Franchise Paralegal

Direct Counsel is representing an Am Law 100 firm seeking a Franchise Paralegal to join its Corporate & Transactional Practice Group. This position offers the to work alongside attorneys advising national and international clients on franchise, regulatory, and transactional matters.

The Franchise Paralegal will play a critical role in supporting the firm’s franchise practice by managing franchise disclosures, state registrations, renewals, and filings, as well as maintaining direct client communication throughout the process. This position requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and transmit franchise disclosure documents (FDDs) and state franchise registrations and renewals , including calculation of filing fees and annual updates.
• Draft and edit franchise registration and disclosure documents, gathering necessary information and supporting materials.
• Maintain close communication with clients throughout the registration, renewal, and compliance process.
• Monitor franchise agreement expiration and renewal dates , process renewal applications, and prepare renewal franchise agreements.
• Verify trademark registration status with the USPTO and coordinate updates as necessary.
• Support attorneys in drafting and finalizing various franchise and transactional agreements , ensuring compliance and consistency across jurisdictions.
• Manage and update the firm’s precedent database , including templates, custom-drafted clauses, and contract forms.
• Draft legal documents for attorney review, ensuring accuracy, proper formatting, and version control.
• Conduct research, compile supporting documentation, and prepare summaries and reports as requested.
• Manage competing priorities, deliver work product under tight deadlines, and proactively communicate project status and potential challenges.
• Maintain accurate and detailed billable time entries (minimum 1,600 hours annually).
• Remain proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, iManage, InTapp, and relevant franchise registration portals , such as NASAA’s EFD portal and state-specific systems (e.g., FRANSES, CARDS, and Wisconsin DFI).

Qualifications

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers a competitive annual salary of $100,000 – $115,000 , commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package , including :

Work Arrangement : Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 remote) or fully remote for qualified candidates outside commuting distance : (Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, New York, Charleston, L.A., San Fran or Kansas City)