Brian Schnell Shares Franchise Best Practices With Franchise Times

Corporate partner Brian Schnell spoke to Franchise Times about legal topics that more people in franchising need to know about, legal trends to watch in 2024, joint employer liability and interesting cases.

When asked about a notable franchise legal topic, Schnell emphasized, “Early dispute resolution, especially for emerging franchisors.” He outlined factors that often play a role in a dispute and added that “franchisors who can move early and effectively from conflict to finding solutions will have a much higher likelihood of success in building a successful and sustainable franchise system.”

Regarding top franchise legal trends, Schnell said, “How a franchisor and its franchisees embrace system change will be a difference maker in 2024 for every system.” He also highlighted franchisors “effectively designing and implementing system change in ways that protect, grow and evolve brands and the business model.”

The publication further asked about navigating the changing joint employer landscape, and Schnell noted it “will continue to be among the biggest external challenges to the franchise business model.” He discussed working with clients to evaluate “whether requirements currently being imposed on franchisees are truly necessary or merely a recommendation or suggestion.” 

Lastly, Franchise Times inquired about interesting franchise cases. Schnell stated, “We have worked with an industry-leading, multi-branded franchisor in several transactions where existing franchisees have sold their business to private equity companies.”