Franchise Attorney - Choosing your Franchise Lawyer

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Choosing your Franchise Lawyer

Not every business lawyer has experience in franchising.

Franchise law is a unique. It involves special federal laws. In some cases, it also involves special state laws. It involves a unique culture, with its own unofficial norms and standards.

So, you want to make sure that your lawyer has the expertise and experience to actually provide the help you need.

Now the harder part. How can you tell if a lawyer has the expertise and experience you want?

A good, old-fashioned interview should be part of your process. We recommend that you ask the following types of questions:

How many FDDs/Franchise Agreements have you reviewed? Negotiated?
Give me the names of some of the franchises you've worked on?
Do you lecture and/or write about franchise issues?
- If yes, where, when, to whom?
Have you represented clients in franchise lawsuits? In franchise arbitrations?
- If yes, how many? In Texas? Where else?
Have you ever helped a franchisee sell/transfer their franchise?
- If yes, give some examples.

At Dickinson & Wheelock P.C., we also think your franchise lawyer should be able to serve as your company's “general counsel” on other business matters. So, ask the lawyer:

Can you help me form my legal entity?
- How many entities have you formed?
Can you help me review and negotiate my lease?
- What's your experience in leases for franchisees?
Can you help with employee issues?
- What's your experience?
Do you have your own business experience?
- If yes, tell me about it.
If I have disputes, will you be able to help me?
- What experience do you have in litigation? In arbitration?

When you ask these questions, listen to the answer. But also listen to the way that the lawyer answers. Not only should you be looking for a lawyer with the right kind of experience, you should be looking for a lawyer that you trust.

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Jeff Wheelock

713.722.8118

Read what others have to say about our franchise expertise

Jeff took me through my franchise agreement line by line making sure i understood every detail i was signing. He focused on two main categories - am i protected if things go really well and am i protected is if things do not go well. I had no idea how exposed i was in the downside scenario until he walked me through a few example situations. I also did not understand the exposure i was taking on the upside scenario. When i read the agreement i read the part about territory completely wrong and because of his accurate assessment of territory i chose to not pursue this franchise. He created a simple to read addendum that i was able to send on to the franchise owners and gave me great tips on negotiating terms. When i find another franchise i intend to pursue i will definitely contact Jeff again to review any agreements before i sign.

Diane H.

I called a few lawyers before deciding on Jeff Wheelock. From the moment I spoke to him over the phone he was extremely helpful and already looking out for me. He is very knowledgeable in the franchise area. I would definitely recommend using him.

Kelly H.

I can not recommend Jeff highly enough. From the very first time I spoke to him on the phone, through to the very thorough line by line review of the franchise agreement he was very informative, explaining issues, both good and bad, in simple easy to understand language. In addition to line by line analysis, the amendments and negotiating points were invaluable. I will definitely use Jeff in the future and would recommend him to anyone thinking of starting a franchise.

Ralph T.

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Dickinson & Wheelock, P.C. is a law firm located in Houston, Texas. Dickinson & Wheelock, P.C. attorneys are uniquely skilled in franchising, representing both franchisors and franchisees.

This web site is to provide general background information about the Firm. None of the information on this web site is intended to constitute legal advice. You should consult an attorney in regard to the particulars of your situation. Nothing on this web site is intended to create an attorney-client relationship between a visitor to the web site and the Firm. Visitors to this web site are cautioned not to transmit confidential, proprietary or privileged information via E-Mail. The attorneys herein are not certified by the the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. They are licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas.