Practice Summary
John is a dean of the franchising, licensing and distributing bar – a recognition that caps a 40-year career acting for franchisors regionally, nationally and globally. Today, he continues to provide counsel to franchisors in all aspects of their businesses, including in franchise system or distribution chain design and implementation, system restructuring, international and domestic transactions, and franchise disclosure. He offers strategic support to franchisors buying or selling a franchise systems, or repositioning their concepts or brands. He is an adept negotiator in complex franchise matters and is counsel to numerous industry groups. John is an expert in the grocery industry, acting for businesses at all levels of the grocery distribution chain. He also has deep experience in other industries, including hospitality and automotive. Recognized for his critical role in shaping Canada’s franchise legal framework, John regularly advises governments and industry associations on initiatives and changes that affect franchise businesses. He also has substantial experience advising family-owned companies on governance for successful succession and wealth preservation.
BAR ADMISSION
Ontario, 1980
EDUCATION
LL.B., University of Western Ontario, 1978
More About John Sotos
Practice Areas
• Franchisor Services – All Sectors with a focus on automotive, grocery, hotels, and restaurants
• International Franchising, Licensing and Distribution
• Trade Associations
• Corporate / Commercial, Mergers and Acquisitions, Finance, and Succession Planning
• Board Governance
• Sector Leader – Grocery Retailing, Distribution and Manufacturing
• Team Leader – Expansion Out of Canada
Recognitions
• Ranked in Chambers Canada – Franchising (2017 – 2021)
• Listed as Senior Statesperson in 2020 & 2021 by Chambers Canada – Franchising
• Consistently listed in Best Lawyers in Canada (2006 – 2021)
• Listed as “Lawyer of the Year – 2010” by Best Lawyers in Canada
• Listed in Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory – Franchise (1997 – 2020)
• Listed in Guide to US/Canada Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada: Corporate (2015 – 2018)
• Named “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times Magazine (2008 – 2020)
• Listed in the “Hall of Fame – 2017” by Franchise Times Magazine
• Listed in Who’s Who Legal: Canada Franchise (2011 – 2019)
• Listed as “Most Highly Regarded – 2017” by Who’s Who Legal: Canada Franchise
• Listed in International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers (2011 – 2019)
• Highest ranking (AV Preeminent) and Toronto’s Top Rated in Martindale-Hubbell (2013)
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
Selected Works
• “Back to the Future“, Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine, June 2020, Page 14.
• Successful franchisor restructuring under CCAA and BIA
• Successful implementation of major system-wide changes to franchise agreements
• Special Counsel to a number of national and international franchisors and Director of numerous companies and not-for-profit organizations
• Co-chair of the Uniform Law Conference of Canada Franchising Project which developed the model franchise law in Canada
• Appointed to the Franchise Working Sector Team by the Ontario government to provide ongoing advice on franchise industry regulation
• Ongoing work to assist developing countries in the adoption of franchising as a vehicle for economic expansion
• Speaker – “Legal and Legislative Update”, CFA Franchise Law Day, January 2014
• Speaker – “Franchise Regulation Considerations for Colombia”, International Chamber of Commerce/Bogota Chamber of Commerce, May 2014
• Speaker – “Ethical Issues for Franchise Lawyers”, OBA Franchise Law Dinner, April 2013
• “Recent Trends in Franchise Relationship Laws”, International Bar Association in Dubai, October 2011.
• “The Rationale Behind Franchise Regulation”, International Bar Association Committee on International Franchising, July 2011
• “Mass Franchise Disputes”, CFA Ontario Region Legal Day, March 2011
• “Ethical Issues for Franchise Lawyers”, OBA Franchise Section Dinner Program, February 2011
• “News from Around the World” IFA, May 2010
• “Supplying the Franchise System” Canadian Business Opportunities Magazine, February 2010
• “Your Franchisees will Look before they Leap” Canadian Business Opportunities Magazine, May 2010
Blogs
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 20, 2020Post-Covid-19 Business: Back to The Future?
SOTOS LLP BLOG February 17, 2020Domestic Joint Venture Franchises
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 20, 2019John Sotos ranked as Senior Statesperson by Chambers Canada
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 20, 2019Sotos LLP ranked in Band 1 by Chambers Canada
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 July 25, 2018John Sotos named to Lexpert’s Guide to US/Canada Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada
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 September 7, 2017Delivery Apps in Restaurant Franchising: How to Deal with Brand Protection?
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 31, 2017Food Delivery Apps in Restaurant Franchising: How to Deal with Fees?
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 22, 2017Best Lawyers in Canada (2018 Edition)
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 11, 2017Rights of First Offer and Rights of First Refusal: blessings or hidden trap
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 December 14, 2016Sotos ranked as “Canada’s foremost franchise law firm"
SOTOS LLP BLOG November 30, 2016U.S. Insight: Using Customer Feedback to Evaluate Franchisees
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 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 May 2, 2016Global trends in franchise regulation – recent developments
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 6, 2016Sotos LLP once again tops Franchise Times Legal Eagles
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 25, 2015Sotos LLP leads The Best Lawyers in Canada 2016 franchise law rankings
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 5, 2015John Sotos served as Event Chair for the 21st Annual Golf Classic in support of the Toronto East General Hospital
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, 2015Private Equity in Franchising - A Lesson from Dunkin’ Donuts
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 9, 2015Sotos LLP top Canadian firm in Franchise Times Legal Eagles.
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 July 10, 2014Sotos LLP in the 2014 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 2, 2014John Sotos in Bogota, Colombia for ICC franchise conference
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 8, 2014Sotos LLP tops Franchise Times’ 2014 Legal Eagles
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 July 5, 2013A burrito is not a sandwich
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 15, 2013Sotos LLP at Canadian Franchise Association Annual National Convention
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 3, 2013Seven Sotos LLP lawyers named to Franchise Times’ 2013 list of Legal Eagles
SOTOS LLP BLOG March 14, 2013John Sotos to speak at OBA Franchise Law Dinner
SOTOS LLP BLOG January 17, 2013Watch today: CFA Webinar “Sell Franchises, Avoid Rescission.”
SOTOS LLP BLOG November 8, 2012Register now: CFA webinar "Sell Franchises. Avoid Rescission."
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 20, 2012John Sotos in Canadian Lawyer magazine
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 7, 20122012 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory lists Allan Dick, John Sotos, David Sterns and Arthur Trebilcock
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 3, 2012Franchise Times names John Sotos to list of Legal Eagles 2012
SOTOS LLP BLOG January 17, 2012Recent Trends in Franchise Relationship Laws
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 18, 2011Who's Who Legal: Canada 2011
SOTOS LLP BLOG August 16, 2011Sotos Lawyers Listed in International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers 2011
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 26, 2011John Sotos named Franchise Times Legal Eagle 2011
SOTOS LLP BLOG February 27, 2011Canadian Franchise Association Legal Day
SOTOS LLP BLOG November 15, 2010National Post: Massaging growth
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 25, 2010Working with Foreign Counsel
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 4, 2010Franchise Times names John Sotos "Legal Eagle 2010"
SOTOS LLP BLOG September 21, 2009Gift Card Law in Ontario
SOTOS LLP BLOG June 25, 2009John Sotos to speak at CFIG conference
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 October 1, 2008The Whys and Hows of Preparing a Franchise Disclosure Document
SOTOS LLP BLOG July 1, 2008Common Pitfalls of Start-up Franchising and How to Avoid Them
SOTOS LLP BLOG April 1, 2007I Prepared My Own Disclosure Document: Now What?
SOTOS LLP BLOG October 1, 2001A Guide to Understanding A Franchise Disclosure Document
Personal Statement
I have always strived to build the best firm with the most depth and expertise in franchise law as a vehicle for providing added value to our clients, be they a start-up or a global company and everyone in between. My team and I work hard to understand their business and personal goals so that we can best help them achieve their objectives practically and efficiently. As a thought leader with a global perspective in our space, I use my ability to identify trends so that our clients’ can focus their businesses to maximize opportunities and reduce setbacks. I believe that the solution to every problem must reflect the clients’ strategic objectives and the client must be involved every step of the way. I am always available.