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

Jollibee

How Jollibee Is Disrupting the QSR Franchise Industry 

how-jollibee-is-disrupting-the-qsr-industry

USA Ninja Challenge

How This Franchise Consultant Helps Entrepreneurs Find Purpose With the USA Ninja Challenge Franchise

how-this-franchise-consultant-helps-entrepreneurs-find-purpose-with-the-usa-ninja-challenge-franchise

Busy Bee Jumpers

Bouncing Into Business: Meet Kayla and Jason Leonard, Busy Bee Jumpers’ New Franchisees 

Bouncing Into Business: Meet Kayla and Jason Leonard, Busy Bee Jumpers’ New Franchisees in Rhode Island

bouncing-into-business-meet-kayla-and-jason-leonard-busy-bee-jumpers-new-franchisees-in-rhode-island

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of exterior of Woodhouse Spa location

How Woodhouse Spas Leverages Learning Management Systems

woodhouse-spa-franchise-training-lms

Image Studios

image of studios salon suites stylists business owners

Finding Freedom: Why Beauty and Wellness Professionals Build Their Dream Careers With IMAGE Studios

benefits-image-studios-salon-suites

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

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Begins Franchising To Grow Its Fellowship Model

jenis-splendid-ice-creams-begins-franchising-to-grow-its-fellowship-model

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

Mike Revak - Chief Business Officer - Sky Zone - Franchise Marketing Leaders - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Mike Revak — President and Chief Business Officer, Sky Zone

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-mike-revak-chief-business-officer-sky-zone

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Brittany Knollmiller — Head of Marketing, Yogurtland

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-brittany-knollmiller-head-of-marketing-yogurtland

BooXkeeping: Making Bookkeeping Cool for Franchisors, Franchisees, and Small Business Owners

booxkeeping-making-bookkeeping-cool-for-franchisors-franchisees-and-small-business-owners

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS