About Sotos

Your business is dynamic. So are we. You have a passion for franchising and always strive for the best. So do we. We are Sotos, Canada’s number one franchise law firm and the legal team behind many of the most successful brands in the country.

Sotos Leads the Way

Why Sotos

Your best choice in franchise, licensing and distribution law.

For every franchise sector, a dedicated team

The most effective franchise lawyers are also experts in the sectors where their clients do business. At Sotos, our franchise lawyers work in sector-focused teams overseen by a sector lead. For you, this translates into in-depth and well-rounded advice to help you build a successful franchise or distribution system.

Cost-effective solutions that work

Managing costs is an important part of any growth strategy. That’s why we stay focused on key issues and deliver results as quickly and efficiently as possible. We work with you to establish and stay on budget, and make sure you’re aware of potential cost changes before they happen.

Coast to coast to coast and beyond

We represent clients across the country and in their global endeavours. As a Canada-wide law firm, we understand the different franchise, licensing and distribution rules that apply in different parts of Canada and internationally. If you’re looking to grow your brand beyond your own backyard, we’re the legal team that can take you from local to national to global.

Recognition

Our expertise in franchise, licensing and distribution law and meticulous attention to client service have earned us acclaim in our field.

SOTOS MILESTONES

From one to Number One

We’ve grown from a one-lawyer practice in 1980 to the most recommended Canadian boutique franchise, licensing and distribution law firm today. Browse key milestones in our history:

1980 1980
1983 1983
1985 1985
1986 1986
1988 1988
1990 1990
1992 1992
1994 1994
2005 2005
2013 2013
2016 2016
2020 2020

1980

The Beginning

Sotos launches with John Sotos as a sole practitioner.

1983

Leading Excellence

We help create the Canadian Franchise Association Awards of Excellence in Franchising.

1985

Always Learning

We organize the first continuing legal education program focused on franchising.

1986

Building Diversity

We welcome current Supreme Court of Canada Justice, the Honourable Justice Andromache Karakatsanis, our first female partner. Today, close to one-third of our lawyers are women.

1988

Precedent-Setting

We serve as lead counsel for clients in the food and grocery systems in first-of-their-kind multi-party cases and arbitration concerning acceptable practices in franchising.

1990

Key Influencer

We are appointed by the Government of Ontario to help lead a multi-year task force on franchising.

1992

Leading Reform

We co-Chair the Law Reform Commission of Canada task force on uniform franchise law, leading to standardized model franchise rules across the country.

1994

Global Reach

We start work with the African Development Bank to promote franchising across the African continent.

2005

25 Years

We celebrate 25 years servicing our clients.

2013

Highest Number of Franchise Practitioners

Sotos fields the highest number of practitioners by International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers.

2016

Ranked in Band 1

Sotos ranked in Band 1 by Chambers Global in Franchise Law.

2020

40 Years

Celebrating 40 years of excellence.

OUR SERVICE PRINCIPLES

Every piece of advice, every service we deliver is rooted in a genuine desire to help you build a successful franchise/distribution business.

  • Your time is valuable

    You’re busy growing your business. That’s why we’ve made timelines an imperative for our teams. We meet deadlines, keep our promises and return your calls and emails promptly. You can always count on a Sotos team member to respond to your needs.

  • The best results quickly and efficiently

    Time is money, and neither goes to waste at Sotos. Using a project management approach to service delivery, we work efficiently to give you quick and cost-effective results. We focus on key issues and aim for straightforward solutions to the complex challenges in your industry.

  • We’re mindful of your budget

    There’s no guesswork about our work. We explain costs and timelines at the outset, provide detailed descriptions of services rendered and alert you to potential budget changes. To help keep you within budget, we bill promptly and will even give you a heads-up before we invoice.

  • Partners first, always

    We typically start every client partnership with a visit to really get to know your business. We seek your feedback throughout every transaction and proceeding. As our partner, you automatically join our vast network of people and businesses who could help advance your goals.

  • Empowered clients have the best chance to succeed

    The franchise and distribution industry and its regulatory landscape are constantly evolving. We help you stay abreast – or even ahead – of industry changes through seminars and other educational events, our newsletter and blogs, as well as ongoing conversations with you.

Clients Say

Symposium Cafe has been fortunate to win 7 consecutive years of awards from the Canadian Franchise Association including the National Franchisor of the Year Award.

Sotos LLP has been our trusted counsel assisting us not only in the preparation of our legal documents and handling of our disputes but in providing us with excellent, strategic and timely counsel on all aspects of our business.

We feel Sotos has unparalleled knowledge of franchising and the restaurant industry. We look forward to enjoying continued growth and success with Sotos by our side.

Bill Argo, Owner
The Symposium Cafe

Jimmy the Greek was first established in 1985 with the advice and guidance of Sotos LLP and we have continued to benefit from their expertise since that time. We are greatly appreciative of the high calibre of  franchise and leasing work we have received over the years. We are grateful for being in such good hands with all our legal and business needs and we look forward to many more years of such good service.

Jimmy Antonopoulos, Owner
Jimmy the Greek

COMMUNITY

Beyond helping our clients succeed, we go the extra mile for the good of our community. At the same time, our team members play an active part in their communities, supporting causes such as Lawyers Feed the Hungry and Micael Garron Hospital Foundation and many others.
Together, we’re making a difference where we work and live.

Michael Garron Hospital Foundation’s Laughter is the Best Medicine – at Home

We are thrilled to be sponsoring Michael Garron Hospital Foundation’s Laughter is the Best Medicine – at Home event on November 14th!

Frontlines Toronto

Sotos LLP is a proud supporter of a small and local charity organization called Frontlines Toronto.   Frontlines Toronto provides programs and services that focus on addressing the intellectual and emotional needs of individuals between the ages of 6-29.

2019 Bowling Challenge Bowl-a-Thon

Each year Sotos is a proud sponsor of the Toronto Lawyers Feed the Hungry program. Since 1998, the Toronto Lawyers Feed the Hungry Program has provided hot, healthy community meals to Toronto residents in need. The program is 100% funded by donor contributions and is supported by a team of committed volunteers. Sotos lawyers Adrienne … Continued

Hellenic Heritage Foundation Annual Golf Classic

Net proceeds from this year’s tournament will support the HHF Apollo Project and the enhancement of Primary Greek School Education within communities including obtaining new textbooks for students and supported the Effective Teacher Training Certificate Course developed for Greek School teachers in collaboration with the Faculty of Education at York University.

DCI & CFIG Charity Golf Classic

Sotos LLP is pleased to have been a contributor to the this annual charity tournament in support of Variety Ontario - The Children's Charity. The funds raised from this event will be used to develop a DCI scholarship to be given out annually.

Budd’s Feast of the Fairways Charity Classic

Regular sponsors of the tournament, funds from this year’s tournament will be benefiting the Canadian Cancer Society.

Experts on your side

We know franchising, licensing and distribution, and understand the challenges and opportunities in every sector. With Sotos, you’ve got Canada’s top experts in the industry on your side.