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How soon is too soon for a franchise lawyer? If you’re even considering purchasing a franchise, it’s wise to meet with this type of business attorney immediately. No amount of online research, talking to headquarters or asking your fellow franchisee owners about their own experiences can prepare you for the potential legal obstacles you may face. Find a franchise lawyer who’s not only highly skilled in franchise law, but also in the potentially unique laws of your state, county and/or city. This can save you a bundle of money, work and worrying in the future. If owning a franchise was easy, everyone would do it. Even the so-called “low-cost” franchises can be exorbitantly expensive for the average person. You may need to find investors, borrow from family and friends, clean out your own savings or apply for a business loan. A lot of money and time is tied up in opening your own franchise, and one oversight can take down your operation before it gets a fighting chance. Signs of a Solid Franchise Lawyer You want an attorney who is a business lawyer specializing in franchise law. This should be the bulk of his or her practice, if not the entirety of it. Look for an attorney who’s been practicing for several years and/or a firm that is well established in the community. While the firm may not be able to share the actual names of their clients or franchises, they should be able to give you a comprehensive overview of how many franchisees they’ve worked with, their success rate and any particular industry niches they have extensive experience with, such as restaurants, spas, hotels or gas stations. Always cross check candidates with the Better Business Bureau, third-party review sites and the state bar association before hiring. These three avenues can tell you if the attorney you’re considering is on the up and up, has had any serious issues in the past and if he or she has a respectable reputation (or not). However, be reasonable with third-party review sites. It’s unusual for an established firm or attorney to have 100 percent positive reviews, but over 90 percent is standard for a great attorney. Prepping for Your First Meeting No matter where you are in the franchising stage, from just thinking about it to having been up and running a few months, make the first meeting with your franchise lawyer count. The first meet and greet should be complimentary, and you should face zero pressure to sign a contract right away or pay a retainer. Still, you want to get as much out of this meeting as possible. Write down a list of questions, and remember that there are no stupid questions where legal matters are concerned. Take note if your franchise lawyer speaks in laymen’s terms or seems rushed, and trust your gut. The lawyer’s job is to explain franchising to you from a legal perspective and to ensure you have the information to make the best decision for you and your franchise. If you leave feeling just as confused (or more so) as when you got there, pressured into choosing that firm or like the meeting was a waste, that’s not the attorney for you. The right expert is out there. Contact a franchise law attorney today, and discover what they can do for you and your venture.
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