Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Technology, Commercial and Government Affairs

Partner - Corporate and Finance Transactions

Jonathan's a highly acclaimed franchise litigator with a proven track record of excellence. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the ABA Franchise Law Journal and wrote the BNA Bloomberg treatise Franchising with his partner, Ken Costello. Jonathan has published scores of articles on franchise issues and is frequently a speaker at franchise law conferences. He leads a team of eight California board certified franchise lawyers. Jonathan has extensive experience nationally and internationally in all aspects of franchise law including mergers and acquisitions, the operation of competing franchise brands, inadvertent franchises, renewals, terminations and system-wide change. His passion lies in navigating the intricate landscape of franchising law, advising and advocating for clients, and achieving remarkable results.

Throughout his career, Jonathan’s been honored with numerous accolades and recognitions for his contributions to the field of franchising law. He is one of eight lawyers in the United States recognized as a Global Elite Thought Leader in the field of franchising. He is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers Franchising Nationwide and has a Tier 1 designation in Best Lawyers in America. Over the years, Jonathan has been consistently named one of the Ten Most Highly Regarded Franchise Lawyers in North America by the International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers. He has been recognized twice by Best Lawyers in America as Franchise Lawyer of the Year in Los Angeles.

In addition to his accolades, he has achieved significant milestones in his legal career. Jonathan was honored with the Law 360 Verdict Lion Award in October 2019. He was also recognized for handling the Largest and Most Significant Appellate Reversals in California in 2019 by the LA Daily Journal in February 2020.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT & HONORS Law 360’s Weekly Verdict Lion (October 24, 2019) Vice Chair, IFA Legal Legislative Committee (2016-2018) Franchise Times Franchise Lawyers Hall of Fame (2015) (based upon being named as a top franchise lawyer in the US every year the survey has been conducted) California State Bar Certified Franchise Specialist Chambers USA, Franchising Nationwide, one of the top 7 lawyers in US (Band 1) Best Lawyers in America (Tier one) (2006–2024) Best of the Best USA (one of top 25 pre-eminent franchise lawyers in U.S.) Los Angeles Magazine – Southern California “Super Lawyer” (2005–2020) Best Lawyers in Southern California, Los Angeles Times (2003–2019) Citizen’s Advisory Committee for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS American Bar Association – Forum Committee on Franchising, (1984-present); Litigation and Dispute Resolution Steering Committee, (2001-2006);  Franchise Law Journal, Editor-in-Chief, (1997-2000); Associate Editor, (1992-1997); Forum Committee on Franchising Governing and Leadership Committee, (1997-2000); Antitrust Section and Antitrust Subsection on Franchising, (1990-present);  Appellate Advocacy Committee (1989-present); Antitrust Task Force on Legislation and Regulation; California Franchise Law Committee. Appointed by California State Bar Board of Governors to the California Franchise Law Consulting Group (2006) State Bar of California–International Law Section, 1990-present; Franchise Law Committee, (1991-1995), (2009-2013) Los Angeles County Bar Association–Antitrust Section, (1990-present); Pacific Rim Committee; Appellate Practice (1989-present) Has attended every ABA Forum Committee on Franchising and International Franchise Association legal symposium since 1984