Richard L. Rosen talks about his firm winning the inaugural Best Franchise Law Firm award, as well as how he got into the business and what makes a good franchise lawyer
The Richard L. Rosen Law Firm started in 1969 when Richard, just one year out of law school, learned that his dad, also an attorney who employed him at the time, was set to retire. Asked whether he wanted to keep working for his father’s firm or whether his dad could get him a job with another firm, young Richard replied: “No, I wish to start my own firm – I need to make my own decisions as a lawyer and as a businessman”. Richard started his own law firm shortly thereafter and has been making his own decisions ever since.
GF: How did the Richard L. Rosen law firm start specializing in the franchise field?
RR: Shortly after opening my own firm, a childhood friend who was operating a thriving retail store on Madison Avenue selling high-end maternity wear asked if I knew anything about franchise law. I didn’t, but I said that if they give me the time to figure it out, I will. They did, I figured it out, formed ‘Lady Madonna’, which was my first franchising company, and a career as a franchise attorney began and has continued for 50 years.
“I believe that to be a successful franchise lawyer you have to be more than a lawyer – you must be devoted to the field of franchising”
Over those years, my firm has done virtually everything in the franchise field, from representing both franchisors and franchisees, forming franchising companies and formulating franchising programs. It’s this extensive experience in the franchising field that has provided me and my partners, John Karol and Len Salis, with the opportunity to offer a varied menu of services covering virtually every aspect of franchise law. The firm’s extensive business experience, including my own experience as real estate owner and developer in New York City, has given the firm the background to guide clients not only in the legal aspects of franchising but in the business aspects as well. This versatility has put the firm in a unique position, especially as a “boutique” law firm in the franchise industry.
GF: What does winning this award mean to you and your firm?
RR: To be honored with this award is especially gratifying. I know that Global Franchise maintains a stellar international reputation in the franchising field and it’s recognized worldwide as an organization that maintains the highest standards in choosing those, whether they be franchising companies, individuals or lawyers, who they honor and recognize for excellence in franchising. I, and my partners John, Len and the firm’s years, counsel and staff, are both humbled by and deeply appreciative of having received this honor.
GF: What, to you, makes a great franchise lawyer?
RR: I believe that to be a successful franchise lawyer and to be truly respected by your peers, you have to be more than a lawyer – you must be devoted to the field of franchising, generally and you must treat others with civility and respect, qualities that are, perhaps, not as universally found in the legal profession today as they used to be. My firm’s devotion to the franchising field is well known.
