Franchise Attorney Robert Smith Joins Quarles & Brady in Washington, D.C.

Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Robert Smith has joined the firm’s Business Law Group as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office.

Smith represents U.S. franchisors expanding into international markets, which often involves new master franchise, development and area representative agreements, joint ventures, franchise terminations, ownership changes and regulatory compliance. He also provides franchise counsel to clients involved in complex financial transactions, including whole business securitizations and public and private offerings.

“Bob has earned acclaim as one of the nation’s leading franchise attorneys,” said Nikia Gray, Washington, D.C. Office Managing Partner. “He’s among the best at handling large scale, international franchise projects and working with business executives and legal teams on establishing and growing systems and managing franchises and franchisee relationships.”

The firm said Smith’s arrival follows on the heels of David Wiese, another D.C.-based partner in the Business Law Group who focuses on franchise law. Prior to Quarles & Brady, Smith was a partner at Wiley Rein LLP, where he served as chair of the franchise group. Earlier in his career, Smith worked as in-house counsel for Marriott International and represented the Roy Rogers and Bob’s Big Boy Divisions.

Smith is a member of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising and has held several leadership positions at the International Franchise Association. He received his J.D. and B.A. from the Catholic University of America.