I-1   Fundamentals of Franchising®

This program provides a comprehensive overview of franchise law for those who want a thorough introduction to this field, and those who want a refresher on one or more areas of franchise law practice. Join our top-notch practitioners who will address franchising fundamentals, including structuring a franchise, disclosure and registration requirements, defining and protecting a franchise system’s intellectual property, franchise relationship laws, antitrust considerations and the representation of franchisees.

Speakers:      Max J. Schott II                 Christopher P. Bussert      Deborah S. Coldwell
                         Dennis E. Wieczorek      Andrew C. Selden              Lee N. Abrams



I-2   Representing the Franchisor — A Primer on Designing the System, Drafting and Registering Documents and Providing On-going Counseling

Franchisors make many business and legal decisions in developing and maintaining their franchise systems. These decisions can have significant and long-term impact on the franchisor’s business and the health of the franchise system. Systems that have not carefully considered these issues and their ramifications at the outset may face challenges as the system matures. This intensive program will address these issues and identify best practices for developing, managing and maintaining the relationship among the franchisor, franchise counsel, franchise regulators and franchisees. Franchise counsel will discuss the due diligence that should be completed before preparing the franchise legal documents and best practices for preparing these documents. The panel will also discuss the interplay between franchise counsel and the franchise consultant, both during the initial phases of the process and ongoing interaction. After summarizing the franchise registration process, the panelists will introduce the California franchise examiners who will discuss common registration stumbling blocks faced by franchisors and wrinkles in California law and policies that may impact registration and exemption filings. Each attendee will receive a copy of the Forum on Franchising’s newly published second edition of the Franchise Law Compliance Manual, a must have for those practicing in the franchise area.

Speakers:      Kay M. Ainsley        Victoria T. Blackwell      Joseph J. Fittante, Jr.
                        Theresa Leets        James A. Meaney

Plenary 1 - Manage Your Time, Manage Your Stress—Time Management Skills for Lawyers

Of all the elements lawyers work with, none is more precious than time. In the face of client emergencies, responding to the cascade of emails and the demands of one’s personal life, effective time management skills are critical to successful professional and personal relationships for today’s lawyer. Come hear Margaret Spencer Dixon, a world-renowned lawyer and consultant who specializes in helping lawyers improve their time management, project management, and stress management skills. Ms. Dixon will share some of her time tested time management techniques to help us become more productive, less stressed, and more satisfied with our careers and lives.

Speaker:       Margaret Spencer Dixon



Plenary 2 - Annual Franchise and Distribution Law Developments

The Forum’s signature event! Join us for a thoughtful, comprehensive and lively review of the year’s key judicial and legislative developments affecting franchising and distribution.

Speakers:       James Goniea     Peter Silverman