Women Leaders in Franchising: Amy Cheng of Cheng Cohen LLC

Amy Cheng, founding partner of Cheng Cohen LLC, shares some insight on becoming a predominant figure in franchising.

SPONSOREDUpdated 5:05AM • 05/05/16

Lawyers tend to get a bad rap—that’s just the nature of the beast. But in the franchising ecosystem they play a particularly important role—especially now, as countless legal battles are waged with the NLRB and as the country faces an upcoming election. All of this boils down to a great need for experts in the industry to guide the future state of franchising.

In franchise law, there is no woman as acclaimed or well known as Amy Cheng, founding partner with Cheng Cohen.

She is on the International Franchise Association Supplier Forum Advisory Board, and Chair of the International Franchise Association’s Annual Legal Symposium. Cheng also serves as a member of the Franchise Advisory Board for the Illinois Attorney General, was named a “Legal Eagle” by the Franchise Times, and was recognized by Who’s Who Legal, Leading Lawyers, Chambers and Partners. She was also selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers of America® and is The Best Lawyers’ 2014 Chicago Franchise Law “Lawyer of the Year.”

We had the chance to sit down with Cheng to find out how she’s been able to become a leading figure in franchising and what she thinks the issues are right now.

What was your first experience with franchise law? Was law the first aspect of franchising you were introduced to?

I had never even thought about the concept of franchising until I went to interview for a job at Rudnick & Wolfe. The interviewer asked me if I’d be interested in joining the franchise group and I had to ask “what is a franchise?”

What are the three major issues to be aware of regarding franchise law right now?

First, steps franchisors and franchisees can take to avoid joint employer liability. Second, is cybersecurity. As the number of cyber crimes continues to increase, the franchise industry needs to take steps to prevent cyber-attacks and to develop effective responses in the event of a cyber-attack. Finally, The North American Securities Administration Association has published questions and answers addressing the preparation of financial performance representations and will be working on final commentary. These commentaries may require many franchisors to change their financial performance representation in the FDD.

What's your favorite thing about franchise law?

I really get to be partners with my clients to grow their business. It is so rewarding to see a young system develop and grow into a successful mature system and to help a client overcome the challenges that they face.

Why is it important for women to get more involved in franchising and business?

We have a unique and complementary perspective on important features of the franchise relationship that is underrepresented.

Women Leaders in Franchising: Amy Cheng of Cheng Cohen LLC

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS