Franchise Legal Players:Marisa Faunce of Plave Koch PLC

Name: Marisa Faunce

Firm: Plave Koch PLC

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marisafaunce

About Your Firm: Plave Koch PLC

Website: www.PlaveKoch.com

What makes your firm stand out as a resource for the franchise industry?

As a franchise boutique law firm, we focus all of our efforts on franchising matters.  With eleven outstanding franchise attorneys, we have an enormous amount of expertise and energy packed in a small firm.

What is the No. 1 thing a franchisor/franchisee should look for when identifying the right franchise attorney?

You need to find an experienced franchise attorney that you can relate to on both a personal and a professional level.  You will spend a fair amount of time working together and the experience needs to be enjoyable even when you are dealing with intricate legal issues.  You also need a straight shooter and someone who will get the job done efficiently.

When it comes to your work, what makes you happiest?

I love working with my clients.  We have longstanding relationships going back many years.  I have also enjoyed watching their companies evolve over the years.  It’s amazing to watch an emerging franchisor spread its wings and expand across the country and around the globe.

What are your top concerns for the franchise industry in the next year?

I am concerned about recent legislative activity related to the joint employer situation as well as recent efforts to prohibit non-solicitation clauses in franchise agreements.  These situations are changing rapidly and the franchise industry needs to remain vigilant as attacks are coming from multiple fronts.

What are you most optimistic about in the franchise industry in the next year?

I think it’s going to be an amazing year as businesses continue to expand using the franchise business model and consumers remain willing to spend their disposable income in those businesses.