Biography: Franchise

Debi Sutin is a partner in Gowlings' Toronto and Hamilton offices where she is a member of the business law group, practising general corporate/commercial law and all matters relating to franchising, licensing and distribution law. Her franchise practice focuses on counselling domestic and international franchisors in the establishment and operation of their franchise systems and to the preparation of their franchise and disclosure documents. Debi is a member of Gowlings' franchise and distribution law national practice group and co-editor of the group's quarterly newsletter.

Debi has been listed as a leading lawyer in several legal industry publications, including Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Who's Who Legal: Canada, Best Lawyers in Canada and The International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers.

Debi is a frequent author on franchise-related matters and speaks regularly at conferences, seminars and other events on franchise law conducted by various organisations, including the Ontario Bar Association and the Canadian Franchise Association. In 2010, she co-chaired the 10th annual Ontario Bar Association Franchise Law Conference.

Debi's memberships include: Ontario Bar Association (member of the executive of the franchise law section), Canadian Franchise Association, American Bar Association forum on franchising, and International Franchise Association.