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

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

image of a benjamin franklin plumber employee franchise

Top 5 Reasons To Invest in Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Right Now

benjamin-franklin-plumbing-franchise-5-reasons-to-buy

Mister Sparky Electric

image of mister sparky cars franchise authority brands

Wired for Success: 5 Powerful Reasons To Invest in a Mister Sparky Franchise Now

mister-sparky-franchise-5-reasons-to-invest

image of Mister sparky electric employee working with customer

On-Time, Every Time: How Mister Sparky Delivers the Electrical Service Homeowners Can Count On

mister-sparky-electric-service-franchise

image of mister sparky electric on time elctricians from franchise mister sparky

The Electrician You Can Count On: How Mister Sparky Delivers Power, Punctuality and Profitability

mister-sparky-franchise-power-punctuality-profitiability

image of a benjamin franklin plumber employee helping a customer

The Punctual Plumber That Wins: How Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Redefines Home-Service Reliability

benjamin-franklin-plumbing-home-service-reliability

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

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K to Support Texas Flood Relief - 1851 Franchise

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K To Support Texas Flood Relief

planet-fitness-texas-flood-relief

McDonald’s Is the Latest Franchise To Bet Big on Beverages with 500-Store Premium Drink Test

mcdonalds-is-the-latest-franchise-to-bet-big-on-beverages-with-500-store-premium-drink-test

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

Subway - John Fitzpatrick Named CEO - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Subway Names Jonathan Fitzpatrick as New CEO, Effective July 28

jonathan-fitzpatrick-subway-ceo-leadership-change

AI Is Reshaping Franchising: $100 Billion Valuations and Hyper-Localized Advertising

ai-is-reshaping-franchising-100-billion-valuations-and-hyper-localized-advertising

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

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

devhub-meet-the-supplier

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Cathy Chavenet — Chief Marketing Officer, Paris Baguette

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-cathy-chavenet-chief-marketing-officer-paris-baguette

Franchise Masterclass: Building Predictability in Your Franchise Funnel

building-predictability-in-your-franchise-funnel

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

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

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Open Caring Transitions in Texas

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Set Out to Build a Purpose-Driven Business With Caring Transitions in Texas

navy-veteran-and-professional-artist-couple-set-out-to-build-a-purpose-driven-business-with-caring-transitions-in-texas

Why This Real Estate Broker Decided To Bring Caring Transitions to Central Texas

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS