With sector specialisms in education, food and beverage, and retail, the 'excellent' team at Bird & Bird LLP is notably skilled at developing hybrid strategies to support the global expansion of leading brands. The team has continued to uphold its strong track-record in the market following former practice head Mark Abell's departure, with new head Graeme Payne drawing on his experience working with consumer-focused businesses to advise on the integration and management of multi-channel growth strategies. Franchising disputes specialist Victoria Hobbs regularly works with clients on pre-contractual disclosure documents, and advises on termination rights and clients' protection of trade secrets. Associate Nick Green is also recommended for his advice to clients on manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics arrangements, as well as software licensing and the supply of products and services.

The leading franchising practice at Fieldfisher provides strategic advice to major domestic and global franchise networks across the retail, leisure, education, and food and beverage sectors. The team is jointly led by David Bond and Gordon Drakes; Bond leads on numerous high-profile matters and advises governmental bodies on quasi-franchise business models, while Drakes regularly advises clients on best practices for growing their businesses through the use of third party relationships. Andrew Dodd handles franchise disputes, acting for franchisors, large corporates, and groups of franchisees. Vicky Reinhardt is dual qualified in Germany with a particular focus on the hotel and leisure sectors, and associate Rachel Bowley is also recommended for her work on various UK and international deals.

Specialist firm Hamilton Pratt‘s ‘superb’ franchising practice represents a number of well-known British Franchise Association members in the healthcare, fast food, and technology sectors. Hugely experienced practice head John Pratt is notable for his extensive expertise in the full range of franchising agreements, competition law issues in the EU and UK, and international franchising. Nick Seddon co-heads the practice as a corporate lawyer helping the firm build up its capabilities handling corporate transactions relating to the franchise sector, while James Barrett jointly leads the team with a focus on franchise dispute resolution working both nationally and internationally. Associate Arslaan Mahmood has experience assisting franchisors and franchisees with sales and purchases, preparing documents for agreement renewals or change of terms, and preparing applications to register or renew trademarks. Key partner Barbara Lock is also recommended.

IBB Owen White's franchising team advises businesses across the spectrum of contentious and non-contentious matters, representing franchisors, franchisee associations, and multi-unit franchisees. The practice's broad client base includes quick service restaurants, theatre arts companies, and fitness club groups. Practice head Jane Masih draws on over three decades of experience to advise franchisors on franchise and master license agreements, as well as business re-sales. 'Highly experienced practitioner' Russell Ford handles complex and often high-profile disputes, specialising in securing court orders and undertakings to enforce restrictive covenants. Associate director Lynsey Smith is also recommended for her litigation expertise.

With a commitment to promoting ethical franchising, Stevens & Bolton LLP takes a holistic business approach to help clients fulfil their strategic objectives. The practice advises a range of clients including franchisors, multi-unit operators, master franchisees, and franchisees; Nicola Broadhurst leads the team with a focus on international expansion through franchising, working with fashion and luxury brands as well as the casual dining sector. Tom Lingard regularly handles complex IP and litigation matters, advising on trademark infringement and brand strategy, while dispute resolution expert Catherine Penny supports the team on a range of commercial disputes.

The 'highly experienced and dedicated team' at Ashtons Legal has particular expertise in assisting clients with expansion overseas as well as growing international brands in the UK. Damian Humphrey heads up the practice, working with leading businesses to set up and grow their franchise networks internationally. Barrister Tom Bailey is a specialist franchising litigator with significant experience with mediation and international arbitration. John Chambers supports the team as a consultant with a wealth of specialised experience in franchising.

Harper Macleod LLP‘s Scotland-based team advises clients on numerous corporate franchising transactions for global brands, with sector focuses in food and drink, home improvements, and property. Craig McKerracher has expertise acting for both franchisors and franchisees, while Peter McLuckie specialises in franchising and commercial contracts particularly within the tourism sector. Jill Fryer advises clients on strategic commercial issues and the associated provisions of franchise agreements, with additional expertise in competition law. David Kaye leads the team, now practicing as a consultant with extensive experience in retail franchising.

Well-regarded for support on international transactions by significant multi-brand franchisees, the team at Mishcon de Reya LLP regularly advises well-known hotel groups, restaurants, and retailers on a range of franchising matters. Team lead Lewis Cohen heads up the firm's international franchising and brand extension group, advising clients on intercontinental franchising ventures. Managing associate Anne Rose advises on and drafts franchising agreements, with a particular focus on the retail and restaurant sectors. Associate Olivia Bowden is also recommended for her work on the termination and re-negotiation of franchise agreements.

With leading expertise in the leisure and hospitality sector, DLA Piper provides strategic franchising advisory services to large multinational businesses. Global co-chair of the hospitality and leisure practice Matthew Duncombe leads the team, regularly assisting national and international companies on a range of commercial issues. Senior associates David Booth and Sophie Conroy have experience handling complex supply, distribution and manufacturing agreements for franchising clients.

Led by the ‘outstanding’ strategic franchising expert Pauline Cowie, the team at TLT is particularly strong in the retail, automotive, and leisure sectors – regularly advising on high-profile international franchising projects. Commercial lead Perran Jervis specialises in outsourcing, distribution, franchising, and supply agreements, while Bill Hull advises public sector clients on major international franchise expansion work. Miles Trower handles competition law issues with a focus on behavioural advice, UK & EU merger control, and compliance programmes.

Specialist commercial firm Boddy Matthews Limited handles franchising work for clients in the restaurant, domestic products, and children's entertainment sectors. Along with essential franchising advisory services, the team assists clients with contractual claims including innocent, negligent, and fraudulent misrepresentation and duty of care claims. Kate Matthews heads up the practice - she is an accredited mediator with a particular focus on advising both franchisors and franchisees on contentious franchising matters.

South West firm Foot Anstey assists clients in delivering their franchising models in the UK and internationally, while supporting those businesses as they grow. Paul Cox heads up the practice with extensive experience in handling franchising disputes, advising and filing trade marks, and drafting franchise agreements. Cox is supported by associate John Shaw who assists clients with contentious and non-contentious matters relating to their franchise agreements and structures.

The 'very experienced and very capable' team at Simons Muirhead Burton offers franchising advice to publishing, education, luxury retail, fashion and jewellery brands as well as clients in the hospitality sector. The team acts for companies at all stages of their brand’s development, from early-stage companies to mature players expanding their already established operations. Practice head Maninder Gill has extensive expertise in developing franchises abroad, with a particular focus on the Middle East and Far East markets.