Franchising: London & UK-wide

Field Fisher Waterhouse has by some distance the strongest and deepest franchising team in the UK market, and houses a collection of highly experienced practitioners acting across a number of prominent industry sectors. Solicitors are known primarily for their work on behalf of major franchisers such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Giraffe and Spud-U-Like, and their work is as likely to be international in nature as it is domestic. The group also acts for franchisees. One notable recent case has seen it advise over 60 Kall Kwik and Prontaprint franchisees on an action against their joint franchiser, ODC. Clients have nothing but good things to say about the team's solicitors, who they describe as "absolutely expert and so very experienced." One adds that "there are not many people out there that give you that level of comfort."

Client Service “They make us aware of any pitfalls and always explain things in layman's terms. They are really helpful.”

Commercial Awareness “They have a comprehensive understanding of the franchising market.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Abell is a senior figure within the team and has a terrific standing within the market. He has a genuinely international profile, and in recent times has impressed with his work for Hamleys on its franchised expansion into the Balkans, Greece, the Middle East and Turkey. He also acts for Hawes & Curtis on developing its overseas presence. He heads the practice jointly with Chris Wormald, who has a tremendous wealth of experience accumulated over many years of work in the sector. He advised the restaurant chain Carluccio's on its expansion into Turkey and India. Babette Märzheuser-Wood is dual-qualified in England and Germany, and is known for her work on high-value franchising deals. Her international reputation was put to good use when she advised retailer River Island on its expansion into Central and Eastern Europe. David Bond is highly regarded throughout the market for his expertise in complex franchising matters in the retail, hotel, services and food and beverage sectors. He works with a number of high-profile clients, including Agent Provocateur and restaurant group Clapham House. Victoria Hobbs specialises in dispute resolution in the franchising sector. She has an excellent reputation in the field and acts for such high-profile clients as British Gas, Reiss and YO! Sushi. Shelley Nadler is a director within the group and has long experience of the franchising sector, having acted extensively for restaurateurs, retailers and others in the service industries. Clients appreciate the fact that Graeme Payne "gives real-world answers rather than a textbook response." Associate Gordon Drakes is building an excellent reputation for his work with retailers on the overseas expansion of their brands. Clients say he is "incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, and always concise with his information."

This specialist franchising practice is based in Norwich and possesses a strong reputation for high-quality work in the field. The firm acts for franchisers, helping them to expand both throughout the UK and overseas. It has particular expertise working with organisations looking to use franchising for the first time and earns praise for its ability to produce effective and specialised agreements.

As of May 2012, Chambers & Co merged with Ashton KCJ's Norwich office.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Chambers is admired by clients for a down-to-earth approach to his work. Sources indicate that he is "100% dedicated to franchising," as well as both "realistic and commercially minded."

This boutique firm has an excellent reputation for working with franchisers and is able to attract high-profile clients on the back of its experienced team. Its roster of clients includes such household names as Boots and Kall Kwik. Recently it has worked with Marriott Hotels on a novel arrangement with Bulgari to establish a luxury hotel. Commentators appreciate the quality of the firm's performance, noting "they are in the forefront" in the UK franchising sector.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Pratt is renowned for a commercial approach that separates the franchising expert from the dabbler. He is at the centre of the firm's work and is known as a "bright and charming" practitioner.

This long-established East Anglian firm is increasingly well regarded by commentators for its work on franchising matters. The team has a great deal of experience in the sector and is able to call on firm-wide resources to provide a rounded service to clients. Recent highlights include advising Drain Doctor on its domestic and international franchising affairs and updating the franchising agreements used by Countrywide Signs.

Client Service “They've turned me into a franchising expert through their patience and willingness to explain in detail what's going on.”

Commercial Awareness “Their commercial viewpoint just blew me away. They are more interested in business outcomes than just legal arguments.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Chadd is much admired for his sensible and pragmatic approach to the franchising field. Clients say he is "open and approachable, and you can talk to him easily." Mike Barlow is an experienced practitioner who has advised franchiser clients operating in a number of industry sectors. Clients say he is "just exceptional – he's not scared by the fact that we can't use off-the-shelf agreements."

Owen White houses a well-regarded franchising team that handles both contentious and non-contentious matters in the field. Its clients are primarily franchisers and owner-operators seeking to expand their businesses through franchising. The team is heavily involved in the franchising community, offering advice on establishing new models and drafting all relevant documentation. It handles disputes relating to misrepresentation, breach of contract and other franchising claims, and is highly respected for the quality of its work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jane Masih comes with the enthusiastic recommendation of experienced market commentators, who appreciate her sensible approach. She heads the team and works with franchisers on the drafting of agreements and the development of business networks. Russell Ford is a highly regarded litigator who acts on behalf of both franchisers and groups of franchisees. He has a great record in tackling complex disputes.

This London-based franchising practice sits within the firm's commercial group. The international reach of the wider organisation allows those lawyers engaged with franchising matters to assist high-profile clients both within the UK and overseas. The team specialises in non-contentious work and its notable clients include Avis, Liz Claiborne and Body Shop.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ilana Saltzman heads the team.

Commentators concur that the loss of senior figure Geoffrey Sturgess has had an impact on the franchising team at Blake Lapthorn. However, the firm continues to conduct work in the sector and has been increasingly taking on work for franchisers as well as franchisees. Notable clients include Molly Maid UK, Card Connection and Southern Co-op.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sheilah Mackie is the key contact.

Macfarlanes boasts a franchising practice that draws on the strengths of the firm's corporate and commercial client base to good effect. Practitioners offer clients a range of services and they can call upon the assistance of colleagues throughout the organisation to advise on such elements as property, IP and employment law.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeremy Courtenay-Stamp is a key contact.

The franchising group at Mundays has been hit by the departures of leading individuals Nicola Broadhurst and Magnus Jardine-Brown but nonetheless retains a presence in the sector. A good grasp of the issues affecting the franchising market means that it acts for both franchisees and franchisers. Notable clients include Chicken Cottage, Prestige Nursing and Clarks.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James O'Flinn is a key contact.

Sherrards continues to impress with the capacity to handle complex contentious and non-contentious franchising matters. Practitioners act primarily on behalf of franchisers but maintain a rounded view of the marketplace by devoting a proportion of their time to franchisees. Notable clients include hairdressers Headmasters, fitness providers Movers & Shapers and Stagecoach Theatre Arts.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Manzoor Ishani is at the centre of the firm's franchising offering and earns admiration for his experience. He is admired by commentators, who seek to work with him wherever possible.

The franchising group at TLT focuses its work on the retail and leisure sectors. It conducts work for such notable brands as Caffe Gusto, La Baguette du Jour and Little Angels UK. A recent highlight has involved the team working on a new franchise agreement for use by the national locksmith network LockRite.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hannah Poulton is considered a central part of the firm's offering and impresses with the quality of her work. She is particularly experienced in advising on the interaction of franchising with IP and brand management concerns.