In the franchising category, there are only nine Global Elite Thought Leaders in Canada, and three of them are from Sotos, representing one third of the Canadian cohort:

• Allan Dick
• John Sotos
• Peter Viitre

Lexology describes Global Elite Thought Leaders as “the best of the best across our research, achieved by only around 5% of listed practitioners”. These individuals receive the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel and other market sources, and are profiled for their insight, innovation and ability to deliver exceptional results for clients.

The Thought Leaders: Global Elite report is global in scope, featuring:

• 2,087 lawyers
• 95 barristers
• 333 consulting experts
• 1,144 firms
• 77 countries

Having three of the Global Elite Thought Leaders in franchising in Canada based at Sotos LLP is a strong testament to the firm’s bench strength and sector leadership in franchise law.

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Within this global field, Canada is represented by only 11 Thought Leaders in franchising, and four of them are from Sotos:

• Allan Dick
• John Sotos
• Debi Sutin
• Peter Viitre

This reflects the trust that domestic and international clients place in Sotos LLP to handle complex matters, and the firm’s commitment to delivering practical, business focused advice across Canada and beyond.

The 2025 Lexology Index Thought Leaders: Franchising guide profiles 162 franchising lawyers worldwide, from 104 firms across 32 countries. These practitioners are selected following detailed research, including more than 7,000 data points analysed, over 130 research submissions from leading firms, and extensive interviews with market participants. Only 55 percent of nominees were ultimately chosen for inclusion. Lexology notes that Thought Leaders are individuals who have performed “especially well,” representing only around 25–30 percent of all listed practitioners in the Lexology Index for franchising.

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Congratulations to:

• Adrienne Boudreau
• Jason Brisebois
• Allan Dick
• Daniel Hamson
• Jean Marc Leclerc
• John Sotos
• Debi Sutin
• Peter Viitre
• John Yiokaris

This result reinforces Sotos’s position as a market leading firm, and reflects the confidence that clients and peers place in the firm’s depth of expertise, strategic advice, and track record of results.

The Lexology Index identifies leading practitioners based on extensive research, including client feedback and peer review. In the Canada report, the Recommended tier is reserved for individuals considered leaders in their field, with fewer than half of all candidates selected for inclusion.

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In addition to the firm’s recognition, we are honoured that five of our lawyers – John Sotos, Allan Dick, Peter Viitre, John Yiokaris, and Adrienne Boudreau – have been individually ranked for their expertise in the field.

According to the research conducted by Chambers Canada:

What the team is known for:

Sotos LLP is a franchise law boutique that is known for its representation of both franchisor and franchisee clients. The Toronto-based law firm regularly handles the preparation of franchise agreements and disclosure documents, as well as advising on regulatory compliance. It also offers substantial litigation and arbitration expertise, including in relation to rescission, termination and the enforcement of non-compete covenants. The law firm assists a wide range of clients across various industries, including the automotive, food and beverage, and hospitality sectors, and is well placed to act on expansion mandates.

Strengths:

“Sotos is a proven specialist in franchise law.”

“I have dealt with numerous people at Sotos and all have vast knowledge. Responses are quick and detailed.”

“Sotos were always available, responsive and provided spot-on advice. The team’s knowledge, experience and expertise made the difference.”

“Sotos houses a highly adaptable team that is always quick to respond to enquiries and provide its expertise in complex franchise matters. The team is always eager to support our needs.”

“I trust Sotos to handle complex matters with speed and precision.”

Notable practitioners:

Firm founding partner John Sotos is a Toronto-based lawyer who often acts on franchise agreements and related arbitration matters. “John Sotos is a great representation of the firm. His attention to detail and management of the firm are definite strengths.” “He is outstanding.”

Allan Dick is a Toronto-based lawyer. He is experienced in negotiating retailer agreements and is active in disputes in this field, including arbitrations and rescission claims. “Allan Dick is very professional and knowledgeable.” “Allan Dick always knows the facts and details of litigation.” “Allan Dick does not trivialise matters and recognises that matters raised to him cause anxiety to us as clients. He has made us aware of practices in our industry that may be of interest to us.” “Allan Dick’s creative problem solving makes him the foremost lawyer in delivering the most legally and commercially sound solutions for his clients.” “Allan Dick can always be relied upon to respond to any legal queries that we have, whether simple or complex matters.”

Peter Viitre is a Toronto-based lawyer who often provides counsel to clients in sectors such as automotive and food and beverages. He frequently advises on rescissions and drafting master franchise agreements, as well as assisting international clients with expansion into Canada. “Peter Viitre is very professional and informed.” “Peter Viitre has been extremely helpful and always provides great advice. I enjoy working with him and will continue to do so. He understands our business and the franchise system well.” “Peter Viitre provides an exceptional level of dedication to our needs. He is highly responsive, efficient and pleasant to work with.” “Peter Viitre’s experience with complex matters that are framed squarely in the everyday reality of business makes him my go-to sounding board.” “He is very experienced and provides able corporate commercial representation.”

John Yiokaris is based in Toronto and possesses experience acting for both franchisors and franchisees. He is notably active in the automotive industry and leads the firm’s sector practice in this area. He assists clients with contentious matters, transactions and master franchise agreements.

Adrienne Boudreau is a Toronto-based lawyer who is active on franchising matters across a range of sectors, including hospitality, food and beverages, and cannabis. She is particularly experienced in franchisee rescission cases, and also provides advice on related corporate and litigation matters. “Adrienne Boudreau is sharp and provides excellent service. It is easy to work with her.” “Adrienne Boudreau has been an incredibly dedicated, professional, caring and knowledgeable lawyer. I feel very secure and confident in her work, leadership and understanding of franchise law.” “Adrienne Boudreau is fantastic and provides highly trusted counsel.” “Adrienne Boudreau is a talented lawyer who fiercely advocates for her clients.” “Adrienne Boudreau is a credit to Sotos and the law profession in general. I am glad she is my legal representative.”

Chambers Canada is often referred to as ‘the gold standard’ and is a highly regarded legal publication. Chambers Canada ranks eminent lawyers and law firms based on rigorous independent research.

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• 1. Adrienne Boudreau – Franchise Law
  2. Allan Dick – Franchise Law
  3. Idan Erez – Franchise Law & Personal Injury Litigation
  4. Jean-Marc Leclerc – Franchise Law
  5. Michael Sabusco – Natural Resources Law
  6. John Sotos – Corporate Law & Franchise Law
  7. Peter Viitre – Franchise Law
  8. John Yiokaris – Corporate Law & Franchise Law
  9. Jason Brisebois – Ones to Watch – Franchise Law
  10. Daniel Hamson – Ones to Watch – Corporate and Commercial Litigation

This recognition highlights our team’s expertise across various practice areas. Congratulations to all recognized lawyers on this well-deserved honour!

About Best Lawyers:

The Best Lawyers is the oldest and well-respected guide to the legal profession. Recognition by The Best Lawyers is based on exhaustive peer-review evaluation and voting. The “Top-Listed” designation is given to the firm that has the most recognized lawyers in a particular location and practice area.

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We extend our congratulations to the following team members for their individual recognition in the directory, underscoring their expertise and dedication to the field of Franchise Law:

• Peter Viitre – “Most Frequently Recommended” under Toronto Leading Practitioners – Franchisee and Franchisor.
• Allan Dick – “Most Frequently Recommended” under Toronto Leading Practitioners – Franchisor.
• John Sotos – “Most Frequently Recommended” under Toronto Leading Practitioners – Franchisor.
• Adrienne Boudreau – “Consistently Recommended” under Toronto Leading Practitioners – Franchisee and Franchisor.
• John Yiokaris – “Consistently Recommended” under Toronto Leading Practitioners – Franchisor.
• Jason Brisebois – “Repeatedly Recommended” under Toronto Leading Practitioners – Franchisor.
• Jean-Marc Leclerc – “Repeatedly Recommended” under Toronto Leading Practitioners – Franchisor.

About Sotos LLP:
As Canada’s leading franchising, licensing and distribution law firm, with over 20 legal professionals dedicated to the industry, Sotos LLP provides a comprehensive range of franchise law, corporate, private equity financing, commercial, litigation, intellectual property, employment and real estate services to franchisors.

About Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory:

The Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory has been a key reference in the legal profession since its inception in 1997, featuring detailed profiles of leading practitioners and firms across 67 practice areas in Canada. The directory is compiled through an extensive peer survey process, ensuring that those listed are highly regarded by their colleagues and peers. The inclusion in the directory is a mark of professional excellence and recognition in their respective areas of practice.

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Who’s Who Legal: Canada 2023 offers a comprehensive analysis of the country’s legal marketplace, covering over 40 areas of business law. Through in-depth research and editorial analyses, the report highlights the most highly regarded law firms and individual practitioners in Canada. Being selected as leading practitioners in this report is a testament to the outstanding reputation and professional excellence of our partners.

Sotos LLP is Canada’s leading franchising, licensing, and distribution law firm, with over 20 legal professionals dedicated to the industry. We provide a comprehensive range of franchise law, corporate, private equity financing, commercial, litigation, intellectual property, employment, and real estate services to franchisors. For over 40 years, we have been working with regional, national, and international franchisors in every sector of the franchise industry from launch to exit, including with their international expansion.

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Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2024 is a comprehensive report that consolidates the insights, expertise, and wisdom of the world’s most eminent lawyers and experts. The report aims to showcase the individuals who have achieved the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel, and other market sources in the most recent research cycle.

The inclusion of John Sotos and Allan Dick in this distinguished list underscores their vast expertise, experience, and innovative approaches in advising on some of the world’s most significant and cutting-edge legal matters. Their recognition is a testament to their ability to inspire, innovate, and go above and beyond in delivering for their clients, placing them at the peak of the legal profession.

Sotos LLP is Canada’s leading franchising, licensing, and distribution law firm, with over 20 legal professionals dedicated to the industry. We provide a comprehensive range of franchise law, corporate, private equity financing, commercial, litigation, intellectual property, employment, and real estate services to franchisors. For over 40 years, we have been working with regional, national, and international franchisors in every sector of the franchise industry from launch to exit, including with their international expansion.

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Since its establishment in 2005, the Client Choice Awards recognize law firms and lawyers for their exceptional client care. Lawyers can only be nominated by corporate counsel.

Jason’s selection for this award is a testament to the exceptional quality of his legal counsel, profound industry expertise, keen commercial awareness, and outstanding business acumen. He has earned a strong reputation for his expertise in corporate commercial law, especially in franchising, licensing, and distribution.

Jason spent his initial years practicing law in the New York and Toronto offices of an elite New York-based global law firm. At Sotos, he applies his experience as a New York state-qualified lawyer and as an Ontario-licensed lawyer to advise entrepreneurs and businesses on all matters involving cross-border franchising, licensing and distribution and related structuring. His practice focuses on the acquisition and sale of franchise systems, franchise system development and all aspects of starting and operating a franchise, including the preparation of franchise disclosure and related commercial agreements as well as the importing and exporting of franchise systems. Jason also advises clients with respect to mergers and acquisitions and other business transactions, commercial leasing, and advertising and marketing law.

Lexology delivers the most comprehensive source of international legal updates, analysis, and insights. Publishing over 500 articles daily from 900+ leading law firms and service providers worldwide across 50 work areas in 25 languages.

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These lawyers were selected based on their experience, reputation, and high rankings in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The 2023 Lexpert Special Edition, scheduled for release on November 23, 2023, will be available in print and digital formats and distributed through The Globe and Mail and Key Media’s industry channels.

To read more about our litigation practice area, please click here.

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