Editorial: Franchise in Texas
01 May 2007
A very select band of lawyers make up this chapter, which identifies just six individuals from three firms. We recognise them as the leading lights of Texas’s Franchise Bar. They represent companies of all sizes, in diverse industries.
Haynes and Boone LLP is “very strong in this area” and with three listed individuals boasts the strength in depth associated with a major market leader. Joyce Mazero is the chapter’s most nominated individual and serves as practice leader for the firm’s franchise and distribution group, and restaurant and food service industries practice group. With a national and international practice, Mazero is “an expert in complex cross-border franchising matters” and speaks and writes frequently on the area. She is a member of the ABA forum on franchising and a past vice chair of the International Bar Association’s section on business law (international franchising committee). Partner Deborah Coldwell focuses on franchise litigation and “gets excellent results”, according to our sources. Recent cases in which she has been involved include Wolf and Reid v Summers-Wood LP d/b/a Roly Poly Texas, Summers-Wood Management LLC, Summers, and Wood. Joining Mazero and Coldwell is the “superb” Gayle Cannon. Cannon advises franchisors, area developers, master franchisees, franchisees and trade associations in domestic and international matters. Cannon has advised franchisors in the development and maintenance of their systems from start-up to maturity in sectors that include a smoothie chain master franchisee and a contemporary ceramics studio owner, whom Cannon advised on and prepared documentation for the expansion of its chain via business opportunities, general partnerships and franchising.
DLA Piper US LLP is an undisputed global champion for franchise work. Ann Hurwitz is a “superb practitioner” and managing partner of the Dallas office. In her franchise practice Hurwitz represents a variety of clients from within the hotel, restaurant, retail, automobile rental, convenience store, consumer services, real estate and communications industries. Michael Santa Maria from Baker & McKenzie LLP is known for his work on master franchising, development agreements and direct franchising matters in the international scene. A fluent Spanish speaker, Santa Maria’s knowledge of the South American markets was an aspect of his practice that received much praise.
The Vernon Law Group LLP is a niche firm focused on hospitality and franchise law. John Vernon received sufficient nominations to make it onto our list and was hailed by clients and peers as “great” and “a one-stopshop for franchise counselling”. Vernon has international credibility, having advised on both the development of US companies’ expansion into Mexico, Latin American, the Middle East, Europe and East Asia. He also advised foreign-based companies on their expansion into the United States and Mexico. Vernon is also an adjunct professor at SMU Law School, teaching courses in franchising and distribution law.
The Franchise Bar in Texas may be small but it certainly possesses the high-quality individuals to service the needs of both franchisors and franchisees.
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