In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser speaks with

Will Cantrell, a seasoned employment and franchise attorney, regarding the intricacies of franchise law.

Cantrell, Founding Partner of Cantrell Schuette, P.A. is a nationally recognized leading attorney in handling complex disputes, litigation, and trials. Apart from his background in general commercial litigation, he specializes the areas of employment law, partnership and shareholder law, and franchisee/dealership law.

Cantrell is a graduate of FSU College of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 2008), where he was selected for the Order of the Coif, graduating in the top five percent of his law class. He also received a master’s degree in international economics from FSU (M.A., cum laude, 2005)

After law school, Cantrell obtained a coveted judicial clerkship with the Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Court Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.

Gosser and Cantrell discuss due diligence for potential franchisees, emphasizing the importance of consulting existing franchisees and being cautious of sales pitches. He highlights key elements of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to review, including financial disclosures and the experience of those running the franchise. Additionally, Cantrell touches on the implications of joint employer rule changes by the NLRB and how proposed alterations could affect the franchise model. He advises new franchisees on negotiating franchise agreements and underscores the need for legal support when entering a franchise agreement. Cantrell also reflects on his career, expressing pride in building a successful law firm specializing in employment and franchise law.