How do I Choose the Best Franchise Lawyer?

Experience is a critical factor when you are trying to choose the best franchise lawyer. You may also prefer a lawyer who focuses his practice specifically on franchises rather than general law. An attorney's reputation and the jurisdictions in which he is licensed may prove important as well. Additionally, the affordability of the legal fees a lawyer charges may also influence your decision.

To choose the best franchise lawyer, you will typically have to consider experience. In general, the best lawyers will have years of experience with franchise law and the creation and review of franchise agreements. In fact, you may be best served by choosing a lawyer who focuses his entire practice on this area of law. A general practice lawyer may be far less familiar with the ins and outs of franchises and franchise agreements.

You may also choose the best franchise lawyer based on reviews of lawyers in this field. You may ask your local bar association for the contact information of lawyers who specialize in this field or look through a local phone directory to get ideas. Then, you may look for reviews of these lawyers online. In addition, you may check peer-to-peer review websites to find the franchise lawyers who have the best reputations.

Recommendations may also prove helpful as you attempt to choose the best franchise lawyer. For example, you may ask other franchisers for the names of the lawyers they use. If you are associated with lawyers who practice other types of law, you may also ask them if there are any franchise lawyers they are willing to recommend.

The licensing a lawyer has may also prove important when you are trying to choose the best franchise lawyer. You will need a lawyer who is licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. You may, however, also need a lawyer who is licensed to practice in other jurisdictions if your business may eventually expand into those areas.

Legal fees may also prove important when you are trying to choose the best franchise lawyer. Some lawyers may charge higher fees than others. Likewise, you may find some who are willing to charge a flat rate for reviewing franchise agreements while others may charge hourly. Additionally, you may find some franchise lawyers who request a retainer before they will perform legal work on your behalf. The best franchise lawyer is usually one who charges fees that you consider affordable.