Top Franchise Legal Players: Harold Kestenbaum, Spadea Lignana

Honoree: Harold Kestenbaum
Role: Attorney, Spadea Lignana

Harold L. Kestenbaum, a distinguished franchise attorney, joined Spadea Lignana in 2019, bringing with him decades of unrivaled experience in the franchise industry. Based in the Wantagh, New York office, Kestenbaum has focused on franchise law since 1977, serving numerous regional, national and international franchise companies across various industries.

A member of the American Bar Association’s Antitrust Section and the International Franchise Association’s Supplier Forum Advisory Board, Kestenbaum has been instrumental in shaping franchise law. He is a founding member and past chairman of the New York State Bar Association’s Franchise, Distribution and Licensing Law Section and has received numerous accolades, including being named among the top 100 franchise lawyers in North America by Franchise Times and one of the three best franchise lawyers in the New York metro area by New York Magazine.

With a background that includes serving as franchise and general counsel to Sbarro, Inc. and co-founding FranchiseIt Corporation, Kestenbaum literally wrote the book on franchising, “So You Want To Franchise Your Business,” which has been praised by industry leaders like Fred DeLuca of Subway. His passion for working with entrepreneurs and expanding business models via franchising is evident in his long-standing commitment to the field.

1851 Franchise reached out to Kestenbaum to learn how franchisors can protect their brand and avoid legal mistakes. Check out his insights below.

1851 Franchise: What do you see as the most important things a franchisor should do to protect their brand?

Harold Kestenbaum: It is important for franchisors to make sure that their franchisees are following their brand standards; they also must ensure that they conduct their due diligence when they award franchises; they also need to enforce their brand standards when their franchisees are not following them.

1851: How important is the information in Item 19?

Kestenbaum: I think that having an Item 19 is very important when marketing their franchises. It gives the potential franchisees an idea of what the earnings potential is for the franchise they are investing in.

1851: What is the single largest legal mistake brands make?

Kestenbaum: Not listening to their franchise attorney. Over the 47 years that I have been representing franchisors, when my clients did not listen to my advice, they found themselves in trouble.

1851: How do you stand out as a franchise law firm?

Kestenbaum: Our firm is a boutique franchise law firm that only represents franchisors. Our unique proprietary systems make us a leader in the franchise legal community. We care about our clients; they come first.

1851: What is the best business advice you have received in your career?

Kestenbaum: Provide the best service that you can and always put your clients first.

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.