From Crafting Laws on Capitol Hill to Helping Franchisors Abide by Them with Spadea Lignana

Avery Korman, a seasoned attorney at Spadea Lignana, is a prime example of how a unique blend of law and business acumen can be a major advantage in the world of franchising. 

Korman's journey into the legal world was sparked by an undergraduate business law class that not only piqued her interest, but also showcased her innate understanding and passion for the field. 

"I found that I loved it, understood the material well, and — while I had always harbored an interest in law — I had never seriously considered it as a career path,” said Korman. “It served as an introduction to law school in a way. After graduating, I made the decision to attend law school at Elon Law in North Carolina, knowing I would focus on the transactional and drafting side of law.”

Raised in the Washington, D.C., area, Korman's exposure to the legislative process was also enriched by her time working as a legal intern and, later, in a congressional caucus. 

“While attending law school, our local district congressman was one of the guest speakers,” said Korman. “Inspired by his work, I decided to enter government service — it seemed like the natural path to take. This ambition led me to secure a position in his office, where I served as a legal intern. Later, when he became president of a congressional caucus, I continued to work there after completing law school.”

Around this time, Korman and her husband, who is also an attorney, made the decision to relocate to Pennsylvania. After briefly working at a legal compliance firm and serving as in-house counsel, Korman took a role at Spadea Lignana.

“Throughout my career, my roles have always been centered on business, but with a particular focus on assisting individuals who are just starting out,” said Korman. “I have been able to help them progress, pursue their passions and steer their endeavors in the desired direction, albeit through various capacities. That is why I knew the franchise industry would be a great fit.”

Since joining the firm in March of 2022, Korman has undertaken a variety of responsibilities, from drafting and state registrations to client management and legal advisory. She currently works with over 50 franchisor clients. 

“Working at Spadea Lignana feels distinctively different and more fulfilling than any other position I've held before,” said Korman. 

For franchisors or potential franchisors, Spadea Lignana offers several legal services and areas of practice. This includes help with franchising the business, compliance systems and a proprietary disclosure system. 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.

Korman emphasizes the importance of building relationships with clients, going beyond mere legal transactions to forge connections that are both personal and professional.

“We dedicate a significant amount of time to communication and nurturing these relationships,” said Korman. “This approach significantly enhances the effectiveness of the attorney-client relationship, as understanding more about our clients' lives enables us to better cater to their needs. If a client has children, I know their names. If they have a specific busy time of the year, I make sure to schedule meetings on their off period.”

When it comes to the culture of Spadea Lignana, Korman says the team is just as supportive to each other as they are to their clients. For example, as a new mom who recently came back from maternity leave, she says the Spadea team has been incredibly supportive and helpful in understanding her work-life balance needs.

“I truly enjoy my job and the people I work with,” said Korman. “Whenever I need assistance, I never feel as though seeking help is frowned upon, which can sometimes be the case in law firm cultures. I feel comfortable asking my colleagues questions, and I genuinely enjoy going to the office. Although my days are busy, they are never bad.”

Overall, Korman says her role at Spadea Lignana has been a full circle moment for her legal career.

“When I started on Capitol Hill, I learned how laws are made, negotiated and decided upon,” said Korman. “This has given me a unique ability to understand the reasoning behind laws and statutes and apply these insights into my practice. Ending up at Spadea Lignana, where I can incorporate various aspects of my past experiences into a specialized area of law I hadn't previously known, has really felt like tying the perfect bow on top of my career.”

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