Why should I use a specialist franchise lawyer to check my franchise agreement before I sign it?

When assessing a franchise concept as a whole, practical and commercial legal advice in relation to a franchise agreement should form an integral part of any franchisee’s due diligence process.A specialist franchise lawyer, rather than many general commercial lawyers, will understand the commercial rationale behind the franchise agreement, have experience of the terms that are common in it and be familiar with the British Franchise Association code of ethics that relate to franchise agreements. As there is usually little scope for negotiating the terms of a franchise agreement, a specialist franchise lawyer will not waste your time and money by getting into pointless arguments with the franchisor over its terms. Instead, a specialist franchise lawyer should be well equipped to produce a comprehensive report highlighting a franchisee’s rights and obligations, key areas of risk, any additional hidden costs, any provisions that are unusual or are contrary to the bfa’s code of ethics and advise whether any terms need clarification.