Franchise Law

Franchise Law

Smart Legal Guidance for Every Stage of Franchise Ownership

Buying a franchise can be an exciting opportunity, offering a proven business model and built-in brand recognition. But franchise ownership comes with strict legal agreements, financial commitments, and obligations to a franchisor — all of which can impact your long-term success. Without legal guidance, franchisees may sign contracts that limit their flexibility, expose them to unnecessary risks, or create challenges down the road.

At Danna McKitrick, we help franchise owners navigate the legal complexities of buying, running, and growing a franchise business. Whether you’re evaluating a franchise opportunity, negotiating contracts, resolving disputes, or planning an exit strategy, our attorneys ensure your rights and investments are protected at every stage.

Before You Buy: Laying a Strong Legal Foundation

Purchasing a franchise is different from starting an independent business. Franchise agreements often impose strict operational requirements, financial commitments, and long-term contracts that can be difficult to modify later.

Before signing, franchisees must fully understand their rights, obligations, and risks. Our attorneys help with:

  • Franchise agreement and disclosure review – Ensuring transparency and fair terms before you commit
  • Business structure and entity formation – Protecting your personal assets and setting up for long-term success
  • Loan and financing document review – Avoiding hidden liabilities in financing agreements
  • Commercial lease negotiations – Securing a fair lease that meets your franchise’s unique needs
  • Permits, licensing, and compliance – Ensuring your business meets state and federal requirements

Making informed legal decisions early on reduces future risks and strengthens your position as a franchise owner.

Operating and Expanding Your Franchise

Once you’ve launched your franchise, ongoing legal support is essential to maintaining compliance, managing risks, and positioning your business for growth. Franchise agreements often include restrictions on hiring, supply chain choices, marketing, and multi-unit expansion, which can impact how you operate.

We assist franchisees with:

  • Multi-unit and area development agreements – Expanding your franchise while staying compliant
  • Employment policies and contracts – Navigating labor laws, employee agreements, and independent contractor classifications
  • Vendor and supplier agreements – Protecting your business in negotiations with third parties
  • Ongoing compliance with franchisor commitments – Avoiding penalties and disputes over operational requirements

Legal challenges in franchise operations can slow growth and threaten your investment—our attorneys help you navigate them with confidence.

Franchise Disputes: Protecting Your Rights

Even well-established franchise relationships can lead to legal disputes. Whether facing a contract violation, unfair termination, or encroachment on your territory, franchisees must be prepared to assert their rights.

We represent franchisees in:

  • Franchisor breaches of contract – Addressing failures to meet obligations or unfair demands
  • Territorial protection disputes – Ensuring your franchise rights are honored
  • Termination or non-renewal disputes – Challenging wrongful attempts to end your franchise agreement
  • Trademark enforcement – Protecting the integrity of the brand while securing your business interests

Resolving disputes early helps avoid costly legal battles and business disruptions. In these matters, our firm works to find practical, effective solutions.

Exiting or Selling Your Franchise

Whether planning retirement, selling your franchise, or transferring ownership, exiting a franchise requires careful legal planning to comply with contract restrictions and avoid liability.

We help franchisees with:

  • Franchise transfers and sales – Ensuring a smooth transition while meeting franchisor requirements
  • Business succession planning – Structuring ownership changes for long-term stability
  • Non-compete and contract compliance – Avoiding legal disputes after your exit

A well-planned exit strategy protects your financial interests and ensures a smooth transition for both you and the next owner.

Legal Support for Every Stage of Franchise Ownership

Franchise ownership comes with unique opportunities and unique legal challenges. Danna McKitrick provides franchisees with strategic legal counsel from startup to expansion to exit, ensuring that their investments and rights are always protected.

If you’re considering buying a franchise, facing a franchise dispute, or planning for the future, our attorneys are here to help.

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Find a Franchise Law Attorney

Ruth Binger - Attorney Profile

Ruth A. Binger

President

Trusted
Expertise

Danna McKitrick was founded on three core principles: practical guidance, complete service, and approachable counsel.

Today, those values have helped us grow into one of the most respected mid-sized firms in St. Louis, known for delivering strategic legal solutions with the depth of a large firm and the personal commitment of a trusted advisor.

Meet our legal experts
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Practical
We provide clear, realistic legal strategies designed for real-world success, combining insight with decisive action.
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Complete
Our collaborative team approach ensures every challenge is met with the full strength of our diverse legal expertise.
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Approachable
We build strong client relationships, serving as trusted advisors who are as invested in your success as you are.