Areas of Practice

Smart, efficient legal support for businesses

Helping clients approach complex legal situations they face with an open mind so that they can take advantage of all possible options with a flexible approach. Bridging disputes and solving problems through ADR, mediation, arbitration and/or traditional litigation.

Corporate Counsel 

The job of a lawyer, as an advisor, is to provide his clients with an understanding of the matter, their rights and obligations, and the legal implications of their options so that they may make informed decisions. Ted has a “big picture” perspective. He currently serves as outside general counsel to a number of clients who own and operate franchise based businesses. He has assisted owners with their first franchise and as they become multi-unit operators. His experience includes assisting with contractual review of franchise system materials, operating agreements, vendor agreements, human resource issues, non-competition concerns. He also handles special projects for companies including due diligence review, contract drafting, negotiation and enforcement as well as distinct compliance concerns.

A complete listing of contracts typically reviewed is found here

Mediation

Legal disputes can be resolved in a number of ways. It is important to separate the “deal breaker” terms from the negotiable terms in order to facilitate a resolution. Ted has been a Rule 31 listed mediator since 2009 and has conducted mediations all across the state. As an advocate, Ted has assisted many, many clients in resolving complex disputes favorably through mediated negotiations. Since becoming a mediator, Ted has obtained extensive training in modern techniques of problem solving.

A complete listing of his training is found here

Why Mediate?

Hospitality and Franchise Consulting

Ted has supported the legal needs of hospitality clients as both an in-house counsel and outside counsel for more than 20 years. He understands the industry and how businesses can thrive in it. Advice regarding franchising, operations, human resources, contractual negotiation and compliance support, delivered in an efficient and personalized way, is only a phone call away.

Arbitration

In today’s marketplace, more and more companies are including mandatory arbitration provisions in their agreements. Mandatory arbitration clauses force numerous cases formerly heard by juries out of the traditional court system. One benefit of arbitration is that the case may proceed to hearing and finality faster than court cases proceed to jury trial. A well-orchestrated arbitration process may reach a hearing in nine months or less and can be tried in one-half or less the time it would take in court. There are unique challenges facing an arbitration claimant in a business dispute, especially when seeking substantial relief like tort or lost profits damages. Ted has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in the arbitration context and knows how to make the process work to your advantage. 

ADR

Industry commentators estimate that 95 percent of cases settle before trial. Ted has extensive experience in a wide array of ADR and case evaluation methods including arbitration, mediation, mock jury focus groups, and the latest online mediation tools.

Litigation 

While Ted is an active proponent of ADR, he recognizes that some matters must be resolved through the court system. Ted’s experience includes handling sophisticated litigation in state and federal courts across the country. He has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in litigated business disputes involving non-competition, misappropriation of trade secrets, enforcement of contractual terms, collection of amounts due, protection of intellectual property rights, distribution agreements and franchise agreements. He has prevailed for clients in state court, federal court and appellate courts. Ted is also well versed in electronic discovery.