When a franchisor appears to be acting against a franchisee’s interests, it’s essential to have a clear legal and strategic response. Proactively addressing potential issues can help prevent default or termination letters before they’re sent. If a notice is received, a timely and well-crafted response can often de-escalate the situation. In some cases, exploring strategic sales may provide a path forward while protecting the franchisee’s investment.
Doug Luther spent the first part of his career working at some of the most prestigious law firms in the country. During that time, he, along with his teams, represented everyone from billionaires to celebrities to Fortune 500 companies. On behalf of plaintiffs, he has obtained verdicts, pre-trial judgments, and settlements amounting to more than $20 million. Representing corporate and individual defendants, he has achieved verdicts, pre-trial judgments, and settlements successfully defending against claims exceeding tens of millions of dollars
He also represented many franchisors as he learned the ins and outs of franchise law and became Chair of the California Lawyers Association’s Franchise Law Committee. He would go on to become the general counsel of a growing franchise brand, Amada Senior Care. At Amada he built out the legal department and put together the processes to manage legal issues. He was responsible for Amanda’s franchise registration and relationship obligations, litigation, contract negotiation, commercial transactions, corporate development and governance, and advising on employment, insurance, and data privacy law, among others.
During his career, he received invaluable training and learned how franchisors defend cases and what strategies and tactics they use to defeat franchisees’ claims. He also learned what causes franchisors to settle and how best to negotiate agreements with them. After a decade of practicing, he decided to start his own law firm, designed to be one of the premier franchise law firms in the country.
When not lawyering, he takes advantage of the California sunshine and get outdoors as much as possible (running, biking, swimming, tennis) while spending time with his family.
