The Top 25 Franchise Lawyers You Should Know in 2026

Franchising is one of the most regulated forms of business expansion. From disclosure requirements and franchise agreements to intellectual property protection and international growth strategies, the legal framework behind franchising is complex, evolving and essential to the success of both franchisors and franchisees.

If you're a franchisor, setting up a solid, legal system means creating a detailed Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), having rock-solid franchise agreements and always keeping up with federal and state regulations.

That's where seasoned franchise attorneys come in. They walk brands through every step, helping founders take their single-location business and turn it into a successful, repeatable franchise model. Beyond that, they're essential for protecting everyone involved — the franchisors and the franchisees — by making sure the agreements are clear, consistent and fair.

The legal landscape of franchising continues to evolve as brands grow more sophisticated and global expansion becomes more common. Franchise lawyers these days have to help clients figure out complicated new factors, like agreements for building multiple locations, private equity firms putting money into franchise systems, rules for franchising across borders and keeping the brand safe online.

At the same time, franchise lawyers often serve as trusted counselors for entrepreneurs entering the franchise space. For many founders, working with experienced franchise counsel is one of the most important steps in transforming a successful business concept into a scalable franchise brand.

Without further ado, here is the full list of 2026's top franchise lawyers.

• Chad Finkelstein — Dale & Lessmann LLP

• Elizabeth Sigety — Fox Rothschild LLP

• Leslie Curran — Plave Koch PLC

• Leonard Vines — UB Greensfelder LLP

• Michael “Mike” Drumm — Drumm Law LLC

• Brian Schnell — Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

• Peter Viitre — Sotos LLP

• Barry M. Heller — DLA Piper

• Eleanor Vaida Gerhards — Fox Rothschild LLP

• Fredric A. Cohen — Cheng Cohen LLC

• Robert F. Salkowski — Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.

• Tom Spadea — Spadea Lignana LLC

• Lane Fischer — Fisher Zucker LLC

• Joseph J. Fittante Jr. — Larkin Hoffman

• James Susag — Larkin Hoffman

• Joel R. Buckberg — Baker Donelson

• Charles Internicola — The Internicola Law Firm

• Justin M. Klein — Marks Klein LLP

• Karen E. Abrams — Paris Ackerman LLP

• John Gotaskie Jr. — Fox Rothschild LLP

• Marisa Faunce — Plave Koch PLC

• Ryan C. Whitfill — The Whitfill Law Firm

• Frank Robinson — Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP

• Craig R. Tractenberg — Fox Rothschild LLP

• Allan Dick — Sotos LLP

Stay tuned throughout the month as 1851 Franchise highlights each of these legal leaders, exploring their career paths, the brands they work with and the critical role franchise attorneys play in helping businesses grow through franchising.