Biography: Franchise

John Baer is an officer in the franchising and distribution and corporate practice groups, and works in the firm's Chicago, Illinois office. Mr Baer has a broad transactions practice with extensive experience representing companies engaged in franchising and distribution, including the use of sales representatives both domestically and internationally. He counsels clients on the appropriate structuring and implementation of the selected expansion vehicle, which could include preparation of the appropriate documentation and making any necessary filings, and provides ongoing counselling for the established business. His practice covers a wide range of other related areas, including commercial, sales, warranties, product safety and regulatory matters. He also counsels foreign clients doing business in the US and US clients that want to expand internationally.

Mr Baer is the chair of the international franchising committee of the International Bar Association's international sales, international franchising and product law section, chair of the Illinois Attorney General's Franchise advisory board, and co-editor of the International Journal of Franchising Law.

Mr Baer was a member of the industry advisory committee to the North America and Securities Administrators Association franchise project group from 2007 to 2010, a member of the ABA forum on franchising's governing committee from 2003 to 2006, and editor of the CCH Sales Representative Law Guide from 1997 to 2011. He was the first recipient of the Forum's prestigious Lewis G Rudnick Award in 2009.

Mr Baer is a frequent speaker and writer on franchise topics for various organisations.