Is Brian Steel considered a top criminal defense lawyer?
Yes. He is widely regarded as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Georgia, especially for complex and high-stakes cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about finding the right lawyer for your legal needs. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us.
What is the "Good Cause" standard under the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act?
In Illinois, a franchisor cannot terminate a franchise agreement at will. Under the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act (IFDA), they must provide "good cause." This typically means the franchisee failed to comply with a material provision of the agreement and was given a notice of the breach and an opportunity to cure it (usually 30 days).
Can I sue my franchisor if they open another location too close to mine?
This is known as territorial encroachment. Whether you can sue depends on the specific language in your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). However, even without an "exclusive territory" clause, a Chicago franchise litigation attorney may argue a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, which is a strong legal doctrine in Illinois courts.
What are the most common reasons for franchise litigation in Chicago?
Most high-stakes disputes in the Windy City revolve around:
Non-payment of royalties: Franchisors suing to recover unpaid fees.
System standard violations: Disputes over unapproved suppliers or failure to follow the Operations Manual.
Fraudulent disclosures: Franchisees claiming the franchisor misrepresented earnings or costs in the FDD.
Post-termination issues: Conflicts over "de-branding" and non-compete enforcement.
Non-payment of royalties: Franchisors suing to recover unpaid fees.
System standard violations: Disputes over unapproved suppliers or failure to follow the Operations Manual.
Fraudulent disclosures: Franchisees claiming the franchisor misrepresented earnings or costs in the FDD.
Post-termination issues: Conflicts over "de-branding" and non-compete enforcement.
Does the Illinois Attorney General handle my private franchise dispute?
No. While the Illinois Attorney General’s Franchise Bureau registers franchisors and can take action for systemic fraud or registration violations, they do not represent individuals in private contract disputes. To recover damages or defend your business, you must retain a private Chicago franchise litigation attorney.
Are franchise disputes in Illinois resolved in court or arbitration?
Most modern franchise agreements contain a mandatory arbitration clause. This means your case would be heard by a private arbitrator rather than a jury. However, Illinois law has specific views on where that arbitration must take place—often, a skilled attorney can keep the proceedings local to Chicago rather than flying to the franchisor’s home state.
Start Finding Your Perfect Lawyer Today
Whether you need help with family law, business matters, or criminal defense, we'll connect you with the right attorney.