Department profile
Sotos LLP

Franchising

Canada Guide 2027 : Nationwide - Canada

Share profile

Sotos LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Sotos LLP

As Canada’s leading and largest franchising, licensing and distribution law firm, Sotos LLP provides a comprehensive range of services to franchisors. Since its inception in 1980, the firm has guided hundreds of franchise systems to success, from launch to growth to exit. Sotos LLP provides franchisors with the full breadth of legal services that they require, including trademark agents, labour and employment lawyers, real estate and leasing lawyers, corporate financing and commercial lawyers, litigation experts, and private wealth lawyers, all of whom operate in the franchise space with specific industry expertise. Sotos team includes over twenty lawyers dedicated to the industry, serving clients from all franchising sectors, including automotive, cannabis, personal services, grocery retailing, distribution and manufacturing, professional services, home services, restaurants, hotel and motel franchising, and retail chains. They also provide significant services to dealers in the telecommunications industry. Sotos LLP caters to Canadian and international clients, from start-ups to established systems, and assists international franchisors wishing to expand into Canada and Canadian franchisors wishing to expand abroad. 

Industries (10)

  • Automotive
  • Cannabis – cultivation and retail distribution
  • Personal Services
  • Grocery retailing, distribution and manufacturing
  • Professional Services
  • Home Services
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel and Motel Franchising
  • Retail Chains
  • Franchisors

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Franchising - Nationwide - Canada

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Sotos LLP is a franchise law boutique that is known for its representation of both franchisor and franchisee clients. The Toronto-based law firm regularly handles the preparation of franchise agreements and disclosure documents, as well as advising on regulatory compliance. It also offers substantial litigation and arbitration expertise, including in relation to rescission, termination and the enforcement of non-compete covenants. The law firm assists a wide range of clients across various industries, including the automotive, food and beverage, and hospitality sectors, and is well placed to act on expansion mandates.
View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Sotos LLP represented Aroma Espresso Bar Canada Inc., Halva Investments Limited, 6605702 Canada Inc. and Earl Gorman in an appeal matter valued at CAD10.3 million.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The firm understands our business and has a sensible approach to incorporating risk into recommendations. The team is also timely in responses as well.

    Franchising respondentCanada

  • Sotos is amazing to work with and is responsive and detail-oriented.

    Franchising respondentCanada

  • Sotos is a small boutique firm that is very prompt and responsive, with expertise in franchise law.

    Franchising respondentCanada

  • Sotos has a good breadth of knowledge and expertise in the franchise space.

    Franchising respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • John Sotos
    John Sotos

    John Sotos

    Firm founding partner John Sotos is a Toronto-based lawyer who often acts on franchise agreements and related arbitration matters.

    • John is top of the chain but is always accessible.

      Franchising respondentCanada
    View profile
  • Allan Dick
    Allan Dick

    Allan Dick

    Allan Dick is a Toronto-based lawyer who is noted for his franchisee-side work. He is experienced in negotiating retailer agreements and is active in disputes in this field, including arbitrations and rescission claims.

    • Allan has a lot of experience and does a lot of work for people getting into the franchise business.

      Franchising respondentCanada

    • Allan is extraordinarily intelligent and is very experienced in franchising. He is an incredible advocate for clients and very practical in advising to get the desired solution.

      Franchising respondentCanada
    View profile
  • Debi Sutin
    Debi Sutin

    Debi Sutin

    Debi Sutin is an accomplished lawyer whose clients include companies in the education and food and beverage sectors. She frequently advises on the establishment and development of international franchises within Canada. She is based in Gowling WLG's Hamilton office.

    • Debi is a leader in the field.

      Franchising respondentCanada

    • Debi is well known in the franchise space and contributes to the community.

      Franchising respondentCanada
    View profile
  • Peter Viitre
    Peter Viitre

    Peter Viitre

    Peter Viitre is a Toronto-based lawyer who often provides counsel to clients in sectors such as automotive and food and beverages. He frequently advises on rescissions and drafting master franchise agreements, as well as assisting international clients with expansion into Canada.

    • Peter has an ability to deal with a variety of matters. He also has a deep understanding of franchising and has advocated for the industry, so he is one of the pre-eminent thought leaders in the industry.

      Franchising respondentCanada
    View profile
  • Adrienne Boudreau
    Adrienne Boudreau

    Adrienne Boudreau

    Adrienne Boudreau is a Toronto-based lawyer who is active on franchising matters across a range of sectors, including hospitality, food and beverages, and cannabis. She is particularly experienced in franchisee rescission cases and also provides advice on related corporate and litigation matters.

    View profile
  • John Yiokaris
    John Yiokaris

    John Yiokaris

    Co-managing partner of the firm, John Yiokaris is based in Toronto and possesses experience acting for both franchisors and franchisees. He is notably active in the automotive industry and leads the firm's sector practice in this area. He assists clients with contentious matters, transactions and master franchise agreements.

    View profile
  • Ashley Caldwell
    Ashley Caldwell

    Ashley Caldwell

    Ashley Caldwell earns plaudits for her franchising practice, offering a strong track record insupporting franchisors and franchisees through franchise agreements and resolving franchise disputes.

    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Sotos LLP (7)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

Provided by Sotos LLP

What success is built on

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

Explore thought leadership