How This Spadea Lignana Franchise Attorney Is Changing Clients’ Perceptions of Lawyers

Jessica Dempsey’s journey to law was originally fueled by a desire to explore avenues beyond academia after graduating with a history degree from the prestigious University of Penn. 

“I knew I didn’t want to teach and I had always been interested in law,” said Dempsey. “So, I went to law school at Widener University and really fell in love with that world.”

After graduating, Dempsey clerked for a judge in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and then went on to work as general counsel to the liquidation trustee for several failed banks. She also worked with the liquidation trustee to form a new entity to provide financial advice and restructuring services for distressed institutions.

“Those experiences really solidified my love for legal intricacies, courtroom dynamics and problem-solving,” said Dempsey. "I really learned a lot. From there, I knew I wanted to do something transactional, but I wasn’t sure what exactly.”

Dempsey's professional voyage took her through various legal terrains before she found her true calling: franchising. In December 2020, she took on a role as an attorney with Spadea Lignana, the renowned franchise law firm. 

For franchisors or potential franchisors, Spadea Lignana offers several legal services and areas of practice. This includes help with franchising the business, compliance systems,. The firm also provides assistance with terminations of franchise agreements and buying or selling an existing franchise. 

Spadea Lignana’s CORE program for franchisors is a cost-effective and practical solution for the ongoing legal needs of franchisors, including, but not limited to, FDD updates, state registrations and franchise agreement executions. Through its proprietary cloud-based system Spadea Lignana can effectively and efficiently manage FDDs and franchise agreement executions for a flat monthly fee. 

The firm’s unique flat monthly fee subscription model also ensures that clients don’t have to worry about being billed for small talk and don’t have to rush through calls. By taking away the hourly fee, Spadea Lignana is able to align interests and become an efficient, long-term partner in each client’s success.

In her role, Dempsey manages a broad spectrum of responsibilities, ranging from drafting franchise agreements to handling legal queries and FDD drafting for clients. As an attorney, Dempsey’s approach is deeply client-focused, mirroring the firm’s larger philosophy of treating clients as partners and prioritizing their success. 

"We really care about our clients and try to be as responsive as we can, taking a personal interest in their success," she said. “I love working alongside clients and watching emerging franchisors grow their business. It is very fulfilling.”

Overall, Dempsey says her journey with Spadea Lignana has been marked by three years of growth and gratification. 

"What originally attracted me here was the focus on family and the culture, which is collaborative and supportive," she said. “The experience has been wonderful. I really feel like the firm listens to everyone’s concerns and they are always in our corner if something comes up. It is a team effort.”

As a mother of two young boys, Dempsey says she also values Spadea Lignana's support in helping attorneys maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

"They support me as a mother and a lawyer — they want to see me succeed professionally and personally," she said. “They want to ensure we are all happy in our work. They are always checking in and talking to us about meeting our personal goals.”

Dempsey's story at Spadea Lignana is more than just about her legal acumen. It's a testament to the firm's dedication to creating an environment where attorneys thrive professionally while fulfilling personal commitments. Her journey illustrates how a harmonious balance between work and life, coupled with a deep commitment to client success, forms the cornerstone of Spadea Lignana's ethos.

For more information, visit: https://www.spadealaw.com/