Top Franchise Legal Players: David Paris, Founding Partner of Paris Ackerman LLP

David Paris, one of the founding partners of Paris Ackerman LLP, is a true franchising industry expert. Paris focuses his practice on sophisticated multi-unit franchise transactions and franchise financing, and is even a multi-unit franchise owner himself. 

In 2017, the Franchise Times inducted Paris into its prestigious Hall of Fame, based on his recognition as one of the top franchise attorneys in North America for the 10th consecutive year. Additionally, in 2014 and 2015, Paris and his transactional group were awarded the coveted Franchise Times Deal Maker Award, recognizing their hard work and success in the world of multi-unit franchise transactions. 

1851 Franchise spoke with Paris to learn about his story, his insights into the current state of the franchising industry and more.

1851 Franchise: How did you end up specializing in franchise law? 

David Paris: I’ve spent my entire career as an attorney. I worked in a firm in Manhattan, representing franchisors in the hotel world, then moved to a smaller firm representing franchisees through litigation, particularly for Dunkin’ Brands. Around 12 or 13 years ago, we ended up starting our own firm and brought along several of the clients we had worked with previously. We focused on the MMA and real estate side of franchising. In 2018, my partners and I also got into franchise ownership ourselves, and now we own 120 locations across several brands. 

1851: What do you think is the biggest legal hurdle facing the franchising industry in 2021/2022?

Paris: It's not necessarily a legal issue, but with the CARES Act, the labor market became a nightmare with people making more money staying at home than they would working. We have clients in major national brands that are shutting down because they simply don’t have the manpower. 

1851: What is the most common mistake you see franchise brands making from a legal perspective?

Paris: In my world, the most involvement franchisors have in the things that we touch is to approve or decline a deal. I’ve been involved in a few deals where franchisors become way too involved in the approval process, so it is important to understand that they shouldn't overstep their bounds.

1851: What do you love about working with franchises?

Paris: My clients are very much like me — they are entrepreneurial, and they have all gone out and taken risks. I enjoy working with people who are like-minded and willing to take the same types of risks I've taken in my career. It is also awesome because I buy and sell restaurants, gyms and retail stores that I actually get to see in my travels. I may work on a deal that involves an iconic location, which is always fun, and sometimes I’ll end up actually visiting places I’ve been involved in. 

1851: What is one thing you think every prospective franchisee should know before joining a franchise brand?

Paris: Generally speaking, if someone is thinking of becoming a franchisee, it will be pitched to them as a partnership, but it is important to remember that it is much more a paternal relationship. They can’t really step out of line. The franchisor makes money off the top line, but franchisees only make money on the bottom line. Some franchisors are more understanding and willing to work with you, which we saw a lot of during the pandemic, but that relationship is important to keep in mind.