Franchise Associate Attorney

Donahue Fitzgerald, LLP seeks a Mid-Level Attorney with transactional experience to join our IP Practice Group in our Oakland office. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled transactional attorney looking to expand their expertise into the exciting and dynamic field of Franchise Law. While prior experience in franchise law is a plus, we are committed to training the right candidate and providing the resources necessary to become a successful franchise law practitioner and serve as outside general counsel for clients.

The ideal candidate will have 3 – 5 years of experience in complex transactional matters. Our practice primarily represents franchisors from a wide variety of industries. This position is well-suited for someone motivated by intellectual challenges, who enjoys working with a talented team of legal professionals, and who wants to work for a firm with an established path to partnership. 

As a transactional attorney, you will play a key role in advising clients on various matters. You will work closely with partners, gaining hands-on experience in: 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, including master service agreements, license agreements, and customer contracts
• Drafting and revising Franchise Disclosure Documents and related contractual agreements
• Responding to comment letters from state regulators
• Advising clients on compliance with federal and state franchise laws and regulations
• Advising clients regarding franchise sales compliance, renewals, and terminations
• Analyzing and implementing exemption-based franchise sales strategies
• Researching and providing advice regarding a variety of legal issues
• Managing client communication and expectations
• Participating in business development activities and networking within the franchise community

Knowledge, Skills, and Educational Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• California Bar license in good standing
• Must have 3 - 5 years of transactional experience, including contract analysis and drafting and advising clients in corporate and commercial matters; Litigation, Trademark, Regulatory compliance, and/or Data Privacy experience is not required but a significant plus
• Strong drafting and negotiating skills 
• Excellent research skills
• Familiarity with AI-powered legal research and drafting tools, with a commitment to leveraging technology for efficiency while maintaining strict confidentiality and professional accuracy
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Must be a self-starter with outstanding organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments independently
• Ability to interface with clients regularly and provide sound legal advice with practical business considerations
• Strong attention to detail is a must
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• A genuine interest in learning and developing expertise in franchise law
• Proficient with MS Office Suite and a Document Management System desired

This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established firm that offers interesting work, a collaborative working environment, opportunities to support pro bono activities, and competitive benefits.

Salary range: $160,000 to $190,000. The salary range does not guarantee, obligate, nor set expectations of an applicant’s salary in the event of hire. Actual compensation will depend upon a number of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s years of experience, qualifications, and skill set.

DF LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer