Find Out More About Our Franchise Law Expertise and Services

When your business is at stake, you want legal advice from an experienced, knowledgeable and seasoned franchise lawyer. Michael Garner has over three decades’ experience fighting for franchisees over virtually every type of issue. The lawyers that represent franchisors know Michael Garner and respect him. When he calls, they listen.

arrow Termination and Non-Renewal

As a seasoned franchise lawyer, Michael Garner has stopped terminations and non-renewals all over the country in virtually every segment of franchising. In one jury trial, he proved a test case that led to a settlement of termination damages totaling $232 million for a group of franchisees. Sometimes, franchisors will come to the bargaining table and work out a settlement as soon as they get a call from him.

Getting a notice of termination or nonrenewal from your franchisor or supplier may be the worst event in the life of a franchisee or dealer.  If you are threatened with termination or nonrenewal, as franchise lawyers, we can help you avoid what might be a disaster. Learn more about Franchise Termination and Non-Renewal »

arrow Fraud and Misrepresentation

Fraud in connection with the sale of franchises is so serious that the Federal Trade Commission and a third of the states have singled it out for special treatment under the law. In some states, it is a criminal violation. Michael Garner loves to track down and uncover franchise fraud! He’s exposed, and recovered damages, for fraud involving financial projections, “patented” technologies (that weren’t patented), the hidden dirty laundry of the owners of franchisors, fake promises of “unique” and “proprietary” methods and systems. Read more about Franchise Fraud and Misrepresentation »

arrow Breach of Contract

When franchisors breach contracts, there can be any number of consequences. You may be able to get out of the franchise agreement.  You may be able to get an award of damages. Or you may be able to get the franchisor to change its ways. Creative, aggressive thinking can lead to rewarding solutions. Find out how we can help you when a Franchisor breaches a contract »

arrow Franchise Encroachment

Franchisor encroachment is getting more common as competition between franchise systems increases, geographic markets become saturated, and technology makes it easier for the franchisor to sell directly to the franchisee’s customers. Michael was one of the first lawyers in the country to address the issue of encroachment and he has continued to be one of the leading members of the franchise bar on this issue. He has stopped franchisors from encroaching on franchisee territories by obtaining injunctions or negotiating with the franchisor. Learn how we can help protect you against Franchise Encroachment »

arrow Franchise System Changes

Franchisor efforts to take over franchisee businesses are as varied as the imagination itself. Michael Garner has helped dozens of franchisees protect themselves and enhance the value of their businesses through aggressive and creative legal solutions. Michael Garner can help you if your franchisor is considering a merger, acquisition or other system change. Find out how we can save and protect your Franchise business »

arrow Buying a Franchise

Many people who decide to buy a franchise do so with less actual “shopping around” than they would if they were buying a car or a television set. A franchise, however, may be the biggest investment many people ever make. We can help you make a decision to buy a franchise wisely and with your eyes open. Find out how we can help you evaluate a franchise opportunity »

arrow Getting Out of Your Franchise

Michael Garner has helped scores of franchisees get out of their agreements or change the terms of their agreements to make life with the franchisor more liveable. Maybe things have changed since you signed up for your franchise; maybe the franchise is not what it was then. Or maybe the business is no longer making money, and your franchisor is not willing, or able, to help you return to profitability. The phrase, “Breaking up is hard to do” usually applies to getting out of your franchise or dealer agreement. Read more about how to get out of a Franchise agreement or change the terms »

arrow Franchise Groups and Associations

We have represented numerous groups and franchisee associations, including some of the most recognized names in franchising. As fanchise attorneys we can help with all aspects of representing your group, whether you wish to proceed informally, whether you wish to form an association, or whether you already have an association that needs legal assistance. Getting a group of franchisees or dealers together is one of the most effective ways to solve common problems. Learn about the advantages of forming a Franchise group or Association »

 
230 Million in Settlements

Q. If I contact you, what can I expect?

A. First, you can expect a prompt response and assessment of your legal situation. In most cases, we will provide a free preliminary consultation, in which we will assess your rights and liabilities and give you a preliminary view of what can be done, how we will do it and the approximate range of what it will cost.

Q. What if I need help right away?

A. In most cases, if you need help right away from a Franchise attorney or dealer lawyer, we will immediately turn to your situation and give you help.

Q. Who will work on my case?

A. Michael Garner will be directly responsible for your case.  In some cases he will be assisted by other lawyers working under his direct supervision.

Q. Where can Michael Garner practice law?

Michael is a member of the bars of Minnesota and New York.  In other states, temporary admission is usually available for purposes of a particular case.

Q. How long does it take?

A. Every case is different. Sometimes a case will be resolved within a couple of months; a few difficult cases have taken as many as 10 years. The typical case, however, takes between six months and three years to resolve. 

Q. Can I get my franchise attorneys fees from the other side if I win?

A. Under American law, each side pays for its own attorneys fees unless a contract says that one side or the other gets attorneys fees if there is a lawsuit or there is a provision in a special statute that gives you the right to get fees.  Many franchise laws give franchisees the right to get fees if they win.  Many franchise agreements say that the winning party collects its fees from the other side.  We will look at your particular situation to assist you in understanding your rights to attorneys fees.

Q. What will it cost?

A. Every case is different, so we can’t generalize about costs.  But we can say that every client deserves a fair budget, and no surprises when the bill comes.

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