rlflegal.comINTERNET
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Dave Ross has represented franchisees against some of the nation's largest and most powerful hotel, restaurant, and retail franchisors. He has appeared in state and federal courts throughout the country and has litigated issues related to franchise terminations, protected territories, encroachment, quality assurance, franchisor fraud, convenants not to compete, statutory disclosure requirements, and unfair trade practices. Mr. Ross also has extensive experience reviewing offering circulars and negotiating franchise agreements. His clients receive personalized attention and aggressive, high quality representation.
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SHUMAKER, LOOP & KENDRICK, LLP
Peter R. Silverman
Work 1000 Jackson Toledo, OH 43624-1573 work
Work Phone: 419-321-1307work
Work Fax: 419-241-6894workfax
Work Email: psilverman@slk-law.comINTERNET
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Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick is a 160-lawyer firm with offices in Charlotte, Columbus, Tampa and Toledo. Shumaker represents franchisors, franchisees and franchisee associations around the country in transactional, financial and litigation matters. Shumaker also represents financial entities that invest in or loan funds to franchisors and franchisees.
Peter Silverman is in charge of the franchise litigation practice at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick. Pete has been selected twice by Franchise Times as one of the top 100 franchise lawyers in the country, and is recognizzed in Best Lawyers for his franchise practice.
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STOKES LAZARUS & CARMICHAEL LLP
Wayne H. Lazarus, Esq.
Other 80 Peachtree Park Drive, NE Atlanta, GA 30309-1320 postal
Work Phone: 404-352-1465work
Work Fax: 404-352-8463workfax
Work Email: whl@slclaw.comINTERNET
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Founded in 1972, Stokes Lazarus & Carmichael LLP is a full-service civil litigation law firm with an emphasis in business and employment law. Our franchise practice is devoted to representing franchises and franchisors in the hotel and hospitality market, fast food systems, and general retail systems. We provide a full range of services including UFOC preparation and review, negotiation, and litigation services. The firm represents clients in all state and federal courts as well as arbitration. The firm is listed in Martindale-Hubbell with its highest rating of AV for professional expertise and financial stability. The firm is also listed in the Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers. Additional information regarding the firm can be viewed at http://www.slclaw.com. |
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THE FONTANA GROUP
Joseph Rosener, MBA, CMA and Ernest, H. Manuel, Jr., Ph.D
Other 3509 N. Campbell Ave Tucson, AZ 85719 postal
Work Phone: 520-325-9800work
Work Email: tfgi@fontanagroup.comINTERNET
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Economic Consulting and Litigation Support
The Fontana Group, Inc. has been providing management consulting and expert economic testimony regarding franchise businesses and industries since 1973. We draw upon a wide variety of skills in business, economics, accounting, market research, quantitative methods, and computer analysis in designing solutions to client problems. Franchise types have included new and used car dealers, auto parts dealers, fast food, tax preparation, weight loss, copier sales, industrial tool sales and others. Our reputation has led to a growing demand for our services in support of litigation. We have been retained by clients in more than 500 legal actions in Federal and State courts and administrative proceedings. Attorneys regularly call upon us for rigorous analyses, practical solutions, and clear presentations to franchisors, judges and juries. |
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VALAS AND ASSOCIATES, PC
Rory A. Valas Esquire
Other 250 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210 postal
Work Phone: (617) 399-2200work
Work Fax: (617) 399-2202workfax
Work Email: rav@franchiseelaw.comINTERNET
Work Email: http://www.franchiseelaw.comINTERNET
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Mr. Valas and his law firm represent and assist franchisees, dealers and distributors throughout the United States and abroad. If you are buying a franchise or you are engaged in a dispute with your franchisor, Mr. Valas and his firm can help. They provide sound advice and skilled negotiation and trial work at a reasonable cost. Franchisees and/or Associations represented have included: Dunkin' Donuts; Baskin Robbins; Togo's; Subway; Quizno's; Kabloom; Tower Cleaning; Coverall; ServiceMaster; Chem-Dry; Jani-King; Super Coups; Val-Pak Direct; Mail Boxes, Etc.; White Hen Pantry; Meineke Discount; Pizzeria Uno; Water Doctors; Ladies Workout Express; Curves International; Contours Express; Sign-A-Rama; Minuteman Press; AlphaGraphics; Fantastic Sam's; SISNA; WSI Internet; Gymboree; Club Z; Goddard Schools; Kinderdance; Budget Blinds; 7-Eleven, Inc. Southland; Budget Rental; Avis; Gloria Jeans; Panera Bread; Cartex; Fabrion; Dealer Specialties; Century 21; Coldwell Banker; McDonald's; Burger King; Carvel; Beverly Hills Weight Loss; MRI Management Recruiters; GNC General Nutrition Centers; and many others.
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W. MICHAEL GARNER, P.A.
W. Michael Garner
Other 222 South Ninth Street Suite 2930 Minneapolis, MN 55402 postal
Work Phone: 612-259-4800work
Work Fax: 612-259-4810workfax
Work Email: wmgarner@franchisedealerlaw.comINTERNET
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W. Michael Garner is one of the country's leading trial lawyers for franchisees and dealers in their disputes with their franchisors and suppliers. He has stopped terminations and non-renewals; won damage awards in the hundreds of millions of dollars; helped folks get out of their franchises; and advised groups and associations of franchisees. He is also the author of the leading legal treatise on franchise law, and former editor of the ABA's Franchise Law Journal.
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ZARCO EINHORN SALKOWSKI & BRITO, P.A
Robert Zarco, Esq. and Robert Einhorn, Esq.
Other 100 Southeast 2nd Street Suite 2700 Miami, FL 33131-2150 postal
Work Phone: (305) 374 5418work
Work Fax: 305-374-5428workfax
Work Email: reinhorn@zarcolaw.comINTERNET
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Zarco Einhorn & Salkowski, P.A. provides the highest caliber of legal services, expertise, and professionalism in the areas of franchisor/franchisee, manufacturer/distributor, automobile, truck and equipment dealer's disputes, and complex commercial law including litigation, arbitration, and mediation. The firm also has significant experience in related areas, including construction litigation, real estate, and corporate transactions.
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