October 10, 2023

Chambers Canada 2024 ranks Sotos LLP as a leading firm nationwide

We are proud to announce that Chambers Canada 2024 has ranked Sotos LLP as a leading law firm in Canada for Franchising. Additionally, we are proud to highlight the recognition of five of our lawyers for their outstanding individual excellence: John Sotos, Allan Dick, Peter Viitre, John Yiokaris, and Adrienne Boudreau.

This acknowledgment reinforces our commitment to maintaining high standards and delivering top-tier legal services to our clients. 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 are incredibly responsive, with high service levels. They always come through with our expectations.”

“Sotos have provided an in-depth and comprehensive review of issues as well as working with us to develop the best possible solutions.”

“Sotos can deal with every aspect of franchise law.”

Notable practitioners

Firm founding partner John Sotos is a Toronto-based lawyer who often acts on franchise agreements and related arbitration matters. Strengths “John is at the forefront of franchise law.” “John is the founding father of franchising law and a true statesman.”

Allan Dick is a Toronto-based lawyer who is noted for his franchisee-side work. He is experienced in negotiating retailer agreements and is active in disputes in this field, including arbitrations and rescission claims. Strengths “I am impressed with Allan Dick’s knowledge and even-keeled demeanor.”

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.

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. Strengths “John Yiokaris is extremely knowledgeable, proficient, and has the ability to take complex legal matters and explain them in simple-to-understand terms that any non-legal-profession person can understand.”

Adrienne Boudreau is a Toronto-based lawyer who is active in 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. Strengths “Adrienne Boudreau is an experienced litigator with exposure to a wide range of issues and the limitations of the legal system.” “Words can’t describe how helpful Adrienne is.”

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.

Sotos LLP As 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.