Debi Sutin
Partner
Debi is a Partner at Sotos LLP and recognized as one of Canada’s leading franchise lawyers. With more than 30 years of experience, she advises Canadian and international franchisors across all industries on every aspect of Canadian franchise law, including franchise regulatory compliance and best practices for establishing and maintaining successful franchise systems and relationships.
Debi also advises on managing cross-border transactions, supply and distribution agreements, corporate and commercial law, and mergers & acquisitions.
She is committed to providing sound, practical business advice and timely service. Debi is passionate about making clients feel at ease and helping them understand the details of their transactions, including franchise compliance, best practices for franchise relations, and early dispute resolution.
Debi is an active contributor to the franchise community. She is a long-serving member of the Ontario Bar Association Franchise Law Section, served as co-chair of the 2017 OBA Annual Franchise Law Conference, and is a frequent writer and speaker at industry & professional events on franchise law.
More About Debi
What I have discovered through my many years of practice is the significance of the relationship between a lawyer and his/her client. When the relationship is strong, clients are more comfortable discussing things that they may not have otherwise opened up about. It is vital for lawyers to make their clients feel at ease, listened to and confident that their concerns or matters will be addressed
Ontario, 1986
- McGill University, BA (Political Sciences)
- University of Windsor, LLB
- Ranked in Chambers Canada – Franchising (2016 – 2026)
- Consistently listed in Best Lawyers in Canada – Franchise Law (2012 – 2026)
- Named Franchise “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in Canada (2015 and 2018)
- Recognized in Best Lawyers Global Business Edition (2016 – 2024)
- Listed as “Most Frequently Recommended” in Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory – Franchise (2016 – 2025)
- Listed in Guide to US/Canada Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada: Corporate (2016 – 2017)
- Named “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times Magazine (2013 – 2025)
- Listed in Who’s Who Legal Canada: Franchise (2011 – 2023)
- Listed as “Most Highly Regarded – 2020 & 2022” by Who’s Who Legal: Canada Franchise
- Listed as “Global Elite Thought Leader – 2020 – 2023” by Who’s Who Legal Global Guide: Franchise
- Inducted into the “Hall of Fame – 2022” by Franchise Times Magazine
- Listed in Who’s Who Legal Global Guide – Franchise (2011 – 2023)
- American Bar Association Forum on Franchising
- Canadian Franchise Association
- International Franchise Association
- Ontario Bar Association (member of the Executive of the Franchise Law Section)