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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.
1851: Tell us about your background and your firm.
Harold Kestenbaum, President at HLK P.C. Law Firm: 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 “So You Want to Franchise Your Business”. 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’ve seen so much in my 42 years in the industry, there’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.
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About the Author
Maddie has spent her career in the media industry, serving in various editorial roles before migrating into a hybrid content strategy and PR role with No Limit Agency. Her passion for storytelling and love of writing help her create meaningful content on behalf of her clients and fulfill No Limit Agency’s mission to tell people-driven stories.
Maddie is a graduate of Saint Louis University, where she studied Communications with a focus in journalism and media studies as well as Sports Business. In her spare time, Maddie can be found exploring Chicago’s food scene, watching an NBA game or lamenting over her middling fantasy baseball team.
