Will the lawyer checking my franchise agreement be able to assist me with other legal documents?

Before entering into a franchise agreement, you should take advice from a specialist franchise lawyer, who will understand the commercial rationale behind the franchise agreement and not waste your time and money in getting into pointless arguments with the franchisor over key terms.

Equally, if you need to enter into other legal agreements, such as a lease, it’s sensible that the legal agreements are reviewed by a lawyer who is an expert in that particular field - for example, a property lawyer advising on a lease.

There may be some lawyers who will be able to advise you in relation to more than just your franchise agreement, but you should ask your chosen lawyer what their areas of expertise are. You could also ask for recommendations for a lawyer from other franchisees within your franchise network.

Vicky Wilkes is a senior associate at law firm Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP, specialising in both domestic and international franchising.