Band 2
Band 2
About
Provided by Helen Fotinos
Practice Areas
Helen Fotinos is a partner in our Corporate group in Toronto and lead of the Firm's National Franchising and Distribution group in Canada. Her practice focuses on all aspects of franchise/distribution law and related corporate/commercial contracts and disputes.
Prior to returning to private practice, Helen served as General Counsel to domestic and international franchisors, manufacturers and distributors in the quick-service/casual dining, food and beverage, hospitality and automotive industries. She has extensive experience developing integrated risk management strategies and practical business solutions that assist clients in managing both their day-to-day operations as well as the strategic long-term growth of their businesses.
Helen regularly advises domestic and international franchisors, manufacturers and distributors on wide variety of issues, including: Canadian market entry, exit and expansion strategies; franchise disclosure obligations; unit, area development and master franchise agreements; system changes; default enforcement; franchise terminations; renewals and transfers; the standardization of key operating documents; the implementation and enforcement of financial reporting, training and performance improvement programs; vendor, distribution and employment agreements; consumer grievances and litigation management.
Career
Called to the bar: Ontario, 2002
Professional Memberships
Law Society of Canada; Canadian Franchise Association, Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee; Board Member, Ontario Bar Association, Franchise Section; American Bar Association, Franchise Forum; International Franchise Association; Hellenic Lawyers Association; Committee Member, Hellenic Heritage Foundation.
Chambers Review
Canada
Department head Helen Fotinos represents clients from a wide range of industries, including automotives, cannabis, retail, and food and beverages. She is based in Toronto and regularly handles franchise law matters, including both litigation and contracts.
Helen Fotinos is a notable part of the Toronto market, where she leads the firm's national franchising and distribution group. She frequently acts for major clients, advising on areas from the franchising regulatory framework to exit from and expansion within the Canadian market.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Helen Fotinos is a really practical and business-oriented lawyer."
"Helen Fotinos is simply an exceptional lawyer and strategic adviser. It has been a pleasure working with her and learning from her diverse and vast experience in franchising matters."
"Helen Fotinos is a pleasure to work with. She takes the time to ensure the clients' needs are met, while particularly addressing all their business concerns and striving for the best result possible."
"I am delighted to work with Helen Fotinos."
"We rely on her for her expertise, business acumen and tenacity to assist and protect us in realising our objectives."
"Helen Fotinos is a really practical and business-oriented lawyer."
"Helen Fotinos is simply an exceptional lawyer and strategic adviser. It has been a pleasure working with her and learning from her diverse and vast experience in franchising matters."
"Helen Fotinos is a pleasure to work with. She takes the time to ensure the clients' needs are met, while particularly addressing all their business concerns and striving for the best result possible."
"I am delighted to work with Helen Fotinos."
"We rely on her for her expertise, business acumen and tenacity to assist and protect us in realising our objectives."