At Lopes Law LLC, franchise legal services start at $3,000 for a comprehensive FDD validation review and $3,500 for a franchise dispute review. Most of our services use flat fees so you know the total cost before we begin. A typical FDD review at a large firm billing hourly could cost $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the number of hours billed. At Lopes Law, it is $3,000. Our managing partner’s hourly rate is $810/hour and our associate rate is $295/hour for matters that require hourly billing.

We charge flat fees because it aligns our incentives with our clients’ interests. Hourly billing rewards inefficiency — the longer a matter takes, the more the law firm earns. Flat fees reward efficiency. You get a defined scope of work at a known price, and we are motivated to deliver results rather than run up hours. Our clients can budget accurately and make decisions without worrying about a growing legal bill every time they pick up the phone.

The $3,000 FDD Validation Review includes a forensic review of all 23 items in the Franchise Disclosure Document, a written report identifying red flags and areas of concern, an attorney consultation to discuss findings and recommendations, and identification of negotiation leverage points in the franchise agreement. This is the same level of analysis that large firms charge $5,000 to $15,000 to perform. Learn more about the FDD Validation Review.

We understand that legal fees are a significant investment. For larger engagements such as FDD development ($25,000) or international franchise launches ($40,000 to $50,000), we can discuss structured payment arrangements that work within your timeline. Contact us during your free consultation to discuss options specific to your situation.

The legal cost to franchise your business at Lopes Law LLC starts with a $5,000 Franchise Launch Audit to assess whether your business is franchisable and map out the regulatory requirements. If you proceed, the full FDD and Franchise Agreement development is $25,000 as a flat fee. State registrations run $1,000 to $2,500 per state. For international franchise launches, the cost is $40,000 to $50,000 depending on the target markets. All told, the legal investment to franchise a domestic business is typically $30,000 to $37,000. Learn more about franchisor services.

The standard FDD Validation Review ($3,000) covers a complete analysis of all 23 FDD items for a domestic franchise purchase. The International FDD Validation ($6,000) includes everything in the standard review plus cross-border compliance analysis, international agreement review, and guidance on E-2 or EB-5 visa structuring for international investors. The international review addresses the additional complexity of investing in a U.S. franchise from abroad or operating across borders.

No. Your initial 20-minute consultation is completely free with no obligation. We use that time to understand your situation, determine whether we can help, and explain your options. There is no pressure and no commitment. An attorney-client relationship only begins when you sign an engagement letter. Book your free consultation now.

Franchise litigation costs vary widely depending on the complexity and duration of the matter. At Lopes Law, dispute representation typically begins with a retainer of $5,000 to $10,000+. Before any litigation, we recommend starting with a Franchise Dispute Review ($3,500 flat fee) to assess your legal position and determine whether litigation is the most effective path. Many franchise disputes resolve through negotiation or mediation without ever reaching litigation. Learn more about franchise dispute services.

Yes. Our services are modular. You can hire us for an FDD review only, a franchise agreement review only, a dispute review only, or any individual service on our menu. You are not required to bundle services or commit to a larger engagement. Many clients start with a single service and return later when they need additional support.

Yes. Lopes Law LLC represents both franchisees and franchisors. This dual perspective is a significant advantage because we understand how both sides think, negotiate, and make decisions. When we represent a franchisee, we know exactly what the franchisor’s legal team is looking for. When we represent a franchisor, we build documents and processes that anticipate franchisee concerns. We maintain strict ethical walls and never represent both sides in the same transaction or dispute.