Franchise Attorney

Location: Farmers Branch / Dallas, TX
Salary: Up to $140,000
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance, 401(k) Match, PTO
Schedule: Monday–Friday, In-Office
Reports To: Chief General Counsel

The Opportunity

An established and rapidly growing multi-brand franchise organization is seeking an experienced Franchise Attorney to join its corporate legal team in the Dallas area.

This is a newly created, independent legal position supporting a highly active and expanding business with a diverse portfolio of restaurant and retail franchise operations.

The role will have significant exposure to franchise law, contracting, M&A, development and regulatory matters, with the opportunity to play a key role in the company's continued growth.

The successful candidate will have strong franchise law experience and be comfortable working directly with business leaders across a fast-paced, multi-brand organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate franchise agreements, development agreements, renewal agreements, transfer agreements and related franchise documentation.
• Advise on franchisee and franchisor relationships, contractual obligations and brand compliance.
• Provide guidance on state franchise relationship, registration and disclosure laws.
• Advise on requirements under the FTC Franchise Rule and applicable franchise regulations.
• Support M&A transactions, particularly acquisitions involving franchise units, businesses and new brands.
• Conduct and support legal due diligence relating to franchise acquisitions and expansion opportunities.
• Draft and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements related to franchise operations and development.
• Partner with real estate, development, finance and operations teams on expansion and site-development matters.
• Identify and manage legal risks associated with franchise development and multi-unit operations.
• Work with outside counsel where appropriate and manage legal matters efficiently.
• Monitor developments in franchise legislation and regulatory requirements across applicable states.
• Assist with franchise-related disputes, compliance matters and other commercial legal issues.
• Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice to senior leadership and non-legal stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

• Active Texas Bar membership is required.
• J.D.
  
  from an accredited law school.
• 5+ years of legal experience, with significant experience focused on franchise law.
• Strong knowledge of franchisee/franchisor relationships and franchise contracting.
• Experience with state franchise relationship, registration and disclosure laws.
• Experience with M&A transactions, particularly acquisitions involving franchise units or franchise organizations.
• Strong contract drafting, review and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and priorities within a high-volume, fast-moving environment.
• Strong commercial judgment and ability to communicate complex legal matters clearly to business stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while partnering closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Experience

• Hospitality, restaurant or retail industry experience.
• Previous in-house legal experience with a franchise operator, franchisor, restaurant group or multi-unit organization.
• Experience working across multiple brands or concepts.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.