1851

1851: Tell us about your background and your firm.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-tuneski-38ab2a4/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-legal-players-alexander-tuneski-of-counsel-at-dla-piper-llp-2709518" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Alexander Tuneski</a>, Of Counsel at <a href="https://www.dlapiper.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-legal-players-alexander-tuneski-of-counsel-at-dla-piper-llp-2709518" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">DLA Piper LLP</a>: I have practiced franchise law for 16 years, representing domestic and international franchisors of all sizes, from start-ups to mature publicly traded companies, in a wide variety of industries. I moved my practice to DLA Piper nearly five years ago, joining the largest and most acclaimed franchise practice in the world. Our franchise group represents many of the most recognizable franchise brands, as well as some of the most intriguing emerging franchise brands. With lawyers in over 25 cities in the United States and over 40 countries, DLA Piper is uniquely positioned to help franchise clients with all of their legal needs around the world. &nbsp;

1851: What are some must-ask questions when franchisors and franchisees are vetting potential franchise attorneys?

Tuneski: How much of your practice is dedicated to practicing franchise law? I highly recommend choosing a lawyer that dedicates most, if not all, of their time to franchising, because so much of the advice that we give comes from our experience serving and learning from other franchisors.

What are some of your representative clients? You should look for a lawyer that is experienced in representing both emerging brands and well-established brands, as it&rsquo;s important for your lawyer to have experience advising clients during all stages of the life cycle of a franchisor. &nbsp;

What do you like to do for fun? As you&rsquo;re going to work with your attorney a lot, you need to find someone that you actually like!

1851: In broad terms, do you have a particular case that stands out to you as an industry learning experience?

Tuneski: The reality is that I learn something from every client and every project. While the legal issues are often the same, every franchisor is a little different and has its own nuances, such as corporate culture, that must be accounted for when providing advice or even drafting agreements. Some of the most interesting and challenging projects that I have worked on have involved adapting international franchise concepts to the U.S. market, overcoming cultural differences to help a successful international concept succeed in what can often be a tough market to crack.

1851: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Tuneski: Watching a franchise concept take off from a few units&mdash;or even an idea on the back of a napkin&mdash;to a significant chain. Unlike a lot of other legal fields, the product of our work is tangible, as you get to see the restaurants opening or the trucks on the road. We get to play a role in helping to build businesses that can have a significant impact on their communities and on the lives of many people. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

1851: What are your top concerns for the franchise industry in the next year?

Tuneski: The biggest wild card in the upcoming year is what new regulations or enforcement actions will be launched at the local or state level. In the last year, we saw the Attorney General of the State of Washington single-handedly lead an effort to remove anti-poaching clauses from franchise agreements across the country, which was an issue that was barely on anyone&rsquo;s radar a year ago. 

Now, you have municipalities, such as New York City, considering legislation that could codify franchisors as joint employers under local employment ordinances. While efforts to stop regulations that could harm franchising at the federal level have been successful (at least for now), it is possible that local legislators and regulators may take actions that could cause fundamental changes to the franchisor-franchisee relationship in their jurisdictions, which may prompt similar actions across the country. 

1851: What are you most optimistic about in the franchise industry in the next year?

Tuneski: There is a lot to be optimistic about, as most franchisors seem to be doing quite well. &nbsp;So far this year, we have seen continued strong demand from private equity firms seeking franchise investments. Large multi-unit franchisees continue to grow aggressively. Emerging brands are successfully finding new franchisees and avenues for growth. As long as the economy continues on its current course, I expect that this will be a great year for franchising.

Alexander Tuneski | Of Counsel at DLA Piper, LLP | 1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise

As part of its annual Franchise Legal Players issue, 1851 profiled the top franchise attorneys in the field to shine a spotlight on the work they do for the franchise industry.

Franchise Legal Players: Alexander Tuneski, Of Counsel at DLA Piper LLP

franchise-legal-players-alexander-tuneski-of-counsel-at-dla-piper-llp

Children's Lighthouse

How Children’s Lighthouse Stands Out Among Other Children’s Education, Childcare, and Daycare Franchises

how-childrens-lighthouse-stands-out-among-other-childrens-education-childcare-and-daycare-franchises

The Growth Coach

The Growth Coach Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

the-growth-coach-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Why One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Sees People as the Power Behind Franchise Growth

one-hour-heating-air-conditioning-franchise-growth

Lawn Doctor

Design with photo of John Perry and Lawn Doctor logo

How a 20-Year Industry Veteran Tripled His Sales With a Lawn Doctor Franchise

lawn-doctor-franchise-success-story-john-perry

Fitness Premier

The Secret to Fitness Franchise Success? It's Not Just the Workouts

fitness-premier-franchise-marketing-support

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

Mike Revak - Chief Business Officer - Sky Zone - Franchise Marketing Leaders - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Mike Revak — President and Chief Business Officer, Sky Zone

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-mike-revak-chief-business-officer-sky-zone

BooXkeeping: Making Bookkeeping Cool for Franchisors, Franchisees, and Small Business Owners

booxkeeping-making-bookkeeping-cool-for-franchisors-franchisees-and-small-business-owners

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Brittany Knollmiller — Head of Marketing, Yogurtland

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-brittany-knollmiller-head-of-marketing-yogurtland

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Franchise Legal Players: Alexander Tuneski, Of Counsel at DLA Piper LLP

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS