Department profile

Franchising

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

DLA Piper LLP (US)

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Franchising - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

DLA Piper is a leading firm offering a very deep bench of experienced attorneys capable of handling the full gamut of complex franchising litigation and transactional matters. It represents a wide variety of clients including some of the largest franchisors in the USA, private equity firms and a number of startups. The firm has a strong international presence complementing work with foreign companies franchising into the US. It offers unmatched expertise in termination-related disputes and litigation involving allegations of violations of state disclosure and relationship laws.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

DLA Piper LLP advised Roark Capital on its acquisition of the Dave's Hot Chicken Franchise Co, the franchisor of over 275 operational restaurants and over 750 in its development pipeline.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

The law firm has strong understanding of franchise and multi-unit business models.
Franchising respondentUSA
DLA Piper provides a high degree of responsiveness in response to urgent requests for detailed and substantive analysis.
Franchising respondentUSA
I am thoroughly impressed by its work product and representation.
Franchising respondentUSA
We are very pleased with the strength of DLA Piper's team.
Franchising respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

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Bret Lowell
Bret Lowell is highly skilled in a range of matters, including franchise disclosures. He is experienced in a number of sectors, including retail, healthcare and hospitality.
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Band 1
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Norman Leon
Norman Leon acts for franchisors on disputes, appearing in state and federal courts. He is noted for his exceptional handling of putative class action lawsuits, particularly misclassification disputes.
Norman is very practical and strategic in his guidance.
Franchising respondentUSA
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Band 1
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Richard G Greenstein
Richard Greenstein is an experienced transactional lawyer who advises on a range of issues related to franchise and distribution law.
Richard offers responsiveness, expertise and efficiency.
Franchising respondentUSA
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Band 1
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Stuart Hershman
Stuart Hershman has a leading franchising practice that sees him work on general dealership, distribution and antitrust matters, among others. He is based in the firm's Chicago office.
He is innovative, knowledgeable and always available.
Franchising respondentUSA
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Band 1
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Tao Xu
Tao Xu is one of the market leaders in the franchising world. He is held in high esteem for his skills in international franchising matters. He is noted in particular for his significant expertise relating to transactions in the food and retail sectors.
He has really terrific market insights.
Franchising respondentUSA
Tao has excellent international experience.
Franchising respondentUSA
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Band 3
Band 3
Alexander Tuneski
Alexander Tuneski continues to build a solid profile in the franchise area, handling domestic and international transactions. His client base includes those in the education, hospitality and retail sectors.
He has the ability to turn business ideas into concrete agreements and coherently explains that to the business team.
Franchising respondentUSA
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Band 3
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David S Sager
David Sager is particularly adept at advising franchisors in the hospitality sector. He handles contentious matters, including disputes centered around termination of franchise agreements.
David is well-versed in the law, adept at dealing with novel issues and provides practical guidance.
Franchising respondentUSA
He has a tremendous knowledge of our business and clients.
Franchising respondentUSA
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Band 4
Band 4
Barry M Heller
Barry Heller specializes in representing clients in franchise and distribution disputes.
He is instrumental in driving resolutions.
Franchising respondentUSA
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Band 4
Band 4
Bethany Appleby
Bethany Appleby has a growing franchising practice where regularly advises on franchising arbitrations and resolving conflicts with franchisees, vendors and consumers.
She provides excellent advice and handling of our matters.
Franchising respondentUSA
Bethany is extremely smart and responsive.
Franchising respondentUSA
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Band 4
Band 4
Richard J Morey
Richard Morey provides counsel on topics such as international development arrangements, acquisitions and joint ventures. He frequently advises both startups and established companies.
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