1851

1851: Tell us about your background and your firm.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hkestenbaum/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-legal-players-harold-kestenbaum-president-at-hlk-pc-law-firm-2709521" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Harold Kestenbaum</a>, President at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/hlk-p-c-law-firm/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-legal-players-harold-kestenbaum-president-at-hlk-pc-law-firm-2709521" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">HLK P.C. Law Firm</a>: I have been a franchise attorney for 42 years, representing only franchisors. I sat on the Board of Directors of Sbarro for 23 years and was also the CEO of a 95-unit franchise chain. I also wrote a book called &ldquo;So You Want to Franchise Your Business&rdquo;. HLK P.C. law firm has a staff of 10 and is based in Melville, New York.

1851: What are some must-ask questions when franchisors and franchisees are vetting potential franchise attorneys?

Kestenbaum: How long have you been representing franchise companies? What type of franchise companies have you represented? Do you practice in all 50 states?

1851: In broad terms, do you have a particular case that stands out to you as an industry learning experience?

Kestenbaum: I&rsquo;ve seen so much in my 42 years in the industry, there&rsquo;s not one case in particular that stands out.

1851: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Kestenbaum: Watching new franchisors become giants in their areas. I derive great satisfaction from helping a single-unit chain grow to hundreds of franchised outlets. 

1851: What are your top concerns for the franchise industry in the next year?

Kestenbaum: Having the National Labor Review Board reverse the joint employment decisions.

1851: What are you most optimistic about in the franchise industry in the next year?

Kestenbaum: The franchise industry continues to grow and prosper, both in good economic times and bad. It is a wonderful industry to be in.

Harold Kestenbaum | President at HLK PC Law Firm | 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.

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