Description:

Job Summary:
The Legal Counsel, Franchising, is responsible for providing strategic legal guidance on all aspects of the company's franchise operations. The role involves drafting, negotiating, and managing franchise agreements and disclosure documents, ensuring strict compliance with federal and state franchise laws. This individual serves as a key legal partner to business leaders, providing sound legal advice that supports the company's expansion while protecting its brand and mitigating risk. Key responsibilities

Draft and manage legal documents: Draft, review, and negotiate Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), franchise agreements, renewals, and related legal instruments to ensure accuracy and legal enforceability.
Ensure compliance and regulatory oversight: Monitor and ensure continuous compliance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Franchise Rule and state-specific franchise registration and disclosure laws. Prepare and manage state registration filings and annual FDD updates.
Provide strategic business advice: Act as a trusted legal advisor to internal business units, including development, sales, and operations teams, offering proactive counsel on the legal implications of business strategies and decisions.
Resolve disputes: Handle and oversee the resolution of franchisee disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, working with outside counsel as needed.
Protect intellectual property: Manage and enforce the franchisor's intellectual property, including trademarks, trade names, and proprietary systems.
Manage franchise relationships: Advise on issues concerning the franchisor-franchisee relationship, including franchise transfers, terminations, and defaults.
Lead training initiatives: Develop and deliver training to internal teams on franchise law, regulatory changes, and compliance best practices.

Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to the bar in the state where the company is based.
At least 5+ years of experience in franchise law, either in-house or at a law firm, with a focus on representing franchisors.
In-depth knowledge of federal and state franchise laws, including the FTC Franchise Rule.
Proven experience drafting and negotiating complex franchise and commercial agreements.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical business advice.
Strong strategic thinking, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

Key Attributes:

Strategic partner: The ability to see beyond legal risk and provide commercially-focused advice that supports business growth.
Proactive problem-solver: A self-starter who identifies potential legal issues and develops creative, practical solutions.
Excellent negotiator: Strong skills in negotiation and conflict resolution to handle franchise disputes effectively.
Collaborative teammate: The ability to work effectively with diverse teams and build strong working relationships across the organization.