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Franchise Law

One of the most dynamic and exciting growth vehicles in today’s economy, franchising involves a challenging and complicated area of law. Both sellers and buyers of franchises find themselves in murky waters. Partnering with an experienced franchise lawyer who understands the complexities, opportunities, and dangers associated with franchise law is critical to their ability to navigate through these waters.

The Ross Law Firm provides counseling to franchisees (and prospective franchisees) so that they have all the information necessary to evaluate franchise opportunities and make informed decisions. The Firm works closely with clients to make sure that their legal rights and responsibilities are fully understood. Counseling in this area includes:

  • reviewing offering circulars
  • reviewing and interpreting franchise agreements
  • negotiating franchise agreements (Contrary to what you may have been told, some aspects of the agreement are indeed subject to negotiation.)

Dave Ross is published in the area of the franchise agreements.

IN THE CLIENT'S OWN WORDS:

David took the time to thoroughly review my entire franchise agreement and suggest a number of things that we needed to change. Where the franchisor would not accept those changes, David helped me understand the risks. He did a terrific job negotiating with the franchisor and got me almost everything that we wanted included in my agreement. I really felt like David worked extremely hard on my behalf. I would definitely recommend his services.

– J.S., Baltimore, MD

In addition, the Ross Law Firm’s skill and experience in the areas of business law, employment law, business litigation and employment-related litigation enables the Firm to provide comprehensive, full-service representation to start-up or existing franchisees. This encompasses the following:

In this connection, Mr. Ross recently addressed the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) on human resources and employment issues that franchisees can face as a result of specific clauses in the franchise agreement.

Franchise-Related Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Mr. Ross has represented franchisees in litigation 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, litigating and arbitrating a variety of franchise law issues, including the following:

  • franchise terminations
  • protected territories
  • encroachment
  • quality assurance
  • franchisor fraud
  • covenants not to compete
  • statutory disclosure requirements
  • unfair trade practices

The Ross Law Firm also works to protect its clients' interests and to resolve franchise-related disputes through:

Remember: Not every franchise lawyer is a litigator; some lawyers who practice in the area of franchise law can assist with agreements but are compelled to refer your case out to a litigator in the event that a dispute arises. When that occurs, the new litigation counsel will need to come up to speed on the issues in your case, and may not even be particularly knowledgeable about or experienced in franchise law in general. The Ross Law Firm, however, offers both franchise law and franchise-related litigation experience. In the event that your franchise becomes involved in or threatened with a lawsuit, you will have the benefit of the continuity of your representation by a franchise attorney who is already intimately familiar with your franchise business, and who is also a seasoned litigator with a track record of having been successful in lawsuits fought against the “Goliaths” among franchisors.

Dave Ross is a member of the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (“AAFD”), Maryland State Bar Association Committee on Franchising, and the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Please contact us for more information on how the Ross Law Firm can protect your interests and align with you toward the growth, stability, and success of your franchise.

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AIR RIGHTS CENTER | 7315 WISCONSIN AVE | SUITE 700 EAST TOWER | BETHESDA, MD 20814 | TEL 301.654.7900 | FAX 301.907.2975

Copyright © 2007 | DAVID G. ROSS & ROSS LAW FIRM, LLC
All rights reserved. You may reproduce materials available at this site for your own personal use and for non-commercial distribution. All copies must include this copyright statement.

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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Many factors contribute to providing legal advice, including the specific facts of a situation, as well as the state or location involved. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and we welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.

Testimonials that appear on this web site are quoted verbatim, except to the extent that certain personal information that was disclosed, as originally written, has been deleted or edited to preserve client confidentiality and/or privacy interests.

The Ross Law Firm would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Holly J.W. Huart, Esq. for her invaluable contribution to its founding and to this website.