Find the support you need to navigate the legal aspects of franchising as we introduce you to CFA Member lawyers from coast to coast.
As a prospective franchisee, it’s important to find a franchise lawyer who can work with you through the due diligence process and help you to understand the legal elements of franchising. Here, Franchise Canada has collected a list of lawyers with the appropriate franchise experience to support you as you get your business up and running.
To help you find the right lawyer, we’ve highlighted CFA (Canadian Franchise Association) members from across Canada. These lawyers have expertise in all legal matters related to franchising, and can help you on your way to starting your own business. Read the profiles on the next page to learn more!
Founded in 2016, this firm seeks to provide legal services to its clients using simplified language and practical solutions to resolve complex issues. Achkar Law is a labour, employment, and Human Rights law firm that serves the province of Ontario, and its skilled lawyers have industry-specific experience providing proactive advice and litigation services.
Learn more about Achkar Law
Alepin Gauthier Avocats Inc., Attorneys at Law
This established firm has built its reputation on the quality and strength of its interventions within many fields of practice, particularly in matters directly and indirectly affecting franchising. Alepin Gauthier has been involved in franchise law since 1979, making the firm one of the key players in this field. Its team represents both franchisee and franchisor clients.
Learn more about Alepin Gauthier Avocats Inc.
Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP
Leading Vancouver-based law firm Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP assists clients in all facets of Canadian franchise law through its franchise practice. The firm acts primarily for franchisors and master franchisees, and offers services spanning from initial structuring of new or expanding franchise systems to ongoing operational advice, litigation and dispute resolution, and advocacy.
Learn more about Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP
Founded in 2016, this firm seeks to provide legal services to its clients using simplified language and practical solutions to resolve complex issues. Achkar Law is a labour, employment, and Human Rights law firm that serves the province of Ontario, and its skilled lawyers have industry-specific experience providing proactive advice and litigation services.
Learn more about Achkar Law
Alepin Gauthier Avocats Inc., Attorneys at Law
This established firm has built its reputation on the quality and strength of its interventions within many fields of practice, particularly in matters directly and indirectly affecting franchising. Alepin Gauthier has been involved in franchise law since 1979, making the firm one of the key players in this field. Its team represents both franchisee and franchisor clients.
Learn more about Alepin Gauthier Avocats Inc.
Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP
Leading Vancouver-based law firm Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP assists clients in all facets of Canadian franchise law through its franchise practice. The firm acts primarily for franchisors and master franchisees, and offers services spanning from initial structuring of new or expanding franchise systems to ongoing operational advice, litigation and dispute resolution, and advocacy.
Learn more about Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP
This Toronto-based boutique law firm offers experienced and cost-effective representation to franchisors, individual franchisees, and master franchisees in all aspects of franchising. With the slogan “Relationships Matter,” the firm works on a personal level with its clients to provide the practical and legal advice best suited to achieving their business objectives.
Learn more about AUDAXLAW PC
A full-service law firm, Blaney McMurty LLP provides legal services for all aspects of franchising through its corporate/commercial practice. The firm was ranked a “Top 10 Regional Law Firm” by Canadian Lawyer Magazine for 2021-2022. The Toronto-based firm can help clients through the process of buying a franchise, financing their business, or resolving business disputes.
Learn more about Blaney McMurtry LLP
This full-service national law firm has offices in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. Borden Ladner Gervais provides practical legal advice and assistance in the preparation and negotiation of franchise documentation and the resolution of franchise disputes.
Learn more about Borden Ladner Gervais
Lawyers at Cassels Brock & Blackwell provide knowledgeable advice on all legal and practical aspects of franchising, including franchise agreements, disclosure law compliance, dispute resolution, and litigation. The full-service business law firm has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. The group’s chair, Larry Weinberg, is past chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Franchise Law Section and has received multiple awards.
Learn more about Cassels Brock & Blackwell
Dale & Lessmann LLP advises domestic and international businesses on all matters related to franchising, including franchise law, business law, M&A, real estate, litigation, distribution, licensing, advertising, and trademarks. The firm represents franchisors in the drafting, review, and negotiation of all franchise agreements, disclosure documents, and other related franchise documentation, and provides support in connection with brand protection. The firm’s franchise law team has been recognized as leaders in Canadian franchise law by such rankings and publications as Lexpert, Franchise Times, Best Lawyers, Who’s Who Lawyers and Chambers.
Learn more about Dale & Lessmann LLP
David Kornhauser c/o MacDonald Sager Manis
Operating with the slogan, “QUESTIONS ABOUT FRANCHISING? We have the answers. WE KNOW FRANCHISING,” franchise lawyers David Kornhauser and Michael A Kleinman offer comprehensive services for franchisors, franchisees, and franchisee groups. They believe that “it is essential for professional advisors to understand the unique dynamic between franchisor and franchisee, as well as the respective rights and obligations imposed on each by franchise legislation and documentation.”
Learn more about David Kornhauser c/o MacDonald Sager Manis
Dentons is the world’s largest law firm and the only law firm in Canada with a recognized global franchise practice in markets across Canada, USA, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Middle East. Its multi-disciplinary legal and business advisors provide comprehensive solutions on all matters impacting a franchise business from inception through to exit, including: preparation of franchise agreements, disclosure documents, corporate governance, tax planning, financing, intellectual property, privacy/data, real estate, employment and dispute resolution. The firm launched Dentons Franchise Advisory in 2021, adding to its more than 75 years of franchise experience.
Learn more about Dentons Canada
With more than 500 lawyers, practicing across more than 40 practice areas including franchising, Dickinson Wright has an unwavering focus on providing unmatched client service and high-quality legal advice. The team of experienced legal professionals has been recognized by numerous industry endorsements. A full-service law firm operating across Canada and the United States, it offers seamless, cost-effective legal services.
Learn more about Dickinson Wright
Dipchand LLP
This Toronto-based law firm represents both franchisees and franchisors. Dipchand LLP has a wealth of experience in the establishment of franchise systems, including disclosure packages, trademarks, and litigation surrounding the Arthur Wishart Act. For franchisees, the firm offers reliable guidance on complex legal issues related to acquisition of franchised units; industry, market, and area assessment; leasing and property; franchise agreement assessment; employees; and more.
One of Canada’s leading business law firms, with more than 700 lawyers located across Canada, Europe, and Africa. Partner Darrel Jarvis has been recognized for his expertise in franchise law, and brings a background of experience as an executive with one of Canada’s leading franchisors. He is also a member of the CFA’s Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee.
Learn more about Fasken Martineau Dumoulin LLP
Founded in 1948 as a one-man operation, Garfinkle Biderman LLP has grown into a fully fledged firm with specialists in every area of law. Its franchise team represents businesses from across a broad spectrum of industries, including brick-and-mortar and non-traditional businesses alike. The firm offers a wide range of services for franchisors, franchisees, area developers, master franchisees, suppliers, and more.
Learn more about Garfinkle Biderman LLP
With multiple offices across Canada, Gowling WLG is one of the country’s largest full-service law firms. It offers expertise in franchising, licensing, distribution, and intellectual property law, both domestically and internationally. Its presence across the country means this firm has expertise in provincial franchising legislation and can help clients navigate legal issues related to franchising across the country.
Learn more about Gowling WLG
Hodgson Russ LLP
One of only a few U.S. full-service law firms with offices in Canada, Hodgson Russ specializes in advising Canadian companies on a wide variety of legal matters related to operating in the U.S., including franchise and distribution law. Canadian franchisors can turn to this firm for advice on U.S. franchise law compliance (including disclosure document preparation and registration), intellectual property, cross-border structuring, state and local tax issues, and immigration matters.
Learn more about Hodgson Russ LLP
Hoffer Adler LLP
As “Lawyers Focused on the Needs of their Clients,” this firm has represented franchisors, master franchisees, franchise associations, and franchisees of more than 540 franchise systems. Partner Joseph Adler served as Secretary/General Council of the CFA (2012-2015) and was an executive member of the CFA board of directors (2007-2015). His partner, Lloyd Hoffer, is an experienced franchise litigator. Both are listed by LEXPERT as leading franchise lawyers in Canada.
Learn more about Hoffer Adler LLP
Jones Law Professional Corporation
This Toronto-based law practice has been internationally recognized for experience and expertise in franchising, trademark, and privacy law. Jones Law Professional Corporation focuses on the national and international distribution of goods and services, particularly in China and other major economies in East and Southeast Asia (such as Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia). Advice on copyrights, licensing, competition law, and e-commerce is also offered.
Learn more about Jones Law Professional Corporation
KMB LAW
KMB Law is a business law firm with 40+ years of experience assisting clients on a wide range of legal services to assist franchisors and franchisees in all facets of the franchise relationship. KMB has extensive experience providing advice in all legal and business aspects of franchising, including: drafting and reviewing franchise, master franchise, and development agreements; preparing franchise disclosure documents; drafting and reviewing equipment leases, supplier, and other operational agreements; and providing sound legal strategy for expanding and new franchise systems.
Lapointe Rosenstein Marchand Melançon, LLP
One of the largest independent law firms in Quebec, LRMM specializes in business and corporate law, insurance, franchising, licensing, intellectual property, tax, finance, real estate, bankruptcy and restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, labour and employment, and civil, commercial, and class action litigation. In all areas, the firm delivers high service standards, practical insights, and strong expertise.
Learn more about Lapointe Rosenstein Marchand Melançon, LLP
Lavery, de Billy LLP
This Quebec-based firm’s Franchise and Distribution Section offers advice for structuring, launching, and guiding franchise and distribution systems in all industries. Lavery provides Canadian and U.S.-based franchisors, master franchisees, distributors, retailers, and manufacturers with all the services they need to set up and improve their network across Quebec and Canada.
Learn more about Lavery, de Billy LLP
This Toronto-based boutique law firm offers expertise in franchise and business litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Having acted as counsel in many precedent-setting court decisions in Ontario, Law Works can offer expertise in franchise litigation and appeals. The firm also represents parties in all aspects of franchise arbitrations and franchise insolvencies.
Learn more about Law Works P.C.
Lawrence, Lawrence, Stevenson LLP
Lawrences has been providing exceptional legal services for more than 90 years, since it was founded in 1924. As part of Lawrences’ Business Law Group, lawyers advise both franchisors and franchisees on all aspects of franchising, including: compliance with franchise laws and regulations, updating or preparing disclosure documents and franchise agreements, buying and selling of franchises, renewal and termination of franchises, commercial leasing, and more.
Learn more about Lawrence, Lawrence, Stevenson LLP
With offices in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, Lindsey MacCarthy LLP (LinMac) is one of Canada’s premiere tax and business boutique law firm. With a broad range of experience working with both start-up and established franchisors and franchisees on a wide variety of franchising matters, LinMac approaches clients’ business and legal concerns in a pragmatic, cost-effective, and creative way.
Learn more about Lindsey MacCarthy LLP
This experienced law firm represents both franchisees and franchisors on all legal aspects of franchising. The Calgary-based firm offers advice and guidance to franchisees throughout the investment process, including navigating franchise disclosure documents and franchise agreements. Lintott Law can also help with renewals, leasing, and other issues for new or existing franchisees.
Mann Lawyers is a full-service law firm, providing a broad range of legal services and representation to a diverse clientele. Services offered include aspects of franchise and business law like incorporations, contract drafting and negotiation, sales and acquisitions, and commercial real estate acquisitions and leasing. The firm offers professional, timely, and innovative legal services, working collaboratively between departments to meet clients’ needs.
Learn more about Mann Lawyers LLP
McCarthy Tetrault’s Franchise and Distribution Group is a national full-service team that advises and represents private and public companies in Canada and the U.S. in all areas of law that affect franchise and distribution networks. Areas include corporate-commercial, intellectual property, competition, real estate, tax, product liability, litigation, privacy and regulatory compliance.
Learn more about McCarthy Tetrault LLP
This business law firm advises franchisors and franchisees on all aspects of franchise law and routinely assists with the preparation and review of franchise agreements and disclosure documents. Providing strategic counsel to industry-leading clients from Canada and abroad, they relentless focus on client success, talent engagement and innovation. With six locations in key economic centers across Atlantic Canada, the firm is positioned—both in size and experience—to offer clients a full range of legal and professional services.
Learn more about McInnes Cooper
With offices in Ontario and B.C., McKenzie Lake is dedicated to client service through effective, efficient, and innovative legal services. Clients range in size from individuals investing in franchised businesses to multi-unit franchisees, area developers, master franchisees, and franchisors operating and expanding internationally.
Learn more about McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP
This leading business law firm serves public, private, and not-for-profit clients across key industries in Canada, the U.S., and internationally. McMillan’s franchise and distribution lawyers are experienced in all aspects of franchising, from drafting franchise agreements and disclosure documents to litigating and resolving franchise disputes. Areas of experience include litigation, competition, financing, environmental, insolvency, labour and employment, securities, and tax law.
Miller Nash attorneys work with franchise systems operating in a broad range of specialty industries, all with the goal of helping clients get as much value as possible out of their system. With offices in the U.S., the firm has helped many Canadian brands expand into the U.S. market, and can answer common questions and concerns that arise for brands that are growing internationally.
Learn more about Miller Nash LLP
With 12 offices across Canada, Miller Thomson has the largest footprint of any national firm. Miller Thomson advises Canadian and international franchisors in respect of franchise compliance, intellectual property, dispute resolution, mergers and acquisitions, financings, reorganizations, and complex commercial matters.
Learn more about Miller Thomson LLP
This full-service law firm offers its services from six key centres across the western provinces—Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver—making it “Western Canada’s Law Firm.” Its size and geographic scope ensures it can meet the needs of clients from individuals to large business enterprises.
This business law firm has extensive experience providing value-added legal services to both franchisors and franchisees in all aspects of franchising. The advisory team is dedicated to helping clients find the right business and legal solution, by providing top-notch skills with a good range of experience to meet all circumstances so that franchise clients receive informed and practical advice with good value.
Learn more about Morrison Brown Sosnovitch LLP
Osler’s national franchise group has the unmatched legal expertise to help build and protect clients’ franchise systems. The firm continually adapts to meet its clients’ changing commercial and litigation needs, from expanding expertise in new legal frontiers to adopting innovative technologies. These innovations include Osler Dash™, an automated end-to-end solution to the franchise disclosure and contracting process.
Learn more about Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Pitblado Law offers franchisors and franchisees a broad range of services and strategic legal advice with respect to franchise disclosure law compliance, negotiating and drafting franchise agreements (including single and multi-unit agreements), the purchase and sale of franchises and franchise systems, and franchise default and termination. The firm offers competitive rates and broad expertise.
Plave Koch PLC
This small entrepreneurial law firm’s nationwide practice is focused on franchise law, distribution, litigation, domain names, trademarks, FTC matters, and technology. Representing more than 250 brands across a wide range of industries, the firm has one of the largest franchise transactional and litigation practices in the U.S. The Virginia-based firm has 10 experienced “big law” partners (each with more than 20 years of experience representing franchisors), and has been in business since 2007.
Learn more about Plave Koch PLC
Robins Appleby LLP
Robins Appleby LLP a trusted and highly regarded law firm, focused on helping clients face important issues in their business. Using a client-centred, personalized approach, the firm’s lawyers offer services for franchisees and is franchisors, including franchise disclosure and legislative compliance, system development and management, and assisting franchisees with the evaluation and purchase of a franchise opportunity.
Learn more about Robins Appleby LLP
Sherrard Kuzz LLP is one of Canada’s leading employment and labour law firms exclusively representing employers. The firm is consistently recognized nationally and internationally by Canadian Lawyer®, Chambers Global®, Lexpert®, Best Lawyers®, Who’s Who Legal® and Legal 500®, and as a 5-Star Safety Law Firm for excellence in occupational health and safety by Canadian Occupational Safety®. Sherrard Kuzz LLP has extensive experience acting for a wide range of franchise organizations across several industries such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, service, transportation, and more.
Learn more about Sherrard Kuzz LLP
As Canada’s leading franchising, licensing, and distribution law firm—with more than 20 legal professionals devoted to the industry—Sotos LLP provides a complete range of specialized franchise law related services to all businesses engaged in franchising across all industry sectors while servicing their day to day corporate, commercial, real estate, employment, litigation and intellectual property needs.
With Canadian offices in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver—as well as New York, London, and Sydney—this highly regarded firm serves business clients from coast to coast. Stikeman Elliott is recognized internationally for its sophisticated business law practice and has extensive knowledge across industries including food and beverage, hospitality, communications, and technology.
Learn more about Stikeman Elliott LLP
This Toronto-based firm’s franchise team is led by partners Ian Roher and David Altshuller, both highly recognized as experienced and respected franchise litigators. The team of expert advisors and problem-solvers prides itself on being creative and fearless advocates for the interests and rights of their clients. They have experience and franchise-related expertise in commercial leasing, real estate, construction, employment, and professional negligence disputes.
Learn more about Teplitsky, Colson LLP
As a full-service law firm, Torkin Manes is able to draw on expertise from a cross-section of practice areas across the firm, providing advice in all areas of business related to franchising. The Toronto-based law firm helps clients grow their businesses through franchising and advise them throughout the lifecycle of their business.
Learn more about Torkin Manes LLP
Wises is Oakville, Ontario’s business and trademark law firm. The firm’s team acts for franchisors and franchisees, serving their corporate, franchising, leasing, and trademark needs. Wises offers professional advice and strategic guidance to franchisees throughout the process of investing in a franchise, from financial planning to evaluating the franchise disclosure document.
Witten LLP
This Alberta-based business law firm offers advice and support in all areas of franchising matters, including agreements and disclosure document preparation, compliance with the Alberta Franchises Act, leasing, trademarks, litigation, and dispute resolution. Witten’s lawyers advise and assist a wide range of franchising clients representing international, national, and local franchisors and franchisees.