1851

1851: Tell us about your background and your firm.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/plave?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-legal-players-lee-plave-partner-at-plavekoch-2709573" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Lee Plave</a>, Partner at <a href="http://plavekoch.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-legal-players-lee-plave-partner-at-plavekoch-2709573" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">PlaveKoch</a>: In early 1989, Dave Koch and I found ourselves in neighboring associate offices at a mid-size Washington, D.C. law firm specializing in franchising. Here, we both learned the ins and outs of private law practice and the business of franchising, becoming close friends and peers. In 2007, I broke off from my existing firm and started PlaveKoch with Dave. We just celebrated our 12th anniversary as a firm.

We do the exact same thing at PlaveKoch that we were doing at our larger firm, but we do it in a more relaxed environment. We don&rsquo;t focus on monetizing every waking moment of our life. Instead, we put together a world-class team of 11 lawyers and formed a pleasant environment where we don&rsquo;t take ourselves seriously, but we take work seriously.

1851: What are some of the must-ask questions when franchisors and franchisees are vetting potential franchise attorneys?

Plave: Franchise law is a highly specialized area, so it&rsquo;s important to find someone that is a full-time practitioner in this area and doesn&rsquo;t just dabble in it. I would look to see what their peers think of them. Peer review is the hardest thing to find, but the most likely to yield an answer. Ratings that come from popularity contents are not necessarily helpful. How many times have their peers invited them to speak at scholarly places or write in journals? Do their peers respect and want to hear what they say? How many times have they been invited to speak at ADA or at the IFA Legal Symposium? The more the better. This indicates that their own peers think highly enough of their work and intellectual capability.

1851: In broad terms, do you have a particular case that stands out to you as an industry learning experience?

Plave: I recently did an annual legal update at the ABA where I examined roughly 1,000 cases. The biggest lesson I drew from this was that franchisors should be as clear and unambiguous as possible. This will not only be more respected by courts, but will avoid disputes in the first place.

1851: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Plave: You&rsquo;re working with highly entrepreneurial people. If that doesn&rsquo;t get you jazzed and excited to get up in the morning, then you&rsquo;re missing the boat. We work with a large number of people that do the same thing, and every single one of them is passionate and working their tails off to get it right. The &ldquo;can do&rdquo; and entrepreneurial spirit is the most rewarding thing you can find.

1851: What are your top concerns for the franchise industry in the next year?

Plave: The new revenue recognition rules are one of the most important things on the horizon. &nbsp;The rules went into effect for private companies and take effect in the current fiscal year. This will make a difference in how companies take revenue in because they do not have the ability to recognize revenue in the year that it is received in. 

Another thing that will continue to be a consideration is the increased use of data. You have to be vigilant about data. You don&rsquo;t want to miss the chance to collect data to stay current - to get to know who your clients are and who your customers are and how to reach them. But, with more data comes a bigger risk for a data breach. This is the kind of nightmare franchisors want to avoid.

1851: What are you most optimistic about in the franchise industry next year?

Plave: Innovation is continuing to grow. People are trying out new ideas and there is no end to this experimentation. More people are looking to use the model of franchising in industries that go well beyond foodservice and hospitality. There is more excitement than ever to take advantage of the opportunity to have ownership at the franchisee level.

Lee Plave | Franchise Legal Player | 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: Lee Plave, Partner at PlaveKoch

franchise-legal-players-lee-plave-partner-at-plavekoch

The Growth Coach

Building a Business and a Life With The Growth Coach

building-a-business-and-a-life-with-the-growth-coach

Dillas Quesadillas

The Top 7 Reasons To Buy a Dillas Primo Quesadillas Franchise

the-top-7-reasons-to-buy-a-dillas-primo-quesadillas-franchise

KLA Schools

A Day in the Life of KLA Schools Franchisee Sital Patel

a-day-in-the-life-of-a-kla-schools-franchisee

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

image of keke's breakfast cafe franchise Jon Ahrendt and John Ehrhard

Jon Ahrendt and John Ehrhard To Share Insights on Franchise Growth and Work-Life Balance With Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in Upcoming Webinar

kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-ahrendt-ehrhard-webinar

Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press franchise owners Karen Fraielli and Valerie Chanoux with their 25-year Award.

Minuteman Press Franchisees Celebrate 25+ Years in Warwick, RI

minuteman-press-franchisees-celebrate-25-years-in-warwick-ri

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

How a Steady Economy Could Help Franchisors Plan Their Next Move

how-a-steady-economy-could-help-franchisors-plan-their-next-move

Bed Bath & Beyond - Franchise Expansion - Retail Strategy - 1851 Franchise

Bed Bath & Beyond Launches Franchise Model as Part of Comeback Strategy

bed-bath-beyond-franchise-expansion-retail-strategy

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

U.S. Government Shutdown - Impact on Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Government Shutdown Stalls SBA Loans: How the Shutdown Could Impact Franchises

government-shutdown-impacts-sba-loans-tourism-franchises

Subway Franchisees Resist Expensive Remodel Directives

subway-franchisees-resist-expensive-remodel-directives

image  of Happinest franchise collection and all their brands that work together. 

The Happinest Advantage: A Marketing Partner Invested in Your Bottom Line

happinest-franchise-marketing-strategy

Ty McBride on Turning Preservan Into a Franchise: No Shortcuts, Just Persistence

ty-mcbride-on-turning-preservan-into-a-franchise-no-shortcuts-just-persistence

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

Baker McKenzie: A Global Law Firm with a Leading Franchise and Brand Expansion Practice

baker-mckenzie-a-global-law-firm-with-a-leading-franchise-and-brand-expansion-practice

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025

early-childhood-education-child-care-franchises

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Top Education Franchises To Consider for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Education Franchises To Consider Investing In for 2025

top-education-franchises-investment-opportunities

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

doodycalls-franchise-deep-dive

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Barb Volk and KidStrong logo

Why This Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owner Is Developing KidStrong Franchises

kidstrong-franchise-owner-barb-volk-2025

Franchise Legal Players: Lee Plave, Partner at PlaveKoch

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS