Corporate partner and leader of the firm’s franchise and distribution team Brian Schnell was featured in 1851 Franchise’s 2026 “Top Franchise Lawyers You Should Know” series. In an interview with the publication, Schnell discussed the legal issues brands may be underestimating, the importance of compliance culture, and the strategic lessons that have shaped his decades-long franchise career.
Schnell observed that brands may be underestimating legal issues surrounding AI, explaining that “part of the challenge with AI and data protection/privacy is the constantly evolving nature of AI technology, potential uses, opportunities and challenges, and laws regulating AI and privacy.”
He emphasized that franchisors should make compliance a core value and approach risk management with a focus on long-term success and sustainability, while being mindful of their exit strategy.
When sharing his approach to working with franchise clients, Schnell offered, “Be a true strategic advisor by getting beyond the legal issues and understanding how the legal issues, commercial issues, and human issues are all involved in addressing a particular challenge and opportunity and then help devise a strategy that can be implemented to achieve the client’s desired outcome.”
