Contact number
+1 612 632 3000About
Provided by Lathrop GPM
With one of the world’s leading franchise and distribution law practices, Lathrop GPM serves franchisors and master franchisees at all stages of their development, in markets throughout the world. We offer clients services related to domestic and international franchising in all aspects of their business including the following areas: franchise registrations and compliance advice, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, data security and privacy, technology, and reorganization and bankruptcy. We back up our transactional and regulatory advice with our franchise dispute resolution team. Our litigators have represented franchisors in courts and arbitration tribunals throughout the U.S., taking advantage of briefs, pleadings, and strategies which have withstood challenges in earlier cases.
International franchising remains a cornerstone of Lathrop GPM. We have advised well over 200 franchise systems with expansion efforts into more than 140 countries. While all of our offices are based in the U.S., our clients' transactions and perspective spans the globe on a daily basis.
Beyond the 25 attorneys who focus primarily on legal issues related to franchising, Lathrop GPM has 350 lawyers who focus on other areas which support our franchisor and master franchisee clients, including employment, tax, real estate, trust and estate planning, environmental law, insurance recovery, and health law, among others.
Chambers Review
Lathrop is a strong firm with notable expertise in dispute resolution, franchising M&A and international franchising. It offers a deep bench of attorneys covering a broad base of transactional advisory work and representation of clients in franchise litigation and arbitration. The firm has significant expertise in assisting franchisors to explore expansion options and address government regulations, employment issues and intellectual property matters. It is additionally noted for providing franchising clients with tax advice.
Work Highlights
- Lathrop represented Precision Tune Auto Care in breach of franchise agreement suits it brought in the states of Minnesota, Arkansas and Washington and federal court.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Lathrop is always fast, thorough and very detail-oriented."
"Lathrop's breadth of experience in all aspects of franchising means they have the appropriate expertise."
"Lathrop is always fast, thorough and very detail-oriented."
"Lathrop's breadth of experience in all aspects of franchising means they have the appropriate expertise."
Notable Practitioners
Mark Kirsch acts for clients on domestic and international franchising issues, including transactional and regulatory matters.
"Mark has a very good franchise practice."
Michael Gray is a litigator who works on a variety of franchise disputes, including noncompete enforcement issues.
"Mike helps us guide our business through multiple difficult and complex issues. He is always thoughtful and direct."
Elizabeth Dillon is an established practitioner who advises early-stage and mature franchisors on their franchise systems. She often works on international matters, including helping clients expand into Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
"Elizabeth is very experienced in regulatory matters and is very well regarded in that field."
"I appreciate that Elizabeth doesn't just tell me the legal avenues, but also helps evaluate the business case."
Gaylen Knack has a strong franchise practice which includes advising on structuring franchise programs. He is experienced in handling domestic and cross-border matters.
"Gaylen is one of our most trusted advisors."
"Gaylen is practical."
Eric Yaffe gains recognition for his handling of franchise litigation on behalf of franchisors. He is often called upon by clients to litigate misrepresentation and breach of contact claims.
"Eric is very detail-oriented, well prepared and a strong advocate."
"He is super engaged in his client's business, understanding the nuts and bolts of the particular work, not just a general understanding of the industry."
Justin Sallis is a recognized up-and-comer in the franchising space, able to advise on both transactions and disputes.
"Justin is very well versed in franchise law."
Ranked Lawyers at
Lathrop GPM
USA - Nationwide
Members
Provided by Lathrop GPM
Alicia Goedde
Ashley Bennett Ewald
Cameron Johnson
Craig Miller
Eli Bensignor
Head of Department
Emilie Eschbacher
Erica Tokar
Frank Sciremammano
Hannah Fotsch
James Wahl
John Fitzgerald
Jose Garcia
Justin Sallis
Katie Bond
Maisa Frank
Marilyn Nathanson
Michael Sturm
Neil Goldsmith
Richard Landon
Robert Zisk
Ryan Palmer
Samuel Butler
Sandra Bodeau
Stephen Vaughan
Thomas Pacheco
Tracy Castillo
Clients
Provided by Lathrop GPM
Ace Hardware
AmRest
Batteries Plus
BeaverTails
Body Fit Training
Caribou Coffee
Home Instead Senior Care
Jan-Pro
Link Staffing Services
Little Caesar
Papa Murphy's
Radisson Hotel Brands
ServiceMaster
Signal 88
YUM China
Industries
Provided by Lathrop GPM
Automobiles & Parts
Commercial & Professional Services
Construction & Materials
Education
Entertainment
Financial Services
Fitness
Health Care
Home Services
Hospitality
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Real Estate
Restaurant, Food & Beverage
Retail
Staffing Services
Technology & Computer Sciences
Travel & Leisure