Meet the Attorneys at FRANLAW

Over 30 Years of Experience | Complete Franchise Legal Counsel | Assistance With Starting a Franchise

Over 30 Years of Experience
Complete Franchise Legal Counsel
Assistance With Starting a Franchise

With two well-respected and established franchise attorneys working for you, FRANLAW will be your best asset when it comes to acquiring or establishing your next franchise. We have been practicing franchise law for over 30 years. Learn about our attorneys and call us to set up a consultation. You will benefit from working with our dedicated and experienced attorneys!

Michael R. Liss, J.D.

Mr. Liss is a business and franchise lawyer who has worked on all aspects of franchising. He has represented hundreds of franchisees and franchisors. He has served as in-house General Counsel for nationally known franchisors.

He is a member of the State of Illinois Attorney General’s Franchise Advisory Board. He is a member of the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, the International Franchise Association, the American Franchisee Association, and the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers.

He is also a founder and past President of the Midwest Business Brokers and Intermediaries Association. He is also a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers with a particular emphasis on retail leasing. Mr. Liss works extensively with business owners to address a wide range of legal issues from strategic planning through start-up, expansion, purchase, sale, and franchising.

He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. He is a frequent speaker on business start-ups, the purchase and sale of businesses, and all aspects of franchising. He also has 11 years of experience as Chief Legal Officer.

Marilyn Lamar, J.D.

Ms. Lamar is a business attorney with substantial experience in corporate and contract law, technology licensing, health law, distribution arrangements, and outsourcing. She represents clients ranging from family-held businesses to not-for-profit organizations and publicly-traded companies.

Prior to joining FRANLAW, she was a partner with McDermott Will & Emery, LLP, one of the world's largest law firms. Ms. Lamar received her B.S. degree (summa cum laude) from the University of Illinois and her J.D. degree from the University of Chicago Law School. She is a frequent speaker on the legal aspects of privacy, security, and outsourcing.

Laura Liss, J.D.

Ms. Liss' practice emphasizes all aspects of franchising (both for franchisors and franchisees, such as preparing or reviewing Franchise Disclosure Documents), business sales and purchases, intellectual property like trademarks, licensing and brand protection, general corporate law, and commercial real estate matters, especially negotiating commercial leases. She enjoys representing individuals, start-ups, and established brands throughout their business life-cycle.

Laura Liss is rated by Super Lawyers for franchise and distribution law and was consistently named a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers for several prior years, an award given to only the top 2.5% of lawyers per state.

Ms. Liss is President of the Exit Planning Exchange - Chicago Chapter, an organization for professionals who help clients buy and sell businesses and she leads the ProVisors Chicago Mergers & Acquisitions Affinity Group. Previously, she chaired the Business Law Section Council of the DuPage County Bar Association in FY22-23 and chaired the Board of the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce for 2023, and remains active in both organizations.

Prior to joining FranLaw, Ms. Liss practiced in the same areas in Denver, Colorado. She remains committed to serving clients throughout the Mountain West.

Ms. Liss received her B.A. degree from the Tulane University and her J.D. degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She is a frequent speaker on franchising, success in business sales and purchases, and brand protection strategies such as trademarks.

Call to learn more about how the qualified attorneys at FRANLAW of Oak Brook, IL can help you!