Sotos LLP ranked in Band 1 for Franchising by Chambers Canada 2023
We are honoured to once again be named a top-tier law firm in the Franchising practice area. Our team continues to get praise in the industry for its proficiency in franchising, licencing, and distribution as well as its thorough focus on client service. Congratulations to Allan Dick, Adrienne Boudreau, John Sotos, Peter Viitre, and John Yiokaris for being ranked. According to 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 expertise, including in relation to rescission, termination and the enforcement of non-compete covenants. The team is noted for its class action practice. It 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
“The team provides deep technical legal analysis that is rooted in experience.”
“Their level of service is excellent and they are very detail-oriented.”
Work highlights
A Sotos team led by Allan Dick successfully represented a plaintiff franchisee in obtaining a rescission from a franchise they no longer wanted to be a part of. In addition, the plaintiff received CAD475,000 as compensation.
Notable practitioners
Founding partner of his firm, John Sotos is a Toronto-based lawyer who often acts on franchise agreements and related arbitration matters. “John is one of the pre-eminent franchise lawyers in Ontario, having started this specialised boutique firm at the infancy of this area of law.” “John is an outstanding, experienced person. When he provides recommendations, we listen.”
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. “Allan is an exceptional lawyer who provides trusted advice and is unmatched in the practicabilities and strategy of dispute resolution.”
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 is a leading expert in franchise law. He is trusted and accessible.” “His guidance and business advice has been very strong. He’s a great person to work with.”
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 and also has experience drafting master franchise agreements. “John is responsive, attentive and unquestionably an expert in the franchise law industry.”
Adrienne Boudreau is a Toronto-based lawyer who is active in franchising matters across a range of sectors, including hospitality, food and beverage and the emergent cannabis industry. She is particularly experienced in franchisee rescission cases, and also provides advice on related corporate and litigation matters. “Adrienne provided alternatives and insights to ensure a successful outcome.” “She is attentive, personable and a technically excellent lawyer.”
Chambers Canada ranks eminent lawyers and law firms based on rigorous independent research.
About Chambers Canada
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.
About 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.