Harris J. Chernow is a partner and chair of the firm’s national Franchise & Distribution Practice Group and an active member of the Corporate & Business Services Group and Hospitality Law Group. He has a national practice representing franchisors, franchisees, and distributors in many sectors, including in the hotel and hospitality industry. His experience is complemented by his significant business and corporate practice, including complex mergers and acquisitions, executive employment, leasing and real estate, and mediation and arbitration practices.

Much more than a franchise and hospitality lawyer, Harris is a well-respected corporate/business lawyer who improves his clients’ companies by delivering guidance through their business transactions and disputes.

With clients ranging from start-ups to large, long-established companies, Harris has worked with an array of businesses. His franchise and business practice extends across a range of industries, representing franchisors/brands, single and multi-unit franchisees/owners, area developers, master franchisees, franchisee associations, distributors, and private equity-backed businesses seeking to expand through franchising or distribution.

Harris is also highly sought after for his dispute resolution acumen in franchise, hospitality, and commercial business disputes. He has a reputation for being strong but reasonable. Harris and the firm’s Litigation Group are often called upon to represent clients in franchise and commercial litigation, arbitration, and mediation cases.

Due to Harris’ reputation for being knowledgeable, fair, and unbiased, he is frequently appointed as an arbitrator and mediator in franchise, hospitality, and commercial matters. 

When clients consult Harris, they work with an attorney who prioritizes their objectives and takes a pragmatic and effective approach. Harris’ general practice:

• Day-to-day and overall franchise, hospitality, and business law counseling for franchisors, franchisees, brands, owners and businesses in general
• Franchise Disclosure Documents and related agreements and compliance
• Asset, stock, and merger and acquisition transactions
• General business/corporate transactions
• Hotel Management Agreements and related agreements
• Licensing agreements and co-branding arrangements
• Franchise system start-ups
• Business start-ups
• Contract negotiation and review
• Consulting and independent contractor agreements
• Financing arrangements
• Confidentiality and non-compete agreements
• Real estate development and leasing 
• Trademarks, copyrights, licensing, and technology transfer
• Dispute Resolution – franchise and business litigation, arbitration, and mediation

Not just all work, Harris enjoys his family time and being out on the pickleball court, the slopes, the baseball field, the water and rooting for his favorite college (Temple) and pro teams, and simply having fun.