Modell, Charles S.

Charles S. Modell is a franchise lawyer and chair of Larkin Hoffman’s Franchise and Distribution practice group. Chuck is a veteran franchise attorney, having represented franchisors in most every imaginable scenario over the course of his 35-year legal career. Although based in Minnesota, Chuck's practice is nationwide.

Chuck counsels franchisors in every stage of their development - from determining the benefits and disadvantages of franchising, and preparing and registering franchise documents to development of franchise relationships and management strategies. Chuck has worked with clients to protect against claims of fraud and misrepresentation, avoid breach of contract litigation, protect their trademarks and other intellectual property, deal with franchisee terminations and refusals to renew, and address territorial rights, franchise expansion and non-compete agreements. He has also successfully counseled a number of franchisors who had been threatened with group action by franchisees.

Chuck has been an active participant in the franchise law community for nearly four decades, and was the first franchise lawyer in the Midwest to be awarded the designation of Certified Franchise Executive by the Institute of Franchise Executives. He has held multiple leadership positions within franchise industry organizations, and has been formally recognized as a preeminent franchise attorney multiple times during his career, including recognition as a leader in the franchise field by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America,^® Who’s Who of International Franchise Lawyers and Super Lawyers.^®  In addition, Chuck is a prolific author and thought leader in the franchising field, having authored articles such as, “Non-Compete Cases: Does Anyone Really Win,”  “Are You Ready to Franchise? Take this Test,” and "How to Know if Your Business is a Franchise."