5 questions to ask when hiring a franchise lawyer

by Leslie Kunde 6 min read

5 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Franchise Lawyer

  1. What is your experience with franchises? It is a no-brainer that you will want a lawyer who has experience in franchise law rather than a general practice lawyer. ...
  2. Do you have any experience or background knowledge in X industry? ...
  3. How will you help me? In general, a franchise lawyer provides advice on: How to enter and end a Franchise Agreement What documents do you need to provide The ...
  4. What are your costs? It is within your interests to find a franchise lawyer whose legal fees do not impact your bottom line too much. ...
  5. Is there any conflict of interest?

5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Franchise Attorney
  • How long have you practiced franchise law? ...
  • Do you exclusively practice franchise law? ...
  • Do you represent both franchisees and franchisors, or just franchisees? ...
  • Will you personally handle my franchise agreement review or franchise dispute?
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Sep 13, 2017

Full Answer

What should you look for when hiring a franchise attorney?

Jan 17, 2018 ¡ Indeed, franchise models are usually underpinned by complex legal rules and arrangements. Thus, whether you are a franchisor or a prospective franchisee, it is recommended that you consult a franchise lawyer. Here are five recommended questions for both sides to consider when hiring a franchise lawyer. 5 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Franchise ...

What questions do franchisors ask in an interview?

What questions should I ask when hiring a lawyer?

Why do I have so many claims against my franchisor?

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What questions should I ask a franchisee?

If a franchisee has agreed to talk to you, download this template for suggested questions you may ask.How long have you been in business?What made you choose this franchise?How would you rate your relationship with the franchisor?How would you rate the initial training?How would you rate the marketing programs?More items...•Jul 7, 2019

What are good questions to ask lawyers?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

What are five things you should ask your lawyer?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•Apr 13, 2018

What important questions should you ask before becoming a franchisee in a company?

We'll match you based on your location, interests, and financial needs....Which franchise is best for you?How well did your first unit opening go? ... How well do the marketing programs work? ... How well does everybody get along? ... How much money can I make? ... If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy this franchise?Jun 15, 2011

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

What questions should I ask a corporate lawyer?

General QuestionsHow long have you been practicing law?What do you specialize in?What are your main roles and duties? What goes beyond that scope?How do you bill?What companies do you generally work with? ... Are you experienced with startups?Are you familiar with the laws of incorporation in my specific state?

How do you tell your lawyer what you want?

Practice telling your attorney exactly what you want, and don't be afraid to ask questions....Your lawyer should be happy to answer all of your questions.If you don't understand something your lawyer has said, ask for clarification. ... Ask your lawyer to explain the reasoning behind their advice.More items...

How do you answer legal interview questions?

Below are some common legal interview questions—plus suggestions on how to approach them.Tell me a little about yourself. ... What attracted you to our firm/organization? ... Can you describe a challenge or conflict you have faced at work and how you overcame it? ... What is your biggest weakness? ... Do you have any questions for us?Mar 20, 2021

How do I ask my lawyer for an update?

AnswerRaise the issue early on. Establish, in advance, a clear understanding about case updates. ... Be reasonable. A defendant who phones his or her attorney with a request for information can indicate a willingness to speak with the lawyer's associate, secretary, or paralegal.

How do you ask for a franchise?

I request you to kindly provide me with the information regarding _________ (requirements/ annual quota/ area required/ locality required/ any other). I own a property at __________ (location) which I believe would be a good place for the franchise. I am ready to pay any applicable contract charges.Jun 1, 2021

How do you approach a franchise?

How to Write a Franchise ProposalReview Franchise Requirements. Franchise owners publish information that sets out the scope, benefits and requirements of their franchise. ... Develop a Structure. ... Provide an Overview. ... Describe Your Experience. ... Introduce Your Team. ... Describe Market Potential. ... Make Financial Forecasts.

1. How long have you practiced law?

At a minimum, you'll want to know about the lawyer's expertise and whether the lawyer is a veteran or beginner attorney, for instance. Your legal issue may very well be handled by someone who is fresh out of law school, (or not). It all depends.

2. What type of cases do you generally handle? What percentage of your practice is devoted to (the practice area in question)?

You'll also want to know about a lawyer's expertise and how much of the attorney's practice is devoted to topic area your legal issue falls within. For example, if you need help with an adoption case, you may wish to seek a family law lawyer who has worked on, well, adoption cases. Click here for a full list of practice area definitions.

3. Who is your typical client?

This is an important, but often-overlooked question. For example, if you are an individual with a particular legal problem, but the attorney your meeting with represents only corporations, this may not be the best lawyer for you. Likewise, you may wish to know the financial background of some of the lawyer's clients.

4. How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?

Now is not the time to act shy. Feel free to ask about the attorney's track record, such as the number of cases won or settled, for example.

5. Other than a law degree, what kind of special training or knowledge do you have that might apply in my situation?

Some cases, like DUI and patent cases, require specialized training and knowledge for effective representation. Be sure to inquire whether your case fits into that category.

6. What are your attorney fees and costs, and how are they billed? Will a portion or all of my case be handled by paralegals or legal assistants? If so, ask about reduced costs

This step is obviously an important one. You'll want to know whether you can afford the lawyer's services and how you will be required to pay. This is also the time to ask about payment options and how often, and under what circumstances, you will be billed.

7. What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case?

This can be important in two ways. First, if you are seeking an amicable divorce, for example, but the attorney is known to "go for the kill" in divorce cases, the attorney may not be the right one for you.

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What Is Your Experience with Franchises?

  • It is a no-brainer that you will want a lawyer who has experience in franchise law rather than a general practice lawyer. A good starting question is to ask if the lawyer has previously worked for any franchises. Through this, you can get a better understanding of likely legal outcomes, costs …
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Do You Have Any Experience Or Background Knowledge in X Industry?

  • Not only do you want a lawyer who is well-versed in franchise law, but you would also want one who understands or is familiar with the industry within which your franchise is operating. This ensures mutual understanding of industry conditions, thus saving time and energy which you may otherwise waste from explaining the ‘business’ of your franchise to an unacquainted lawyer. A la…
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How Will You Help Me?

  • In general, a franchise lawyer provides advice on: 1. How to enter and end a Franchise Agreement 2. What documents do you need to provide 3. The legal risks of particular franchising arrangements 4. The rights and obligations of franchisor and franchisee Some franchise lawyers will only do the bare minimum while others take the extra step to further protect or advance you…
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Is There Any Conflict of Interest?

  • Regardless of whether you are a franchisor or franchisee, this is an especially important question if you have competitors. If your lawyer is working with your main competitor, do you really want him or her knowing your business secrets? Obviously, you would not want to hire a franchise lawyer where there will be a conflict of interest.
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Conclusion

  • It is important that you ask the right questions so that you hire a suitable yet cost-effective franchise lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable in both the law and your industry. LawPath’s Lawyer Directorycan connect you with franchise lawyers in your local area. Require a specialist franchise lawyer? LawPath makes registering a business name for your new compan…
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What Do They Charge?

  • Let’s get the big question out of the way first. As a small business owner, you’re very cost-conscious. In fact, you probably don’t have a lot of extra money lying around for an attorney so the price becomes important. Talk to your attorney to see if you can negotiate a fixed fee for your needs rather than an hourly rate. Of course, if you’re sued or have a complicated legal matter, a f…
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Do They Require A retainer?

  • Many attorneys require that you put some money down upfront as a retainer. If they do, ask if the retainer is refundable if you don’t use all of it. Ask about all the terms and conditions related to the retainer.
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What Type of Clients Do They Usually Work with?

  • What type of clients does the law firm the attorney is with usually represent? Do they regularly work with smaller businesses, or does most of their clientele consist of large corporations? The focus of their practice is likely to be reflected in their fees. RELATED: How to Build a Relationship with a Business Lawyer (Before You Need One)
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Can You Vet Them For free?

  • Finding a business attorney is a big decision so spending a brief amount of time getting to know them seems like a wise move. However, some attorneys will charge their normal hourly rate if you want to talk to them in an interview capacity. Small business attorney Mathew Odgerssays, “From the attorney’s perspective there are a lot of people who come in and try and get free information …
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What Are Their Specialties?

  • You can find general practitioners but look for a business attorney for business matters. Attorney Andrew Legrand says, “If an attorney is practicing in multiple areas (for instance, business law, family law, and criminal law), there’s no way they know all the ins and outs.” Some attorneys are well versed in tax law and can help in these capacities but the more complex the case, the more …
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Who Will Work on Your Case?

  • Especially in the case of smaller, more routine matters, sometimes staffers will work on the case rather than the attorney you spoke to. Make sure to ask about that upfront and if another attorney or somebody on staff will work on the case, ask about their experience and credentials.
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Will They Go to Trial?

  • If you have a case that is a dispute of some sort, you may need a trial attorney. Some attorneys resist going to trial. They will try and settle the case at all costs. Ask about their trial experience before hiring them to help with a dispute. If you have to go to trial, you want somebody who is comfortable arguing a case.
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Are They Local?

  • Basic legal matters probably won’t require many meetings but if you’re looking to establish an ongoing relationship with an attorney, you want them to be within a short drive unless the case is so specialized that you need a certain type of professional. Remember that as a business owner, your time is valuable. You don’t want to spend a large portion of your day driving to meet your att…
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