That gives Sotos more Chambers-ranked franchise lawyers than any other firm in Canada. Three of the six lawyers ranked in Band 1 are also members of the Sotos team.

Client feedback published by Chambers also speaks to the team’s understanding of the businesses it advises:

“The firm understands our business and has a sensible approach to incorporating risk into recommendations. The team is also timely in responses as well.”

“Sotos is amazing to work with and is responsive and detail-oriented.”

“Sotos has a good breadth of knowledge and expertise in the franchise space.”

Seven Sotos franchise lawyers recognized:

John Sotos, Senior Statespeople
Chambers highlights John’s work on franchise agreements and arbitration matters.

“John is top of the chain but is always accessible.”

Allan Dick, Band 1
Allan is recognized for his extensive experience in franchising and franchise disputes.

“Allan is extraordinarily intelligent and is very experienced in franchising. He is an incredible advocate for clients and very practical in advising to get the desired solution.”

“Allan has a lot of experience and does a lot of work for people getting into the franchise business.”

Debi Sutin, Band 1
Chambers recognizes Debi for advising franchise systems, including international brands establishing and developing their Canadian operations.

“Debi is a leader in the field.”

Peter Viitre, Band 1
Peter is recognized for work spanning master franchise agreements, Canadian expansion and complex franchise disputes.

“Peter has an ability to deal with a variety of matters. He also has a deep understanding of franchising and has advocated for the industry, so he is one of the pre-eminent thought leaders in the industry.”

Adrienne Boudreau, Band 3
Chambers highlights Adrienne’s work across sectors including hospitality and food and beverage, together with her experience in franchise litigation and related corporate matters.

John Yiokaris, Band 3
John is recognized for his work on transactions, master franchise agreements and contentious matters, with particular experience advising businesses in the automotive sector.

Ashley Caldwell, Associates to Watch
Chambers recognizes Ashley for her growing franchise practice, including work on franchise agreements and franchise disputes.

The recognition reflects the depth of a franchise practice built around helping franchise systems at every stage of their development, from establishing a franchise model and preparing agreements and disclosure documents to regulatory compliance, expansion, transactions and the disputes that can arise as a system grows.

For established brands, Sotos advises on the legal and commercial issues that come with operating and expanding a franchise network. For international systems entering Canada, the team helps navigate the Canadian legal framework and structure their expansion into the market.

Chambers specifically highlights Sotos’ work on franchise agreements and disclosure documents, regulatory compliance, expansion mandates, litigation and arbitration, as well as the firm’s experience across sectors including automotive, food and beverage and hospitality.

View the Chambers Canada 2027 Franchising rankings.

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Twelve Sotos lawyers are recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada and six in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada. The recognition spans Corporate Law, Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Franchise Law, Class Action Litigation, Intellectual Property Law, Personal Injury Litigation, Mining Law and Natural Resources Law.

The results reflect both the breadth of Sotos’s practice and the depth of experience across the firm, with recognition spanning established leaders and the next generation of lawyers.

Best Lawyers’ 2027 Canadian research included more than 763,000 confidential peer evaluations. The Best Lawyers in Canada recognizes 8,622 lawyers, representing approximately 6% of the Canadian legal market, while Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada recognizes 2,394 lawyers, representing approximately 1.7%.

For Sotos, the recognition spans generations. Allan Dick and John Sotos were first recognized by Best Lawyers in 2006, 20 years ago, while Adil Abdulla and Karine Bédard received their first Ones to Watch recognition in the 2027 edition.

Together, the results reflect sustained peer recognition across the firm and continued strength across generations of Sotos lawyers.

The Best Lawyers in Canada

Adrienne Boudreau
Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Franchise Law

Allan Dick
Franchise Law

Idan Erez
Franchise Law; Personal Injury Litigation

Jean-Marc Leclerc
Class Action Litigation; Franchise Law

Michael Sabusco
Mining Law; Natural Resources Law

Louis Sokolov
Class Action Litigation

John Sotos
Corporate Law; Franchise Law

David Sterns
Class Action Litigation

Debi Sutin
Corporate Law; Franchise Law

Peter Viitre
Corporate Law; Franchise Law

Margaret Waddell
Class Action Litigation; Corporate and Commercial Litigation

John Yiokaris
Franchise Law

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada 

Adil Abdulla
Class Action Litigation

Karine Bédard
Class Action Litigation

Jason Brisebois
Franchise Law

Lauren Parker
Franchise Law

Matthew Taylor
Class Action Litigation

Veronica Tsou
Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Intellectual Property Law

We congratulate all 18 lawyers on this recognition by their peers and on their continued contributions to our clients, the firm and the profession.

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The award-winning series includes “Tariff Turmoil: U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter tariffs will have an impact on the franchise industry,” written by Sotos lawyers Peter Viitre, Jason Brisebois and Nicole Perez.

The National Magazine Awards recognize excellence in Canadian trade, professional and association publishing. The 2026 awards were judged by industry professionals who evaluated hundreds of submissions from across Canada.

Sotos LLP is credited as one of the writers of the Silver-winning Tariff Wars series alongside contributors from Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine.

Published in the May 2025 issue of Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine, Peter, Jason and Nicole’s article examines the potential impact of U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter-tariffs on franchisors and franchisees operating in Canada.

Tariffs can create challenges throughout a franchise system, particularly where businesses rely on cross-border supply chains, imported food products, equipment, materials or other goods. Increased costs can affect both franchisors and franchisees and may require businesses to reconsider sourcing, pricing, operational practices and contractual arrangements.

The article discusses several considerations for Canadian franchise systems responding to changing trade conditions, including:

• reviewing supply chains and considering alternative sourcing strategies;
• identifying operational efficiencies that may help offset increased costs;
• assessing whether franchise disclosure documents and franchise agreements adequately address tariff-related risks and changing economic conditions; and
• ensuring that marketing claims such as “Made in Canada” and “Product of Canada” comply with applicable Canadian laws and regulatory requirements.

For franchise systems operating across Canada and the United States, rapidly changing trade measures can have legal and commercial consequences that extend beyond the immediate cost of imported goods.

About the Authors

Peter Viitre advises franchisors and franchisees on franchise law and the commercial and regulatory issues affecting franchise systems. His practice includes franchise agreements, franchise disclosure and other matters involving the operation and growth of franchise businesses.

Jason Brisebois is a corporate and commercial lawyer whose practice includes franchise law, mergers and acquisitions and commercial transactions. He advises businesses on transactions and commercial arrangements across a range of industries.

Nicole Perez advises clients on franchise and commercial matters, including legal issues affecting franchisors, franchisees and businesses operating within franchise systems.

Read “Tariff Turmoil: U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter tariffs will have an impact on the franchise industry” in the May 2025 issue of Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine: https://digital-issue.foodserviceandhospitality.com/may-2025/page-26.

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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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