Practice Summary
Allan is a trusted primary advisor to many top franchisors, with more than three decades practising law in the franchising, licensing and distribution industry. He is recognized as one of Canada’s leading franchise litigators and has extensive experience at every level of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada as well as before national and international arbitration tribunals. Allan regularly provides expert opinions to other counsel. As a trademark agent, Allan also handles trademark litigation and opposition matters. Clients know him for his ability to consistently execute the best strategies for litigating disputes in a way that aligns with their business interests. Allan was an original member of the Ontario Bar Association Franchise Law Section and its predecessors and served as its Chair. Allan serves as co-managing partner of our firm.
BAR ADMISSION
Ontario, 1984
EDUCATION
LL.B., University of Toronto, 1982
Registered Trade Mark Agent
More About Allan Dick
Practice Areas
- Franchise, Licensing and Distribution Litigation and Arbitration
- Franchisor Advisory – Focus on restaurants, automotive, professional services, personal services, and home services
- International Franchising, Licensing and Distribution
- Franchisee Association and Group Litigation
- Employment, Insurance, Construction, and General Commercial Litigation and Arbitration
- Trademarks and Intellectual Property Litigation and Arbitration
- Telecommunications Litigation
- Sector Leader – Restaurant Services
Recognitions
- Ranked in Band 1 by Chambers Canada – Franchising (2017 – 2021)
- Consistently listed in Best Lawyers in Canada (2006 – 2021)
- Listed as “Lawyer of the Year – 2020” by Best Lawyers in Canada
- Recognized in Best Lawyers Global Business Edition (2016 – 2020)
- Listed in Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory – Franchise (1997 – 2020)
- Listed in Guide to US/Canada Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada: Corporate (2015 – 2017)
- Named “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times Magazine (2008 – 2020)
- Listed in Who’s Who Legal: Canada Franchise (2013 – 2020)
- Listed as “Most Highly Regarded – 2017” by Who’s Who Legal: Canada Franchise
- Listed in International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers (2011 – 20202)
Professional Associations
- Canadian Bar Association
- Law Society of Ontario
- Canadian Franchise Association
- International Franchise Association
- American Bar Association
- American Bar Association – Forum on Franchising
- International Bar Association
- International Distribution Institute
- Intellectual Property Institute of Canada
- Metropolitan Toronto Lawyers Association
- American Association of Justice
- Canadian Corporate Counsel Association
- Executive Committee Member (2010-2019) and Past Chair (2010-2012), Ontario Bar Association Franchise Law Section
- Vice-chair, Ontario Bar Association Joint Sub-Committee on Franchising (2008-2010)
- Executive member, Ontario Bar Association Joint Sub-Committee on Franchising (Since inception-2008)
Selected Works
- “Team Effort: The Value of Franchisor Advisory Boards“, Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine, March 2021, Page 27.
- Speaker – Franchisor Advisory Boards, Franchisee Advisory Boards, and Franchisee Associations, Canadian Franchise Association, February 3, 2021
- “Demystifying the Legalities of Ghost Kitchens and Virtual Restaurants“, Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine, September 2020, Page 10.
- “Operators Must Ensure Their COVID-19-Related Losses are Insured“, Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine, July 2020, Page 29.
- “Employment Rules in Uncertain Times“, Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine, June 2020, Page 31.
- “Action Plan: Crisis-Management Tips for the Hospitality Industry“, Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine, May 2020, Page 9.
- You are not alone in a default – Third party interests in commercial leases, Canadian Law Conference of The International Council of Shopping Centers, April 2016
- Panelist – Canadian Restaurant Investment Summit, April 2015
- Plenary Panelist – “Pros and Cons of Arbitration in Franchising”, Ontario Bar Association 14th Annual Franchise Law Conference, November 18, 2014
- Roundtable Facilitator – “Alternative Dispute Resolution”, CFA 2014 National Convention, April 7, 2014
- Franchisee Dissatisfaction: What is counsel’s game plan? The Franchise Voice, Summer 2013
- Roundtable Facilitator – “Discretion – Its Place in the Franchise Relationship”, Ontario Bar Association 12th Annual Franchise Law Conference: For Better or For Worse: Franchise Relationships over the Long Term, November 6, 2012
- Co-chair, Canadian Bar Association Franchise Law Program, August 14, 2012
- Speaker, Canadian Franchise Association Law Day, February 2, 2012
- The Annual Legal Update, with David Altshuller, Ontario Bar Association 11th Annual Franchise Law Conference, November, 2011
- Supreme Court of Canada decision in Seidel v. Telus: What does this mean for Franchising? (Webinar), with Jennifer Dolman, CBA Webinar Series, June 27, 2011
- The Unique Aspects of Advising Franchisee Clients, with Daniel F. So, Ontario Bar Association Institute, February 3, 2011
- Individual to Group to Class Disputes in Franchising – Considerations for Resolution, Ontario Bar Association 10th Annual Franchise Law Conference, November 2010
- The Implications of the Quizno’s Court of Appeal Decision on Your Franchise System (webinar), Canadian Franchise Association, July 29, 2010
- Franchise Class Actions in Canada: Informing Practice and Business, Franchise Law Journal, ABA Forum on Franchising, 2010
- The Latest Word on Rescission (workshop), Canadian Franchise Association “Legal Day”, March 2, 2010
- Plenary – Annual Legal Update: My Top Five Picks from 2009 (plenary session), OBA 9th Annual Franchise Law Conference, October 14, 2009
- Major issues that keep franchise counsel up at night, OBA 8th Annual Franchise Law Conference, 2008
- Conference, Lorman Education Services, Canadian Franchise Association, Law Society Of Ontario, American Corporate Counsel Association and Young Entrepreneurs Association Of Ontario
- Managing Income Trusts in a Franchised Business Model: Keeping an Eye on the Duty of Good Faith and Positive Franchisee Relations, Canadian Franchise Review, March 2006
- Regularly contributes to industry and professional publications including the ABA Forum on Franchising, Franchise Law Journal, Insight, and Corporate Counsel Magazine
- Regular presenter at conferences for such organizations as Ontario Bar Association (Co-Chair 2007 OBA Annual Franchise Law Conference), American Bar Association, International Travel Insurance
Blogs
SOTOS LLP BLOG March 5, 2021Franchisor Advisory Boards – Why Every Franchisor Should Have One
SOTOS LLP BLOG March 4, 2021Sotos Excels With 6 Lawyers Listed in the Who’s Who Legal – Franchise
SOTOS LLP BLOG December 7, 2020Franchise Re-sales- Everything You Need To Know
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 10, 2020Ghost Kitchens and Virtual Restaurants: Legal Considerations
SOTOS LLP BLOG July 29, 2020Covid-19 Has Interrupted Your Restaurant Operations – Are Your Losses Insured?
SOTOS LLP BLOG July 14, 202010 Things a Prospective Franchisee Looks for in a Franchisor
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 22, 2020COVID-19 Employment Considerations: Now and Later
SOTOS LLP BLOG May 11, 2020Crisis Management For The Hospitality Industry - Your Plans In Action
SOTOS LLP BLOG October 23, 2019Allan Dick weighs in on the duty of care
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 25, 2019Allan Dick at the CFA Franchise Law Day
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 20, 2019Allan Dick ranked in Band 1 by Chambers Canada
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 20, 2019Sotos LLP ranked in Band 1 by Chambers Canada
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 21, 2019Allan Dick recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in Canada (2020 edition)
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 21, 2019The Best Lawyers in Canada (2020 edition)
SOTOS LLP BLOG July 14, 20192019 IDI Annual Conference
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 26, 2019Who’s Who Legal: Franchise 2019
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 18, 2019Legal Eagles 2019
SOTOS LLP BLOG October 23, 2018Sotos ranked lawyers put us in the Top 10 franchise law firms in the world.
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 28, 2018Top-ranked Franchise Firm by Chambers Canada - once again!
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 21, 2018Sotos recognized by Best Lawyers® in Canada 2019
SOTOS LLP BLOG May 17, 2018Sotos LLP is "Most Frequently Recommended" in Franchise law
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 2, 2018Sotos LLP team is recognized yet again for their experience and expertise by the Franchise Times Legal Eagles 2018
SOTOS LLP BLOG October 12, 2017Once again Who’s Who Legal ranks Sotos as the top firm in Canada for Franchising
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 28, 2017Chambers Canada recognizes Sotos as Top in Franchise law
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 29, 2017A New Era in Franchisee Compliance Strategy
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 22, 2017Best Lawyers in Canada (2018 Edition)
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 13, 2017Allan Dick, John Sotos, and Peter Viitre have been included in 2017 LEXPERT Guide to Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers.
SOTOS LLP BLOG May 10, 2017Lexpert Ranks Sotos as Top Franchise Law Boutique
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 11, 2017The Franchise Times Legal Eagles 2017 saw the Sotos LLP team soar to the top again this year as Canada’s largest and most experienced franchise law group.
SOTOS LLP BLOG February 27, 2017How do Franchisors Make Money?
SOTOS LLP BLOG December 14, 2016Sotos ranked as “Canada’s foremost franchise law firm"
SOTOS LLP BLOG November 17, 2016Who’s Who Legal ranks Sotos as the top firm in Canada for Franchising
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 30, 2016Chambers Canada recognizes Sotos as Top in Franchise law
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 26, 2016Leasing to Franchised Businesses – Special Considerations
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 10, 2016Sotos LLP recognized as “Top Listed” firm by Best Lawyers®
SOTOS LLP BLOG July 28, 2016Allan Dick, John Sotos, and Peter Viitre included in 2016 LEXPERT Guide to Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers.
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 30, 2016Lexpert names Sotos LLP as top boutique firm for franchising law. Seven lawyers listed in Lexpert.
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 27, 2016The 20 qualities of the best franchise systems
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 29, 2016You are not alone in a default - Third party interests in commercial leases
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 6, 2016Sotos LLP once again tops Franchise Times Legal Eagles
SOTOS LLP BLOG February 10, 2016Limiting Notice Obligation in an Employment Contract – Don’t Forget Benefits
SOTOS LLP BLOG November 22, 2015Insurance as a protection for franchisors and others against statutory remedies for bad disclosure
SOTOS LLP BLOG October 6, 2015Chambers Canada – 2016 ranks Sotos LLP "Band 1" for franchising
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 26, 2015Restrictive covenants in franchise agreements in Ontario: Enforce the enforceable
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 25, 2015Sotos LLP leads The Best Lawyers in Canada 2016 franchise law rankings
SOTOS LLP BLOG July 8, 2015Allan Dick, John Sotos, and Peter Viitre included in 2015 LEXPERT Guide to Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers.
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 29, 2015Lexpert names Sotos LLP as top boutique firm for franchising law. Seven lawyers listed in Lexpert.
SOTOS LLP BLOG May 5, 2015Sotos LLP partner Allan Dick speaking at Canadian Restaurant Investment Summit in Toronto
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 14, 2015Still Unenforceable to Require a General Release as a Condition of Consent in Franchise Agreements
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 9, 2015Sotos LLP top Canadian firm in Franchise Times Legal Eagles.
SOTOS LLP BLOG November 14, 2014Landmark Supreme Court of Canada Decision – Parties to a Contract Must Perform Their Obligations Honestly
SOTOS LLP BLOG October 20, 2014Sotos LLP in Who's Who Legal: Canada 2014
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 10, 2014Sotos LLP leads the 2015 Best Lawyers in Canada in Franchise Law
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 13, 2014A Priority for Your To-Do List: Update Your Franchise Agreement
SOTOS LLP BLOG July 10, 2014Sotos LLP in the 2014 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
SOTOS LLP BLOG May 21, 2014Can your franchisee install an ATM?
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 8, 2014Sotos LLP tops Franchise Times’ 2014 Legal Eagles
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 4, 2014Allan Dick featured in ROB article
SOTOS LLP BLOG February 3, 2014Sotos lawyers in Best Lawyers in Canada 2014
SOTOS LLP BLOG November 5, 2013Sotos Leads Way In New “Who’s Who Legal”
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 19, 2013Sotos lawyers lead list of “Who’s Who” in franchising
SOTOS LLP BLOG July 8, 2013Sotos LLP in the 2013 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 4, 2013Allan Dick to speak at OBA Franchise Law Dinner Program on June 10, 2013
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 4, 2013Sotos LLP at IFA 2013 Legal Symposium
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 3, 2013Seven Sotos LLP lawyers named to Franchise Times’ 2013 list of Legal Eagles
SOTOS LLP BLOG January 17, 2013Watch today: CFA Webinar “Sell Franchises, Avoid Rescission.”
SOTOS LLP BLOG January 12, 2013Franchisee dissatisfaction: What is counsel’s game plan?
SOTOS LLP BLOG November 8, 2012Register now: CFA webinar "Sell Franchises. Avoid Rescission."
SOTOS LLP BLOG October 16, 2012Franchisors taking head leases in Ontario: did you consider rescission?
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 7, 20122012 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory lists Allan Dick, John Sotos, David Sterns and Arthur Trebilcock
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 1, 2012Sotos LLP at IFA 2012 Legal Symposium
SOTOS LLP BLOG March 9, 2012Allan Dick in Lexpert magazine
SOTOS LLP BLOG January 31, 2012Allan Dick at CFA Franchise Law Day
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 16, 2011Sotos Lawyers Listed in International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers 2011
SOTOS LLP BLOG March 5, 2011Re-freshing Your Brand: Legal Considerations
SOTOS LLP BLOG November 11, 2010Individual to Group to Class Disputes in Franchising - Considerations for Resolution
SOTOS LLP BLOG November 10, 2010Lexpert: Franchisors Face New Obligations
SOTOS LLP BLOG November 9, 2010Sotos LLP at OBA Franchise Law Conference
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 2, 2009Congratulations to Sotos LLP Lawyer Allan Dick
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 25, 2009Sotos LLP at a Forum on Franchising
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 23, 2009Ontario Bar Association Franchise Law Conference
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 21, 2008The News on Class Action Waivers
Personal Statement
It is a privilege to be able to serve clients who entrust their matters to me and our firm. It is my personal goal to achieve the status of trusted advisor to owners of franchise systems. I strive to earn that trust daily and to make meaningful contributions to the success of the business and its principals. As co-managing partner of our firm, it is important that I provide the leadership necessary to ensure our firm remains the pre-eminent firm servicing the franchising industry. Our clients can be assured of my commitment to hiring the best talents who are happily dedicated to providing the highest levels of service standards.