Bio

Robert Smith focuses his practice on representing U.S. franchisors expanding internationally and serving as franchise counsel in complex financial transactions, including whole business securitization transactions. Bob’s international franchise experience spans more than 80 countries and encompasses counseling franchisors on a continuous stream of projects, including new master franchise, development and area representative agreements, joint ventures, franchise terminations, ownership changes, and regulatory compliance. As part of his day-to-day counseling, Bob works with clients to create, manage, and revise franchise programs, regulatory Franchise Disclosure Document compliance, workouts, dispute resolution, master franchise and development agent programs, refranchising, and co-branding. Bob is ranked among the nation’s leading franchise lawyers by Chambers USA, which cites clients who commented that he “has a tremendous amount of experience and has a great business mind. The value he brings to our company is extraordinary.” Clients appreciate that “he makes himself available—it almost feels like he’s our in-house counsel and he’s in the office down the hall.”