The Experienced Franchise Law Attorney’s Practice Assists Clients with Real Estate Matters
Laura Wallerstein has joined McDonald Hopkins LLC as a member of the firm’s business department and real estate practice. The experienced commercial real estate and franchise law attorney has deep knowledge of retail leasing, corporate transactions, and asset management. Her practice includes working with corporate clients and government-regulated industries, such as financial services, condominium and association matters, and conveyancing. Wallerstein has also advised park districts and public utilities with acquiring and disposing of property, as well as preserving public opinion in protecting property rights. She has assisted franchise clients in acquiring and disposing of real property and other assets to secure funding.
“I’m looking forward to personal growth as a practitioner and continuing to provide quality legal services to clients. As in most industries, relationships are of paramount importance, and I look forward to earning and maintaining the confidence placed in me by each client,” Wallerstein said.
She believes that “McDonald Hopkins is an attractive firm for my practice because of the depth of its hard-working and experienced attorneys that help to support the clients I serve across the county. McDonald Hopkins also gives me the opportunity to remain involved in my local Akron community.”
McDonald Hopkins’s leadership team is excited to have Wallerstein on board. In a statement, David Gunning, chair of McDonald Hopkins’ real estate practice said, “Laura’s legal experience makes her an invaluable asset to McDonald Hopkins and adds considerable depth and a competitive advantage to our already robust real estate practice. Her expertise will be an enormous benefit to all our clients.”
In Wallerstein’s view, McDonald Hopkins will “positively impact the future of franchising by leveraging the experience of its practitioners to serve those clients involved in or considering involvement in the ever-growing franchising space.”
Wallerstein and Franchise Law
At the beginning of her career, Wallerstein was mentored by Richard Mulligan, a franchisee lawyer. As a franchise lawyer, Wallerstein enjoys helping clients achieve their goals. “Sometimes, that means helping them sell assets that they assembled over a lifetime or even multiple generations. Other times, it means helping clients structure acquisitions to grow their businesses,” she adds.
In addition to her real estate practice, Wallerstein has assisted franchise owners of quick-service restaurants and other businesses draft and negotiate franchise agreements, raise capital, and more. Wallerstein suggests those who are interested in franchise law develop strong real estate, corporate, and finance skills. “Then, affiliate with a full-service firm so your clients can have one-stop service for employment questions, tax matters, estate planning, and other areas where you will need support,” she adds.
Wallerstein cannot emphasize how important it is for franchisors and franchise owners to work with an experienced franchise lawyer. “Experienced franchise lawyers help clients progress through transactions efficiently and without the expense and delay of protracted discussion of the non-negotiable items. The value added by experienced practitioners can impact the client’s bottom line throughout a matter,” she said.
