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