1851

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-paris-1abb1b15?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-legal-players-david-paris-founding-partner-of-paris-ackerman-llp-2717271" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">David Paris</a>, one of the founding partners of <a href="https://www.parisackerman.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-legal-players-david-paris-founding-partner-of-paris-ackerman-llp-2717271" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Paris Ackerman LLP</a>, 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.&nbsp;In 2017, the Franchise Times <a href="https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/introducing-the-2017-class-of-franchise-times-legal-eagles/article_dfa964dd-ca99-51ae-8b54-00641d86bfe8.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-legal-players-david-paris-founding-partner-of-paris-ackerman-llp-2717271" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">inducted Paris</a> 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.&nbsp;1851 Franchise spoke with Paris to learn about his story, his insights into the current state of the franchising industry and more.<h4>1851 Franchise: How did you end up specializing in franchise law?&nbsp;</h4>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 <a href="https://www.dunkinfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-franchise-legal-players-david-paris-founding-partner-of-paris-ackerman-llp-2717271" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dunkin’ Brands</a>. 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.&nbsp;<h4>1851: What do you think is the biggest legal hurdle facing the franchising industry in 2021/2022?</h4>Paris: It's not necessarily a legal issue, but with <a href="https://1851franchise.com/for-some-franchisees-the-cares-act-falls-short-2712710">the CARES Act</a>, the <a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-long-term-effects-of-the-restaurant-industrys-labor-shortage-we-arent-thinking-about-2716084">labor market</a> 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.&nbsp;<h4>1851: What is the most common mistake you see franchise brands making from a legal perspective?</h4>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.<h4>1851: What do you love about working with franchises?</h4>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.&nbsp;<h4>1851: What is one thing you think every prospective franchisee should know before joining a franchise brand?</h4>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.

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

1851 Franchise

With a client list that includes some of the largest multi-unit operators in the nation’s top franchise systems, Paris has in-depth experience as one of the industry’s top franchise lawyers.

top-franchise-legal-players-david-paris-founding-partner-of-paris-ackerman-llp

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Home Service Ally Celebrates Major Milestone With Opening of Its 100th Franchise Location

trublue-home-service-ally-celebrates-major-milestone-with-opening-of-its-100th-franchise-location

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Named Among the Top Franchises in Entrepreneur Franchise 500® Ranking

Children’s Lighthouse Named Among the Top Franchises in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® Ranking

childrens-lighthouse-named-among-the-top-franchises-in-entrepreneur-magazines-franchise-500-ranking

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Four Layne's team members stand in front of a wall decorated with artwork from the community

The Easiest $10,000 Made in a Day: How Layne’s Built Operations for Volume

the-easiest-10000-made-in-a-day-how-laynes-built-operations-for-volume

Pet Wants

Why Pet Wants Is Perfect for First-Time Franchise Owners

why-pet-wants-is-perfect-for-first-time-franchise-owners

Griswold

7 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors: Staying Safe During National Winter Safety Month

7-winter-safety-tips-for-seniors-staying-safe-during-national-winter-safety-month

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 Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

Login

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Yum Brands - KFC - Pizza Hut - Terminates Franchise Agreements in Turkey - 1851 Franchise

Yum! Brands Terminates Franchise Agreements in Turkey Due to Non-Compliance

yum-brands-terminates-franchise-agreements-in-turkey-due-to-non-compliance

Recent Franchise News - Why Franchisors Churn Through Marketing Suppliers - 1851 Franchise

Forbes: Four Reasons Why Franchisors Churn Through Marketing Suppliers

forbes-four-reasons-why-franchisors-churn-through-marketing-suppliers

QSR Magazine: Big Chicken Targets Global Expansion

qsr-magazine-big-chicken-aims-for-global-growth

Starbucks Strike Brews Opportunity for the Next Coffee Franchisee

starbucks-strike-brews-opportunity-for-coffee-franchise-hopefuls

I Heart Mac and Cheese - Franchisees Sue I Heart Mac and Cheese - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

Restaurant Business Online: Franchisees Sue I Heart Mac and Cheese

restaurant-business-online-franchisees-sue-i-heart-mac-and-cheese

Leveraging Technology in Franchise Management

How to Leverage Technology in Franchise Management

leveraging-technology-in-franchise-management

How To Set up Digital Marketing for Your Franchise Brand

how-to-set-up-digital-marketing-for-your-franchise-brand

Negotiating Franchise Lease Agreements and Protecting Your Investment

negotiating-franchise-lease-agreements-and-protecting-your-investment

Location - Choosing the Right Spot for Franchise Success - 1851 Franchise

The Importance of Location: Picking the Perfect Spot for Success

the-importance-of-location-picking-the-perfect-spot-for-success

Two Attorneys, Restaurant Professionals To Serve Germantown Community With New Paris Baguette Café

two-attorneys-restaurant-professionals-to-serve-germantown-community-with-new-paris-baguette-cafe

Top 10 Franchises for New Year’s Resolutions

Top 10 Franchise Opportunities for New Year’s Resolutions

top-10-franchises-for-new-years-resolutions

The Best Franchises To Own With Low Initial Investments

best-franchises-with-low-initial-investments

Newk's Eatery - Magee, MS - Skip Russell Franchisee Profile - CI

Former Popeyes Franchisee Builds on Decades of Success with Newk's Expansion Plans

former-popeyes-franchisee-builds-on-decades-of-success-with-newks-expansion-plans

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS