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.  

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Franchising - USA - Nationwide

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

  • Lathrop GPM represented Batteries Plus in a franchise litigation. 

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Mark Kirsch
2
Mark Kirsch
2
Band 2
Mark Kirsch acts for clients on domestic and international franchising issues, including transactional and regulatory matters.

Mark gives great advice.

He is a great attorney.

Michael R. Gray
2
Michael R. Gray
2
Band 2
Michael Gray is a litigator who works on a variety of franchise disputes, including noncompete enforcement issues.

Michael is an excellent trial attorney and litigator.

Elizabeth Dillon
3
Elizabeth Dillon
Head of Franchising
3
Band 3
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.

Elizabeth's straightforward approach to the issues and ease of doing business is amazing.

Elizabeth is an absolute rock star. She provides excellent customer service and practical, well-informed advice.

Gaylen L Knack
3
Gaylen L Knack
3
Band 3
Gaylen Knack has a strong franchise practice which includes advising on structuring franchise programs. He is experienced in handling domestic and cross-border matters.

Gaylen really stands out in terms of his ability to build integrity with the client.

Gaylen is beyond exceptional. 

Eric Yaffe
4
Eric Yaffe
4
Band 4
Eric Yaffe gains recognition for his handling of franchise litigation on behalf of franchisors. He is often called upon by clients to litigate misrepresentation and breach of contact claims.

Eric consistently excels while supporting the client's needs.

Justin Sallis
4
Justin Sallis
4
Band 4
Justin Sallis is a recognized up-and-comer in the franchising space, able to advise on both transactions and disputes.

Ranked Lawyers at
Lathrop GPM

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

USA - Nationwide

Franchising

Mark Kirsch
2
Mark Kirsch
2
Band 2
Michael R. Gray
2
Michael R. Gray
2
Band 2
Elizabeth Dillon
3
Elizabeth Dillon
Head of Franchising
3
Band 3
Gaylen L Knack
3
Gaylen L Knack
3
Band 3
Eric Yaffe
4
Eric Yaffe
4
Band 4
Justin Sallis
4
Justin Sallis
4
Band 4

Members

Provided by Lathrop GPM

Alicia Goedde

Ashley Bennett Ewald

Cameron Johnson

Craig Miller

Eli Bensignor

Elizabeth Dillon

Elizabeth Dillon

Head of Department

Emilie Eschbacher

Erica Tokar

Frank Sciremammano

Hannah Fotsch

James Wahl

John Fitzgerald

Jose Garcia

Justin Sallis

Katie Bond

Maisa Frank

Marilyn Nathanson

Michael Sturm

Neil Goldsmith

Richard Landon

Robert Zisk

Ryan Palmer

Samuel Butler

Sandra Bodeau

Stephen Vaughan

Thomas Pacheco

Tracy Castillo

Clients

Provided by Lathrop GPM

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

Provided by Lathrop GPM

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