James Fowler
Bird & Bird LLP
Bird & Bird LLP
Client SatisfactionThe reputable franchising department at Bird & Bird LLP is notable for supporting clients in the food and beverage, retail, hospitality, and leisure industries with their global expansions, as well as those in the healthcare, education and green energy industries. It also boasts a dedicated franchise disputes practice, which is overseen by the ‘outstanding’ Victoria Hobbs; it benefits from the firm’s global network of offices, enabling the team to represent clients in domestic and international disputes. The wider practice is led by Graeme Payne, who has a particular focus on advising clients in the consumer-focused arena on their domestic and international franchising matters. Nick Green is another key name, and he is strong in assisting with franchising, distribution, and agency agreements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team at Bird & Bird have always provided an excellent service. They have the right balance of providing advice that suits both the legal and commercial positions of our organisation. They have always made sure to provide legal advice that considers all aspects of a contractual decision or business transaction.’
‘Bird & Bird engage well on an individual level. They work to ensure that advice given is done so in a manner that is accessible to those with a non-legal background, whilst ensuring that none of the detail is missed. Matthew Vance has been excellent in supporting all aspects of his work with our organisation.’
‘The franchising experience of the Bird & Bird team is incredible; their knowledge of franchising and how it effects contracts, GDPR, and enforcement is second-to-none.’
‘Victoria Hobbs is outstanding. Her knowledge of the law, together with commercial considerations, makes her an absolute pleasure to work with.'
- 'Shelley Nadler's knowledge of not only franchising, but also the sectors in which we operate, is so helpful, and she can apply commercial considerations in a meaningful way which makes sense to our business practice.'
‘James Fowler has great attention to detail.’
‘A highly capable and collaborative team. They fit in very well as a true extension of our team. Very responsive and adding commercial value rather than pure legal drafting etc.'
- 'Nick Green and Matthew Vance stand out.’
Key clients
- IWG plc
- Franchise Brands plc
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Pasta Evangelists
- Costa Limited
- Marks & Spencer
- PizzaExpress Restaurants Limited
- Home Instead
- Gecko Development Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised IWG plc on its international franchising, licensing, and partnerships arrangements, helping the business build and develop a comprehensive franchise and partnership offering across its multiple brands in the UK, EU, Asia, Africa, and South and Central America.
- Acting for Franchise Brands and its stable of brands in relation to all franchising matters.
- Advised Chipotle on the preparation and negotiation of its international franchise agreement with the Alshaya Group for the Middle East.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Graeme Payne
Bird & Bird LLPVictoria Hobbs
Bird & Bird LLPNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Nick Green
Bird & Bird LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Graeme Payne, Melissa Murray