Harris J Chernow

Franchise / Distribution

Hospitality

Dispute Resolution

General Business

Real Estate / Leasing

Immigration

Mediator / Arbitrator

Harris J. Chernow is Chair of Reger Rizzo & Darnall LLP’s Franchise & Distribution Practice and Hospitality Groups and a member of the Corporate & Business Services and Alternative Dispute Resolution Groups. He maintains a nationwide practice representing franchisors/brands, franchisees/owners, distributors, hospitality companies, and other businesses in a wide range of transactional, operational, and dispute-resolution matters.

Harris is recognized for providing practical, business-oriented counsel that helps clients navigate both opportunities and challenges throughout the lifecycle of their businesses. His practice includes advising on franchise system development and expansion, franchise disclosure and compliance matters, mergers and acquisitions, hospitality and hotel management agreements, licensing and co-branding arrangements, corporate transactions, real estate and leasing matters, and executive employment issues; among other areas.

He represents clients ranging from start-ups and emerging brands to established national and international companies across a variety of industries. His experience includes advising franchisors, multi-unit franchisees, area developers, master franchisees, franchisee associations, distributors, and private equity-backed businesses seeking growth through franchising and distribution strategies.

In addition to his transactional practice, Harris is highly regarded for his work in franchise, hospitality, and commercial dispute resolution. He regularly represents clients in litigation, arbitration, and mediation proceedings.

A tribute to his reputation for fairness, industry knowledge, acumen and practical is the frequency of being selected to serve as a neutral arbitrator and mediator in connection with franchise, hospitality, and business disputes.

Philadelphia Bar Association – Chair, Business Law Section; Co-Chair, Franchise Law Committee; Vice Chair, Mid-Size Firm Committee

International Franchise Association – Legal Symposium Legal Task Force Chair; Speaker

Center for Public Resources Institute for Dispute Resolution – Distinguished Franchise Panel Neutral; Franchise Mediation Committee Member

American Association of Franchisees and Dealers – Past Chair of the Legal Education Subcommittee; Speaker at Annual Conventions and Forums

New Jersey State Bar Association – Franchise Law Committee Co-Chair

Pennsylvania Bar Association – Franchise and Business Sections Member

Montgomery County Bar Association – Past Chair of the Franchise Law Committee

Georgetown Law School Hotel & Lodging Summit Advisory & Planning Committee Member

American Bar Association Forum on Franchising – Past Program Chair for 30th Annual Forum on Franchising; served on Governing Committee - Finance Chair; Former Chair of the Forum’s Litigation and ADR Committee and Litigation and Dispute Resolution Division

Featured Expert, “Guide to Buying a Franchise: How to Secure Financing for Your Franchise — Legal Considerations: Protecting Your Investment,” Stache Cow (Sept. 30, 2025).

Featured Expert, "10 Tips for Buying a Low-Cost Franchise Without Getting Burned," 1851 Franchise (June 3, 2025).

Featured Expert, "Trump’s Second Term Could Put Franchisors Back in Favor on Federal Level," Franchise Times (March 28, 2025).

Featured Expert, "The Price of Business," hosted by Kevin Price (Nov. 4, 2024).

Author, "Practical Advice for In-House Counsel," International Franchise Association Legal Symposium.

Author, American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, “Franchisee Client Objectives in Representing Franchisees."

Chapter Co-author, “Franchise Desk Book.”

Chapter Author, “Representing Franchisees,” American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Chapter Co-author, "Mergers and Acquisitions of Franchise Companies." American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Chapter Co-author, “Franchise Desk Book,” (second edition,) American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Chapter Co-author, “Annotated Franchise Agreement,” American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Author, "The Internet Hits a Brick Wall," The Franchise Lawyer.

Author, “Franchise Resources,” The Franchise Lawyer.

Author, “Franchise-Related Vicarious Liability – Wait, What?!” American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Author, “Is a Little Competition Healthy, ”American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Author, “Rescission and Restitution: Remedies for Private Causes of Action,“ American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Author, “Is That a Fair Deal? Best Practices for Negotiation of the Franchise Agreement,” American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Author, “Strategic and Tactical Decision Making,” American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Author, “Managing the Organization of a Franchise Association,” American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Author, “How to be an Effective Advocate in Mediation,” American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Author, “Effective Opening Statements and Closing Arguments,” American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Author, “Road to Perdition: The Case Against Arbitration,” American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Author, "Negotiating a Franchise Agreement," American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Author, “Anatomy of a Franchise Divorce,” American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Author, “In-House Counsel Intensive (for In-House Counsel Only),” International Franchise Association Legal Symposium.

Author, “Mediation of Franchise Disputes," International Franchise Association Legal Symposium.

Author, “Have Multi-Unit and Multi-Brand Franchisees Set a New Standard for Franchisors.”

Author, “Litigating Financial Performance Representations,” International Franchise Association Legal Symposium.

Author, "Best Practices for Handling Defaults and Terminations," International Franchise Association Legal Symposium.

Author, “Termination Alternatives,” International Franchise Association Legal Symposium.

Author, “Developing and Using Franchisee Associations and FACs,” International Franchise Association Legal Symposium.

Author, “Ethics and Liability Concerns of Franchise Lawyers,” International Franchise Association Legal Symposium.

Author, “Negotiation in the Franchise Relationship,” International Franchise Association Legal Symposium.

Author, "The Franchisee and Franchisor Relationship: An Easy Exit (or Not)." The New Jersey Lawyer.

Not just all work, Harris enjoys his family time and being out on the pickleball court, the slopes, the baseball field, the water and rooting for his favorite college (Temple) and pro teams, and simply having fun.

Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law (1988)

J.D.

1988

Temple University Fox School of Business and Management

B.B.A.

1985

Legal 500: Philadelphia Elite - Corporate and M&A

Who's Who Legal: Franchise

Franchise Times: Legal Eagle

Franchise Times: Franchise Super Lawyers

American Association of Franchisees and Dealers: Member of the Year

Best Lawyers in America: Franchise Law

Super Lawyer: Franchising

Temple University F. Eugene Dixon Jr. Inspiration Award

Philadelphia Bar Association: Bar Star