Franchise Legal Player Awards | Q&A with Alexander Tuneski

Name: Alexander Tuneski

Firm: DLA Piper

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-tuneski-38ab2a4/

About DLA Piper: With lawyers located in more than 30 countries and 76 offices throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, DLA Piper is a global law firm positioned to help companies with their legal needs throughout the world. We have practiced franchising, distribution and related areas of law for more than 40 years. The 20 partners and senior lawyers in our franchising and distribution law group average in excess of 25 years of experience in those fields.

Our clients operate in most of the business sectors that have adopted franchising as a method of distribution. They represent a broad spectrum of size and experience, from entrepreneurs and startup companies to large franchisors, manufacturers and distributors, with networks ranging from dozens to thousands of outlets. We have worked for clients in more than 100 countries and are respected around the world for our experience. Chambers and Partners calls us “The most distinguished player in the franchising area” and “the world’s most recognizable force in franchising,” commenting that DLA Piper “stands in a class of its own.” The International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers singles out 17 of the group’s lawyers for recognition, more than double the number from any other practice. Franchise Times names 17 of our lawyers among its “Legal Eagles” (more than any other firm)—the top franchise lawyers in the US. The publication calls them “super lawyers, the go-to guys and problem solvers who have earned the respect of their peers, clients and advisors.”

Additionally, we serve as General Counsel to the International Franchise Association. We practice franchise and distribution law from offices in Chicago (312-368-4000), Washington, DC (202-799-4000), Northern Virginia (703-773-4000), Atlanta (404-736-7800), San Francisco (415-836-2500), Houston (713-425-8400), and Palo Alto (650-833-2000).

Website: www.dlapiper.com

1851: How did you fall into franchising?

Tuneski: When I first started as a summer associate, I was randomly placed in a hallway surrounded by the firm’s franchise group. While I didn’t do much work for the group that summer, I did get to hear from a senior partner what amounted to a sales pitch about the wonders of franchise law. As the practice melded many of my legal and business interests into one, it made perfect sense for me. So while I came into the summer not knowing that franchise law existed, I came out of the summer as a future franchise lawyer.

1851: What do you love most about franchising?

Tuneski: I love the variety and tangibility of it. I get to work for a wide spectrum of clients ranging from brand new concepts just starting to get their feet wet to some of the largest and most mature franchise systems around in a wide variety of industries. I have the opportunity to delve into their businesses to really understand what makes them tick and what challenges they face.

When I help to develop their franchise programs or help to navigate a franchisor through different stages of a franchise system’s life cycle, the results are tangible, as evidenced by getting to see a new store open, a new truck roll, or a new product launch. It feels good knowing that ultimately I am working to help create business opportunities for the franchisor, the franchisee and their employees.

1851: What makes a great client?

Tuneski: The best clients are the ones that love what they do and love their brands. There is nothing better than working with someone who is excited to build and protect their business, as their excitement is infectious.

1851: What makes a great franchise attorney?

Tuneski: The best franchise attorneys are ones that take the time to develop a full understanding of their client’s business, so they can help address existing concerns and also proactively avoid problems before they arise. While knowledge of the law is certainly critical, business acumen is an even more important trait.