| Shelley Spandorf is a nationally recognized business franchise and distribution attorney with more than 30 years of experience representing franchisors, manufacturers, licensors, suppliers, franchisees and distributors in their domestic and international expansion and strategic development. Shelley concentrates her practice on a broad spectrum of transactional and regulatory issues for clients in all industry sectors, from startups to mature public companies.
Shelley assists clients with their contracts and legal compliance including preparing franchise disclosure documents, domestic and international franchise and distribution agreements, and registration filings. She counsels manufacturers, suppliers and franchisors on a broad array of operating issues ranging from contract enforcement to trademark protection, relationship disputes, antitrust and pricing matters, terminations and transfers, and mergers and acquisitions. She also advises product manufacturers, suppliers and licensors on possible alternatives for structuring distribution networks so they are not regulated as franchises. On behalf of subfranchisors and area developers, Shelley assists with the acquisition and sale of franchise rights and various transactional assignments. Selected Experience Red Bull North America Distribution counsel, including contract and regulatory advice, to U.S. supplier of Red Bull energy drink (since 2001). Roll International Distribution counsel, including contract and regulatory advice, to supplier of Fiji Water (since 2008). Grocery Outlet, Inc. Outside distribution counsel to the nation's largest grocery extreme-value retailer (since 2009). South Bay Soup Corporation (dba Pho Hoa) Franchise counsel, including contract and regulatory advice, to Pho Hoa restaurant chain (since 1996). Gala Corporation Legal counsel to multi-unit developer/franchisee of Applebee's, Famous Dave's and Del Taco restaurants (since 1998). McKesson Corporation Outside franchise counsel to Fortune 15 company in connection with its Health Mart franchise system, a network of over 2,000 franchised pharmacies (since 2009). New Horizons Franchise Corporation Franchise counsel, handling a broad spectrum of issues for this international publicly traded franchisor of computer training centers (since 1997). CBTL Franchising, LLC (dba "Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf) Outside counsel providing advice regarding domestic licensing and restaurant industry legal issues to this international franchisor of the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf chain (since 2009). Ace Duraflo Systems, LLC Franchise counsel to this pipe restoration franchise system that includes a license to use patented technology (since 2004). Glamour Secrets Fashion Corporation Franchise counsel to the U.S. affiliate of the Canadian franchisor of retail beauty supply and salon services regarding contract, lease and other operating issues in the U.S. (since 2008). AAMCO Outside franchise counsel providing strategic advice regarding new franchisee initiatives, franchise sales compliance and various operating matters (since 2008). Additional Qualifications Professional and Community Activities
- Commissioner, State Bar of California, Franchise and Distribution Law Advisory Commission, 2009-current
- Co-chair, Los Angeles Business Franchise Network, 2009-current
- Southern California Women’s Franchise Network, 2006-2008
- Board of Editors, Franchising Business & Law Alert
- Franchise Law Certification Committee, California Board of Legal Specialization, 2005-2007
- Chair, Franchise Law Committee, Business Law Section, California State Bar, 1987-1988; 2001-2002
- Chair, Forum on Franchising, 1995-1997; Member, Governing Committee, 1992-1999 – American Bar Association
- Executive Committee, California State Bar, 1990-1993
- Board of Trustees, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Los Angeles/Orange County Chapter
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Professional Recognition
- Certified Specialist in Franchise and Distribution Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, 2009
- Nationally ranked by Chambers USA among franchise attorneys, 2007 (first year of ranking), 2008, 2009
- Selected to the International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers, 2003-2008
- Selected to “Southern California Super Lawyers,” Law & Politics, 2004-2008, 2010
- Named as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in Franchise Law by Woodward/White, 2008-2010
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Education J.D., Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, 1976 New York University School of Law, 1975-1976 B.S., Cornell University, 1973, with distinction | |