Principal Attorney Franchise Law

A law firm seeks a Principal Attorney with extensive expertise in franchise law to join its Business Group in Washington, DC. This partner-level role offers the opportunity to work with a variety of clients on complex franchise matters across numerous industries. The position involves collaboration with attorneys across multiple practice areas, providing comprehensive legal support for clients throughout the franchise lifecycle.

Duties

• Represent franchisors, franchisees, manufacturers, and distributors in franchise-related legal matters.
• Prepare and review offering documentation, including franchise disclosure documents and registrations.
• Draft franchise agreements and related documents.
• Advise clients on franchise compliance issues and address franchise relationship matters.
• Handle governmental inquiries and represent clients in franchise-related dispute resolution.
• Collaborate with cross-practice teams to deliver strategic, tailored legal solutions for clients.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years in franchise law, representing franchisors and franchisees, managing offering documentation, handling compliance matters, and addressing franchise relationships and government inquiries.
• Portable Book of Business: Partial or full required.
• Academic Credentials: JD from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic record.
• Licensing: Active law license.
• Skills: Excellent analytical and legal writing skills; client-focused approach.
• Communication: Outstanding communication skills for effective client interactions.
• Teamwork: Capable of working both collaboratively within a diverse team and independently.
• Project Management: Skilled in managing multiple responsibilities and projects with attention to detail.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

Certifications

• Active law license.

Skills

• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail for handling intricate franchise transactions.
• Proficiency in interpreting and drafting legal documents related to franchise law.
• Effective communication for conveying complex legal concepts to clients.
• Ability to balance independent work with collaborative projects in a dynamic team environment.
• Competence in managing time effectively while delivering responsive, professional service.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Commuter assistance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Billable credit hours are available for diversity, equity, inclusion, and pro bono work.
• Annual performance-based bonuses.

This small office of a solid Northwest firm is not in growth mode--but they aren't afraid to scoop up talented lawyers from their neighbors when the opportunity arises. They concentrate their full service efforts on a clientele that may not be dominating the Fortune 500, but do give this firm an interesting range of work. This firm is at its best when handling corporate work for small or mid-sized companies, with an occasional IPO here and there.