Biography: Franchise

Ned Levitt is a partner with Aird & Berlis LLP's corporate/commercial group and chair of the firm's franchise and distribution law group. Ned provides legal services to Canadian and international clients on all aspects of Canadian franchise, licensing and distribution law and has represented some of the world's foremost franchises.

Ned is a prolific writer, having published numerous books, papers and articles on franchise and distribution law, including the leading text, Canadian Franchise Legislation (2001, LexisNexis). He has contributed articles to numerous business and industry publications, including Canadian Business, The Franchise Voice, the ABA's Franchise Law Journal, the IBA's Journal of Franchising and Distribution Law and Ontario Restaurant News.

Ned is also a noted lecturer and has spoken on franchising and distribution matters at programmes conducted by organisations, including the Canadian Franchise Association, the Canadian Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the International Franchise Association, the Ministry of Industry Trade and Technology, the Retail Council of Canada, the International Union of Lawyers, the New York Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the Canadian Institute.

Ned received the Canadian Franchise Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2010) and was general counsel to the Canadian Franchise Association from 2000 to 2007. Ned is a member of the International and Canadian Franchise Associations, the American Bar Association forum on franchising and the International Bar Association.

Ned received his JD in 1973 from Osgoode Hall Law School and was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1975. In 2010, he received the Certified Franchise Executive designation from the International Franchise Association.