Lena Hamideh has been franchise group marketing manager at DLA Piper for over a decade. Her role is to help the group with their presentations, research, budgeting, advertising, business development, client relations, pitches and proposals, articles and rankings. She also assists with the team’s franchise events.
TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR FRANCHISE PRACTICE
My group is the only franchise practice in the world ranked tier one by Chambers USA and Chambers Global. We have about 30 lawyers spread across the country (Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Northern Virginia, Palo Alto, San Francisco and Washington, DC.) We serve as general counsel to the International Franchise Association and have been their counsel for 57 years. I am the resource in my group for anything that has to do with franchising.
WHAT WAS YOUR ROUTE INTO MARKETING?
Initially, I wanted to be an attorney. After working with lawyers, I realized I was better at the business side. I love learning about our clients, talking to them and making them happy. So, instead of drafting contracts, I decided to help the attorneys with their business, so they could practice law. The partners in my firm gave me a chance and I ran with it and haven’t looked back since. I love what I do.
WHY SPECIALISE IN THE FRANCHISING INDUSTRY?
Franchising is everywhere. It’s such a unique area and the people that I meet always feel like family. There are so many intelligent people in the industry to learn from; every day, I learn something new. The franchise industry has so many opportunities for so many people. It’s diverse and it’s always changing. The industry is booming and there’s never a dull moment.
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE FOR PEOPLE IN THE FRANCHISE INDUSTRY?
My firm provides legal services and I work on the marketing of those legal services. Our firm does both transactional and litigation for franchisors.
WHAT AFFORDS YOU MOST SATISFACTION ABOUT YOUR WORK?
Hearing our clients saying – “your attorneys are the best in the industry.” Our lawyers are indeed worth every penny. They are very well respected, responsive and always care about my company. The firm offers many value added services that other law firms don’t. It solves problems and helps companies to grow.
WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR WORK OFFERS THE GREATEST CHALLENGES?
Sometimes we lose RFPs we work so hard on, and of course, that can be difficult. However, given the chance, we can provide the very best legal advice available. My attorneys have about 1,000 years of combined franchise experience, so there is seldom an issue they haven’t dealt with and solved.
HOW DO YOU THINK WOULD OTHER PEOPLE DESCRIBE YOU?
Outgoing, kind, intelligent, relentless, driven, trustworthy and understanding.
WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER?
To be better than I was the day before. And, one day, be the CEO of a franchisor.
IF YOU HAD TO START OVER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
I wouldn’t do anything differently. Every experience, whether good or bad, has shaped me into the person that I am today. Through my mistakes, I gained experience which I can pass on.
HOW DO YOU RELAX?
I read and I spend time with my family and friends. I also love to write and shop.
