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Foley & Lardner LLP
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Franchising

About

Provided by Foley & Lardner LLP

Foley’s Distribution & Franchise Practice offers “one-stop shopping” for the legal services required by manufacturers and franchisors, as well as distributors, dealers, and franchisees. Manufacturers rely on Foley’s experience to ensure the independent dealers and distributors authorized to sell and service the manufacturers’ trademarked products at retail meet the high standards associated with their brands. Franchisors similarly rely on Foley to ensure that independent franchisees licensed to use their trademarks operate in accordance with the uniformity and quality that the consuming public associates with the franchise system. We also help clients that are distributors, dealers, and franchisees resolve disputes with their suppliers.


Our Distribution & Franchise lawyers, individually and as a group, repeatedly have been recognized as preeminent in the field by Chambers USA, Franchise Times, the ABA Forum on Franchising, the International Franchise Association, and the ABA Section of Antitrust Law, among others.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Franchising - USA - Nationwide

3
Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Foley & Lardner is recognized for its focus on nontraditional franchise work, representing a number of auto dealership clients, among others. It offers expertise in franchising advisory work, disputes and competition issues. The firm has significant expertise in the drafting of franchise disclosure documents and registration, as well as offering guidance on state regulatory processes for franchisors. It is expert in securing financing for production processes and purchases for franchisees, dealers and distributors.

Work Highlights

Provided by Foley & Lardner LLP

  • Foley & Lardner represented Clark Equipment Company in a wrongful termination suit brought by a Bobcat dealer claiming damages in excess of $6 million.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

"Foley & Lardner has strong experience and a practical approach."

Franchising respondent
USA

"Foley & Lardner is extremely responsive and do a great job at putting matters to rest quickly and efficiently."

Franchising respondent
USA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Michael J Lockerby
2
Michael J Lockerby
2
Band 2

Michael Lockerby has deep knowledge of franchise law and regularly advises on franchise and distribution agreements. He is particularly well thought of for his skills in representing clients in the automotive sector.

"Michael is a tremendous lawyer."

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Mary Leslie Smith
3
Mary Leslie Smith
3
Band 3

Mary Leslie Smith represents franchisors and distributors in commercial disputes, often centered around trademarks and trade secrets, as well as cases brought by customers.

"We have a trusted relationship with Leslie. She has great critical thinking skills and looks at issues from all angles."

"She is a very good litigator."

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Ranked Lawyers at
Foley & Lardner LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

USA - Nationwide

Franchising
Michael J Lockerby
2
Michael J Lockerby
2
Band 2
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Mary Leslie Smith
3
Mary Leslie Smith
3
Band 3
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Members

Provided by Foley & Lardner LLP