Associate Counsel (Franchising & Corporate)

PopUp Bagels; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A food lifestyle brand in Atlanta is seeking an Associate Counsel for Franchising & Corporate. This position will support legal matters related to franchising, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctor degree and 2-5 years of experience, particularly in franchise law. Responsibilities include managing Franchise Disclosure Documents and reviewing franchise agreements and leases. This hybrid role offers an opportunity to work within a dynamic corporate environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience as corporate counsel, preferably on the franchisor side.
• Experience managing Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) and franchise agreements.
• Knowledge of federal and state franchising laws.

Responsibilities

• Support in managing legal matters related to franchising and corporate governance.
• Prepare and maintain the Company's Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
• Review, draft, and negotiate franchise agreements and real estate leases.

Skills

Franchise law expertise

Strong drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from accredited law school

Active license to practice in Georgia

Job description

Associate Counsel, Franchising & Corporate

Job Description

Associate Counsel – Franchising & Corporate

Location: Hybrid in Atlanta, GA

Reports to: Chief Growth Officer/General Counsel

Role type: Exempt

Travel: Up to 20%

About PopUp Bagels

PopUp Bagels is not just a bagel company—we’re a cultural movement. Our stores are small, our vibes are loud, and our energy is contagious. From signature neon and iconic bullhorns to our “Not Famous but Known” mirror, we’ve reimagined not just how a bagel is created, but how it’s enjoyed: Grip, Rip and Dip! With a cult-like following, massive social presence, and unparalleled collaborations with top companies, partners and BrandAmbassadors, PopUpBagels is defining a new food lifestyle brand.

We keep things simple, but we do them really, really well. And our customers agree.

The Role

The Associate Counsel – Franchising & Corporate will support the Company’s Corporate Counsel in managing legal matters related to franchising, corporate governance, real estate leasing, and regulatory compliance. This role will play a key part in maintaining and updating Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), supporting franchise sales and development activities, reviewing and negotiating commercial leases and franchise‑related agreements, and ensuring ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local franchising laws. This role also supports broader corporate legal functions, including employment law, governance, and risk management.

Prior experience working with a franchising organization or supporting a franchise compliance/legal team strongly preferred.

• Assist in the preparation, maintenance, and annual update of the Company’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), including coordination with internal stakeholders and outside counsel as needed.
• Support state franchise registration, renewal, amendment filings, and ongoing compliance requirements across registration and non‑registration states.
• Monitor and track changes in federal and state franchising laws and regulations, escalating risks or required updates to Corporate Counsel.
• Support franchise sales compliance, including review of franchise sales processes, disclosures, and related documentation.
• Review, draft, and assist in negotiating franchise agreements, area development agreements, amendments, renewals, transfers, and related franchise documentation.
• Review, draft, and negotiate commercial real estate leases, lease amendments, guarantees, and related site development agreements in partnership with Development and Real Estate teams.
• Support general corporate legal matters, including entity management, governance documentation, and contract review.
• Assist with legal review of vendor agreements, NDAs, service agreements, and other commercial contracts as assigned.
• Partner with Development, Operations, Finance, and People teams to provide practical, business‑minded legal guidance.
• Help develop and maintain legal templates, playbooks, checklists, and internal processes to support scalability and consistency.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on specialized legal matters, including franchising, real estate, employment, or litigation matters, as directed.
• Maintain organized legal files, trackers, and compliance calendars.
• Advise on employment law matters and policies as needed, in coordination with HR and outside counsel.
• Manage relationships with external counsel to ensure efficient and cost‑effective legal services.
• Keep abreast of evolving franchise laws, regulations, and industry trends.

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school, required.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; admission to the state bar in Georgia, required.
• Minimum of 2‑5 years of experience as corporate counsel on the franchisor side, with proven expertise in franchise law and compliance.
• Experience managing FDDs, franchise registration filings, and franchise agreements.
• Experience in employment law and/or corporate governance preferred.
• Demonstrated experience advising business leaders in a corporate setting.
• Deep understanding of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Franchise Rule and state franchise laws.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills with the ability to balance legal risk and business objectives.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven ability to work cross‑functionally and influence without direct authority.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, conferences, or franchise events (up to 20%).
• Location: Based Atlanta, GA with opportunity for hybrid work (will work out of Marietta, GA).

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, via video, and over the phone.
• Work environment: This position operates primarily in a professional office or hybrid work environment.
• The role may occasionally require extended hours or travel to support business needs or address urgent legal matters.

Additional Role Note

The duties of this position may change from time to time. PopUp Bagels reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of PopUp Bagels or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general work level. It is not intended to be all‑inclusive.

PopUpBagels is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under other protected statuses or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law.

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