Brian Schnell

Partner, Faegre & Benson LLP

Brian is a partner with Faegre & Benson, LLP firm offers clients more than 475 lawyers in a full range of practice groups, with experience handling legal matters throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. Brian focuses his practice in franchising and product distribution law. He represents and counsels both emerging and mature franchisors in a variety of industries with regard to all aspects of their franchise programs. He is the lead corporate franchise lawyer for dozens of franchisors, ranging from companies with thousands of locations worldwide to companies who are in the initial stages of building their franchise systems.

Brian is a Past Chair of the International Franchise Association’s Supplier Forum and a member of its Legal/Legislative and Membership Committees. He is a highly rated and well regarded speaker and author on topics in franchising.

Brian is a very effective franchise lawyer, as he combines his legal experience with a passion and keen understanding of franchising to find practical solutions for clients. His experience is based on approximately 20 years of working closely with clients-getting to know them and their businesses, goals and objectives. He listens, asks questions, and works hard to find solutions or approaches that work for clients. His experience includes:

• Structuring franchise programs - single unit, multiunit, area director & master franchise
• Drafting and registering UFOC and related franchise documents
• Earnings claims
• Lead referral networks
• Product distribution and vendor programs (including franchisor rebate programs)
• System expansion/"encroachment"
• Franchisee advisory councils and independent franchise associations
• Trademark and brand protection
• Marketing and advertising
• National accounts program
• System standards compliance
• Transfers/assignments
• Default and termination
• Post-termination issues
• International expansion

Education
B.A., Carleton College (1984), cum laude
J.D., University of North Dakota (1987), Order of the Coif, with distinction