Franchise Attorney

Sun Holdings, Inc.; Dallas, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) matching

Employee discount

Referral program

Job summary

Sun Holdings is a leading multi-brand franchise operator based in Dallas seeking an experienced Franchise Attorney to support its rapidly growing portfolio. The attorney will counsel on franchise agreements, brand relationships, real estate and development matters, and M&A transactions while ensuring regulatory compliance across diverse franchisor relationships.

The role requires strong franchise law expertise, excellent drafting and negotiation skills, and the ability to work across a

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active Texas bar membership.
• 5+ years of legal experience with a substantial focus on franchise law.
• Experience representing franchisors or large multi-unit franchisees.
• Familiarity with FTC Franchise Rule, state franchise laws, and FDD preparation.
• M&A transactions experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, and negotiate franchise agreements, development agreements, and renewal/transfer documents with major franchisors.
• Advise on FTC Franchise Rule compliance, state registration and disclosure requirements, and operating standards.
• Support due diligence and legal structuring for acquisitions of new franchise brands or units.
• Provide guidance on real estate matters including site development, leases, and construction agreements.

Skills

Franchise law

Contract drafting

M&A experience

In-house experience

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

J.D.

Job description

Franchise Attorney

Company: Sun Holdings

Location: Dallas, TX (Corporate Headquarters)

Department: Legal

Reports To: General Counsel / VP of Legal

About Sun Holdings

Sun Holdings is one of the largest multi-brand franchise operators in the United States, with over 1,000 restaurant and retail locations across multiple states. Our portfolio includes Burger King, Popeyes, Arby's, IHOP, Applebee's, McAlister's Deli, Papa Johns, Golden Corral, Taco Bueno, Uncle Julio's, Bar Louie, GNC, T-Mobile, and other leading brands. Founded in 1997, Sun Holdings has grown into a recognized leader in franchise development and multi-unit operations and has recently expanded into franchising as well as operating.

Position Summary

Sun Holdings is seeking an experienced Franchise Attorney to support the legal needs of a rapidly growing, multi-concept franchise organization. This role will provide counsel on franchise agreements, brand relationships, real estate and development matters, M&A transactions involving new brand acquisitions, and regulatory compliance across the many franchisor relationships in our portfolio. The ideal candidate has strong franchise law experience — ideally on both the franchisee and franchisor sides — and is comfortable working across a diverse, fast-moving multi-brand environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, draft, and negotiate franchise agreements, development agreements, and renewal/transfer documents with major franchisors.
• Advise on compliance with FTC Franchise Rule requirements, state franchise registration and disclosure laws, and franchisor operating standards.
• Support due diligence and legal structuring for acquisitions of new franchise brands, units, or franchisee organizations.
• Provide legal guidance on real estate matters related to new site development, lease negotiations, and construction agreements tied to franchise expansion.
• Advise on the company's own emerging franchisor relationships, including drafting franchise disclosure documents (FDDs) and franchise agreements.
• Partner with operations, real estate, and finance teams to assess legal risk in expansion and development decisions.
• Manage outside counsel relationships and legal spend related to franchise matters.
• Monitor changes in franchise law and regulatory requirements across the states where Sun Holdings operates.
• Assist with dispute resolution related to franchise agreements, vendor contracts, and brand compliance issues.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school; active bar membership in Texas (or eligibility for reciprocity/waiver).
• 5+ years of legal experience with a substantial focus on franchise law; experience representing either franchisors or large multi-unit franchisee strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with FTC Franchise Rule, state franchise relationship and registration laws, and FDD preparation.
• Experience with M&A transactions, particularly acquisitions of franchise units or brands, is a plus.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage a high volume of matters across multiple restaurant and retail brands simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort advising non-legal business stakeholders (operations, development, real estate).
• Prior in-house experience at a multi-unit franchise operator, restaurant company, or franchisor is a strong plus.

What Sun Holdings Offers

• Opportunity to work at one of the largest and most diversified franchise organizations in the country.
• Exposure to a wide range of legal work spanning franchise law, real estate, M&A, and regulatory compliance.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial legal team supporting rapid, multi-brand growth.

At Sun Holdings, we’re committed to providing a safe, efficient, and supportive environment—for our team and the guests we serve. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Curious about who we are? Check us out at www.sunholdings.net.

Work schedule

• Monday to Friday

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Referral program

Sun Holdings is one of the largest franchise organizations in the U.S., proudly supporting over 1,300 restaurant locations across 31 states. We provide franchise management services to some of America's most beloved brands, including Applebee’s, Arby's, Bar Louie, Burger King, Cantina Laredo, Freebirds, Golden Corral, IHOP, McAlister’s, Papa John’s, Popeye’s, Taco Bueno, and Uncle Julio’s.