Top Franchise Legal Players: Tom Spadea, Founder of Spadea Lignana

Tom Spadea, founder of Spadea Lignana law firm, has a long and diverse history in the franchising industry. After a partnership in a non-franchised manufacturing and technology business that ultimately closed, Spadea found himself drawn to the franchising world, first as a franchise broker in the early 2000s and then as the head of franchise sales and real estate for a national franchisor. Eventually, Spadea decided to pursue what had been a long-term personal goal of becoming an attorney and enrolled part-time in the night program at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law while selling franchises during the day.

When he and his best friend from high school, Josh Lignana, decided to start a franchise law firm together, Spadea Lignana was born.

Today, as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and a Franchise Times “Legal Eagle,” Spadea is recognized as a leader among his peers in franchising.

“I love working with entrepreneurs,” said Spadea. “I identify with people in this industry because if you don’t do something right, the feedback is immediate. There are no excuses. That is what I love about franchising and small business — it is full of fearless individuals taking big risks, not only financially, but emotionally. I get a rush talking to clients. They are great human beings, and I never tire of hearing their stories and learning from them.”