Franchise Team and Attorneys Named Global Leaders in 2021 Chambers Ranking
(Feb. 18, 2021) — Lathrop GPM is again a top-ranked global law firm in the franchise practice area according to the Chambers and Partners® Global 2021 rankings. In addition to the firm being in the top four in the world, the following Lathrop GPM attorneys were recognized as global leaders — Liz Dillon, Gaylen Knack and Carl Zwisler. Dillon, Knack and Zwisler were among an elite list of 27 attorneys worldwide included in the annual ranking.
Chambers wrote the following about the firm in the annual ranking released today: “A respected U.S.-based firm with substantial international capability. . . . the team is well versed in the full gamut of franchising matters.” A client provided Chambers with this feedback, “We only work with U.S. law firms who have a proven track record of doing excellent international franchise agreements in a cost-effective and timely manner. Lathrop GPM ranks among the top, in our experience.”
Here’s what Chambers said about Lathrop GPM’s world-leading franchise attorneys:
Liz Dillon, leader of the firm’s Franchise and Distribution Practice Group, is recognized for advising “U.S.-based restaurant chains on international franchising arrangements, including expansion into overseas markets. She also assists European and Asia-based clients with entry into the U.S. market. Dillon is hailed by peers as ‘a very technical lawyer who understands what she needs to get from other countries.’”
Gaylen Knack is noted for assisting “U.S.-based franchisors, across a range of sectors, with international expansion and distribution programs. The Minneapolis-based partner is also adept at handling franchise-related disputes and data protection issues. Sources claim the ‘business-oriented’ Knack ‘understands the market and how to do international deals.’”
Carl Zwisler is described as assisting “multinational franchisors with their entry into the U.S. market, notably within the food and beverage and leisure sectors. He also advises on the various trade and distribution issues connected to franchise operations. According to clients, Zwisler is ‘excellent to work with.’”
For over three decades, Chambers and Partners has assessed the world’s best business lawyers. Based in London, the organization has a full-time team of editors and researchers who conduct client and attorney interviews and surveys throughout the year to release rankings that are published online and in print directories.