This is the time of year that we pause for a moment to reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for in our busy practice. We have the greatest clients in this field – engaged entrepreneurs and general counsel who take pleasure not only in the success of their companies but in the achievements of those with whom they work–and a team of professionals who impress me every day with their legal skills and deep commitment to the success of our clients and friends. So forgive me for taking a seasonal pause from our usual business of providing business and legal insight and allow me to share some of the recognition the lawyers in our group received this year for their expertise and accomplishments.
Who’s Who Legal: Franchise
This is an international publication specific to franchising. It recognizes the leading franchise lawyers in 69 countries throughout the world. In 2018, Joe Fittante, Jim Susag, Sawan Patel and I were recognized in this publication.
Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers is a national publication that recognizes what they have determined to be the top 5% of the lawyers in each major geographic market, and the Rising Stars that represent the top 2.5% of lawyers who are either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. Joe, Jim and I have been on their list of Super Lawyers for many years, including the 2018 list, and this year, three of the younger trial lawyers in our group, Henry Pfutzenreuter, Inga Schuchard and Susan Tegt were named to their Rising Stars.
Chambers and Partners
Perhaps the most prestigious of these lists is Chambers and Partners, which is used extensively by in-house general counsels. It identifies the top lawyers in 45 practice areas. Joe and I were named again this year as franchisor attorneys and were listed in the top 25 of all franchisor lawyers in the United States. Of even greater satisfaction, our franchise practice group was named as one of the top 15 franchise groups representing franchisors.
2019 Best Lawyers
Turning to the New Year, Best Lawyers, which is published by U.S. News and World Report, just released their 2019 lists. Joe, Jim, Susan, and I are included in their franchise law list. Bill Thornton is listed in their international commercial arbitration section.
As we move into 2019, we look forward to continuing to post news and ideas of interest to new franchisors and people considering franchising their business.