Franchise Legal has embraced the industry it services by becoming the first industry-specialist law firm to franchise.  

Founded by Ilya Furman in 2009, Franchise Legal welcomed its first franchisee in Sydney, Adams & Partners lawyers, earlier this month.  

Furman, who has worked in franchising for the past 10 years, is aiming to position Franchise Legal as a new school law firm in the franchise industry. ñAt Franchise Legal, I wanted to be in a position to tell my clients that I practice what I preach _ I am in the business of franchising,î Furman said.  

After acting as in-house legal counsel for some of AustraliaÍs largest franchisors, including JimÍs Group and Choice Hotels, Furman launched Franchise Legal.  

ñThe large majority of franchisors are either national or want to grow nationally and they expect national representation from their lawyer,î Furman said. ñPartnering with experienced franchise lawyers in other states is clearly the most effective way for Franchise Legal to meet the demands of its clients. Sydney and Melbourne are the top two markets in the country, however, we plan to grow the network in Perth and Brisbane also over the next 12 months.

Franchisee Heath Adams of Franchise Legal Sydney is an experienced commercial and franchise lawyer and saw gains in joining a franchise system.

ñThe ability to partner with an experienced franchise lawyer in Ilya Furman was a major plus. Another plus was the leverage that being a franchisee offers. The reach of our combined organisation means that I can now service a broader range of clients and businesses helping them expand and prosperî.