Department profile
Lathrop GPM

Franchising

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


Lathrop GPM

Rankings

About

Provided by Lathrop GPM

With one of the world’s leading franchise and distribution law practices, Lathrop GPM serves franchisors and master franchisees at all stages of their development, in markets throughout the world. We offer clients services related to domestic and international franchising in all aspects of their business including the following areas: franchise registrations and compliance advice, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, data security and privacy, technology, and reorganization and bankruptcy. We back up our transactional and regulatory advice with our franchise dispute resolution team. Our litigators have represented franchisors in courts and arbitration tribunals throughout the U.S., taking advantage of briefs, pleadings, and strategies which have withstood challenges in earlier cases.

International franchising remains a cornerstone of Lathrop GPM. We have advised well over 200 franchise systems with expansion efforts into more than 140 countries. While all of our offices are based in the U.S., our clients' transactions and perspective spans the globe on a daily basis. 

Beyond the 25 attorneys who focus primarily on legal issues related to franchising, Lathrop GPM has 350 lawyers who focus on other areas which support our franchisor and master franchisee clients, including employment, tax, real estate, trust and estate planning, environmental law, insurance recovery, and health law, among others.  

Clients (15)

  • Ace Hardware
  • AmRest
  • Batteries Plus
  • BeaverTails
  • Body Fit Training
  • Caribou Coffee
  • Home Instead Senior Care
  • Jan-Pro
  • Link Staffing Services
  • Little Caesar
  • Papa Murphy's
  • Radisson Hotel Brands
  • ServiceMaster
  • Signal 88
  • YUM China

Industries (17)

  • Automobiles & Parts
  • Commercial & Professional Services
  • Construction & Materials
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Financial Services
  • Fitness
  • Health Care
  • Home Services
  • Hospitality
  • Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Real Estate
  • Restaurant, Food & Beverage
  • Retail
  • Staffing Services
  • Technology & Computer Sciences
  • Travel & Leisure

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Franchising - USA - Nationwide

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Lathrop is a strong firm with notable expertise in dispute resolution, franchising M&A and international franchising. It offers a deep bench of attorneys covering a broad base of transactional advisory work and representation of clients in franchise litigation and arbitration. The firm has significant expertise in assisting franchisors to explore expansion options and address government regulations, employment issues and intellectual property matters. It is additionally noted for providing franchising clients with tax advice.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Lathrop GPM represented F45 Training in state franchise investigations and inquires in California, Washington and Michigan.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Its lawyers are always on point and prompt on follow-ups and follow through.

    Franchising respondentUSA
  • Lathrop has a breadth of experience and familiarity with franchise law.

    Franchising respondentUSA
  • Lathrop offers excellent service by being responsive, working with the best interest of the client in mind and always thinking of ways to reduce the scope of the project.

    Franchising respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Elizabeth Dillon
    Band 2Elizabeth Dillon

    Elizabeth Dillon

    Elizabeth Dillon is an established practitioner who advises early-stage and mature franchisors on their franchise systems. She often works on international matters, including helping clients expand into Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

    • I am very pleased and very satisfied with Elizabeth's support and advice.

      Franchising respondentUSA
    • She is incredibly business-minded and very invested in our success.

      Franchising respondentUSA
  • Band 2Mark Kirsch
    Band 2Mark Kirsch

    Mark Kirsch

    Mark Kirsch acts for clients on domestic and international franchising issues, including transactional and regulatory matters.

    • Mark is a reliable, smart and sophisticated franchise counsel.

      Franchising respondentUSA
  • Band 2Michael R. Gray
    Band 2Michael R. Gray

    Michael R. Gray

    Michael Gray is a litigator who works on a variety of franchise disputes, including non-compete enforcement issues.

  • Band 3Gaylen L Knack
    Band 3Gaylen L Knack

    Gaylen L Knack

    Gaylen Knack has a strong franchise practice which includes advising on structuring franchise programs. He is experienced in handling domestic and cross-border matters.

  • Band 4Justin Sallis
    Band 4Justin Sallis

    Justin Sallis

    Justin Sallis is a recognized up-and-comer in the franchising space, able to advise on both transactions and disputes.

    • Julian is responsive, listens well and finds novel ways to serve the client's interests.

      Franchising respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Lathrop GPM (5)

USA - Nationwide

Members

Provided by Lathrop GPM

Lathrop GPM has rankings in the following guides

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership