The 2025 Legal Symposium is the 57th Annual Legal Symposium organized by the International Franchise Association (IFA), scheduled to take place from May 4-6, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt in Washington D.C. This event serves as a premier gathering for legal professionals and business executives to explore recent developments and future directions in franchising.
The symposium will cover a range of pertinent topics, including the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions on the franchise industry, the Federal Trade Commission's guidance on franchise fees, and evolving standards for joint employer liability. Additionally, sessions will delve into the integration of artificial intelligence within franchise systems and the utilization of social media influencers in franchise advertising.
Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders, as well as engaging in roundtable discussions. The event will also feature the Basics Track sessions, designed to provide foundational knowledge for those new to franchising or seeking a refresher.
This symposium is ideal for franchisors, franchisees, legal counsel, and suppliers within the franchise community who aim to stay informed about legal trends, enhance their professional network, and gain insights into the future of franchising.
Speakers(11)
Amy Cheng
Partner at Cheng Cohen
Amy Cheng, CFE, is a Partner at Cheng Cohen, specializing in franchise law, and serves as the moderator for the 'Meet the Regulators - Rising Legal Professional Program' at the 2025 Legal Symposium.
Andrae Marrocco
Partner and Co-Chair, Franchise & Distribution Group at McMillan LLP
Andrae Marrocco is a Partner and Co-Chair of the Franchise & Distribution Group at McMillan LLP, and co-presented the 'Franchise-Related Mergers & Acquisitions' session at the 58th Annual IFA Legal Symposium.
Chris Mufarrige
Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection at Federal Trade Commission
Chris Mufarrige is the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the FTC, and is a speaker at the Government Relations Luncheon Program at the 2025 Legal Symposium.
Dale Cantone
Assistant Attorney General at State of Maryland
Dale Cantone is the Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maryland, focusing on franchise regulation, and is a speaker at the 'Meet the Regulators - Rising Legal Professional Program' at the 2025 Legal Symposium.
Eli Bensignor
Partner at Lathrop GPM
Eli Bensignor is a Partner at Lathrop GPM, specializing in franchise law, and co-presented the 'Franchise-Related Mergers & Acquisitions' session at the 58th Annual IFA Legal Symposium.
Harris Chernow
Partner at Reger Rizzo Darnall LLP
Harris Chernow is a Partner at Reger Rizzo Darnall LLP, specializing in franchise law and serving as the moderator for the Judicial Update session at the 2025 Legal Symposium.
Heather Perkins
Partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Heather Perkins is a Partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, specializing in franchise-related vicarious liability, and is a speaker on this topic at the 2025 Legal Symposium.
Jorge Mondragon
Partner at Perez-Llorca
Jorge Mondragon is a Partner at Perez-Llorca, focusing on franchise law in Mexico and Central America, and is a speaker on 'What’s New in Mexico and Central America?' at the 2025 Legal Symposium.
Megan Center
Partner at Quarles & Brady LLP
Megan Center, CFE, is a Partner at Quarles & Brady LLP, focusing on franchise law, and is a speaker on the topic 'Why Should a Transactional Lawyer Care About Litigation?' at the 2025 Legal Symposium.
Theresa Leets
Assistant Chief Counsel, Franchise Unit, Legal Division at California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation
Theresa Leets is the Assistant Chief Counsel of the Franchise Unit in the Legal Division of the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation, and is a speaker at the 'Meet the Regulators - Rising Legal Professional Program' at the 2025 Legal Symposium.
Zen Eigen
Senior Director, Data Science at DLA Piper US LLP
Zen Eigen, J.D., Ph.D., is the Senior Director of Data Science at DLA Piper US LLP, and is a speaker on 'Keeping Up with Current AI Issues & Uses - Oh My!' at the 2025 Legal Symposium.
Event Details
- Date
- May 4-6, 2025
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., United States
- Grand Hyatt
- Audience
- Franchisors, franchisees, legal counsel, and suppliers within the franchise community.