— A DEDICATED FRANCHISE LAW FIRM
Specialist
franchise lawyers.
For your next step.
Build a franchise. Buy with confidence. Find a way forward. Focused advice for franchisors and franchisees, grounded in more than 40 years in the franchise industry.
Adelaide & Melbourne - Advising Australia wide
Specialist advice. Real people.
Part of the
franchise story.
A few of the brands
we’ve worked with.
WHAT’S YOUR NEXT STEP?
The right support for
where you are.
Every franchise journey is different. Choose what you’re working towards.
FOR FUTURE FRANCHISORS
You’ve built a business.
Let’s explore what comes next.
If you’re considering franchising, get the foundations right. We help you assess readiness, develop your franchise model and prepare the legal framework for growth.
✓ Franchise readiness and strategy
✓ Model development and brand protection
✓ Franchise documents and ongoing support
FOR FRANCHISE BUYERS
Your investment deserves
a closer look.
Before you sign, understand what you’re agreeing to. We explain the obligations, costs and practical risks in the franchise agreement and related documents within the agreed scope.
✓ Review franchise agreements and disclosure documents
✓ Understand fees, renewal, transfers and restraints
✓ Discuss your questions and proposed signing date
FOR FRANCHISORS AND FRANCHISEES
A difficult situation.
A practical way forward.
When a franchise relationship becomes difficult, get a clear view of the issue and your options. We advise franchisors and franchisees on resolving disputes, subject to a conflict check.
✓ Breaches, termination and end-of-term disputes
✓ Restraints and contractual disagreements
✓ Negotiation, mediation and court proceedings
FOR YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Ready to sell, leave
or move on?
A sale, an expiring agreement or a negotiated exit can each raise different issues. We help you understand the requirements and your options before you take the next step.
✓ Sale requirements and franchisor consent
✓ Expiry, surrender and negotiated exits
✓ Restraints and obligations after leaving
ONE FOCUS. DEEP EXPERIENCE.
Franchising is
what we do.
Haarsma Lawyers is a dedicated franchise law firm. Our franchise lawyers work with the legal and commercial realities of franchising every day.
From a business’s first franchise agreement to an established network’s next challenge, our advice is shaped by experience on both sides of the franchise relationship.
40+
YEARS IN FRANCHISING
Experience that sees
the bigger picture.
Legal advice grounded in business.
We consider how an agreement, a decision or a dispute affects the business you’re building and the future you’re working towards.
Understanding both perspectives.
We advise franchisors and franchisees on establishing, buying, operating, selling and exiting franchise businesses.
A clear scope before we begin.
We discuss the work, timing and fees before you decide to proceed. Fixed fees are available for many services.
FOCUSED HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT
Looking for a specific service?
From your first agreement to the ongoing needs of your network.
WHAT CLIENTS VALUE
“I thoroughly recommend the whole team at Haarsma for their amazing support in a stressful time.”
Sam Neville
A LITTLE CLARITY TO START
Questions about
working with us?
Our franchise lawyers are happy to talk it through.
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Can you help me decide whether to franchise my business?
Yes. We can help you assess franchise readiness, your franchise model and identify the legal framework and documents you will need. Start by telling us about your existing business and what you want to achieve.
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Should I get advice before signing a franchise agreement?
We can review the agreement and related documents, explain your commitments and discuss the risks and practical implications. Tell us which documents you've received and your proposed signing date so we can discuss scope and timing.
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Do you act for franchisors and franchisees in disputes?
Yes, subject to a conflict check. We assist with franchise disputes through advice, negotiation, mediation and court proceedings. Tell us your role, the other party and any deadline when you first get in touch.
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Can you work with me if I'm outside Adelaide or Melbourne?
Yes. We advise clients across Australia. Contact us to discuss how you prefer to work together, or arrange an appointment.
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How do I find out what the work will cost?
Tell us the help you need. We'll discuss the scope and provide a fixed fee or an estimate before work begins, so you can decide how to proceed.
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How can a franchise lawyer help me understand the terms in a franchise agreement?
Franchise lawyers review and analyse franchise agreements to ensure that the terms and conditions are fair and reasonable. They will help identify any potential issues or risks that may arise from the agreement.
A good franchise lawyer will have extensive experience dealing with franchise agreements and will be able to explain the terms and provide examples of how they operate.
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How can a franchise lawyer help me navigate a franchise dispute?
Franchise lawyers will help you to resolve a franchise dispute through negotiation, mediation or conciliation, and if necessary litigation.
A skilled franchise lawyer will be able to assist you in effectively negotiating a franchise dispute as they will have the expertise and the experience to deal with complex franchising issues. Although there is no guarantee that the dispute will be resolved at the negotiation or mediation stage.
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How can a franchise lawyer help me comply with franchising regulations?
A skilled franchise lawyer will have in-depth knowledge and expertise in franchise law, including the Franchising Code of Conduct and the Australian Consumer Law. They can provide comprehensive guidance to ensure that you not only understand the intricate details of franchising laws but also comply with them effectively.
YOUR BUSINESS. YOUR NEXT CHAPTER.
Looking for a franchise lawyer? Let’s work out your next step.
Tell us where you are. We’ll discuss how we can help.