Firm unveils new offering at the International Franchise Association’s 2025 Annual Convention in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, NV, February 11, 2025 — In response to the growing demand for specialized legal services within the franchise industry, Saxton & Stump has launched a dedicated Franchise Litigation Practice. The firm announces this news today as it exhibits at the International Franchise Association’s 2025 Annual Convention in Las Vegas.
This strategic expansion enhances the firm’s nationally recognized Franchising, Licensing and Distribution Group, delivering litigation expertise tailored to emerging, national, and international franchisors operating in the United States.
As franchise litigation becomes more frequent and complex, the new Franchise Litigation Practice is designed to help franchisors safeguard their brands, resolve disputes efficiently, and navigate regulatory actions successfully.
“Legal disputes have grown more sophisticated, requiring lawyers that are effective, cost-efficient, and understand the unique dynamics of franchising,” said Thomas J. Kent Jr., co-chair of the Franchising, Licensing, and Distribution Group. “Complex litigation can derail even the best in-house legal teams. Our platform at Saxton & Stump gives us the unique ability to assemble a team of experts with the bandwidth to address a full spectrum of needs for franchisors, including litigation, mediation, and arbitration, and meet these challenges with confidence.”
Saxton & Stump’s franchise litigation team represents clients in matters involving:
- Franchise-focused litigation and arbitration involving franchise systems, franchisees, vendors, and related claims
- Anti-trust issues, including price fixing, territory exclusivity, procurement arrangements, and supply chain restraints
- Trademark, copyright, patent and trade secret enforcement
- Labor and employment matters such as joint employer liability, vicarious liability, discrimination and harassment claims, health and safety violations, and unfair labor practices
- Regulatory agency actions and investigations
- Breach of contract matters
Led by co-chairs Thomas J. Kent Jr. and Amanda D. Dempsey, the Franchising, Licensing and Distribution Group brings decades of combined experience in focusing on the franchising industry. Key attorneys named as part of the Franchise Litigation Practice include:
- Hon. Judge Christopher Conner (Ret.), leverages his “view from the bench” expertise as a former federal district chief judge to advise and represent clients in complex franchise disputes.
- Louis J. Fiorilla, Chad G. Goebel and Richard L. Hackman, experienced litigators handling disputes with franchisees, vendors, labor and employment, breach of contract, regulatory investigations, and related claims.
- M. Kelly Tillery, specializes in intellectual property litigation involving trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets.
- Samuel D. Harrison, a seasoned litigator focusing on antitrust and price-fixing cases, including territory exclusivity, procurement arrangements, and supply chain constraints.
Together, the team is highly experienced and fully equipped to handle the unique dynamics of franchisors in any matters involving franchise law. To learn more about Saxton & Stump’s franchise services, visit https://www.saxtonstump.com/what-we-do/franchising-licensing-and-distribution/.
Saxton & Stump’s strategic growth outlook
With 200 professionals, including over 110 attorneys, Saxton & Stump’s innovative model continues to attract highly talented and experienced attorneys, driving the growth of the law firm and its affiliate companies nationwide.
Saxton & Stump provides solutions for complex legal issues and partners with clients to create a roadmap for their success. The firm is committed to empowering clients by delivering five-star service and results-focused advice.
