John Sotos
Canada Guide 2024
Senior Statespeople : Franchising
Senior Statespeople
About
Provided by John Sotos
Career
John is a dean of the franchising, licensing and distributing bar – a recognition that caps a 40-year career acting for franchisors regionally, nationally and globally. Today, he continues to provide counsel to franchisors in all aspects of their businesses, including in franchise system or distribution chain design and implementation, system restructuring, international and domestic transactions, and franchise disclosure. He offers strategic support to franchisors buying or selling a franchise systems, or repositioning their concepts or brands. He is an adept negotiator in complex franchise matters and is counsel to numerous industry groups. John is an expert in the grocery industry, acting for businesses at all levels of the grocery distribution chain. He also has deep experience in other industries, including hospitality and automotive. Recognized for his critical role in shaping Canada’s franchise legal framework, John regularly advises governments and industry associations on initiatives and changes that affect franchise businesses. He also has substantial experience advising family-owned companies on governance for successful succession and wealth preservation.
Awards
Consistently listed in Best Lawyers in Canada – Franchise Law (2006 – 2024)
Listed as “Lawyer of the Year – 2010” by Best Lawyers in Canada
Recognized in Best Lawyers Global Business Edition (2016 – 2023)
Listed as “Most Frequently Recommended” in Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory – Franchise (1997 – 2023)
Named “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times Magazine (2008 – 2024)
Inducted into the “Hall of Fame – 2017” by Franchise Times Magazine
Listed in Who’s Who Legal National Guide: Canada Franchise (2011 – 2023)
Listed as “Most Highly Regarded – 2017, 2020, & 2022” by Who’s Who Legal: Canada Franchise
Listed as “Global Elite Thought Leader – (2020 – 2023) by Who’s Who Legal Global Guide: Franchise
Listed in Who’s Who Legal Global Guide: Hospitality (2020 – 2023)
Listed in Who’s Who Legal Global Guide – Franchise (2011 – 2023)
Articles, highlights and press releases
1 item provided by Sotos LLP
This article summarizes the test for economic duress, how it has been applied in the franchise context, what questions remain unresolved, and some takeaways.
This article summarizes the test for economic duress, how it has been applied in the franchise context, what questions remain unresolved, and some takeaways.