Jennifer Shayko heads Aird & Berlis’ new franchising group

The group focuses on all aspects of Canadian franchise law

Jennifer Shayko heads Aird & Berlis’ new franchising group
Jennifer Shayko

Aird & Berlis has unveiled a new franchising group focusing on all aspects of Canadian franchise law, which will be led by partner Jennifer Shayko.

The group includes franchise bar members with experience in structuring franchise arrangements for growth. It will concentrate on working with franchisors, franchisees, multi-unit operators, licensors, distributors, and private equity firms.

The group will guide clients throughout the franchise lifecycle, tackling system development, restructuring, dispute resolution, and compliance with Canada’s disclosure regimes. It advises on structure, business model and legal documentation such as franchise, area development and master franchise agreements; the group will also prepare and update franchise agreements and ancillary documents as well as disclosure documents in accordance with provincial franchise legislation.

The franchising group will work with global brands looking to enter the Canadian market on document localization and regulatory guidance. It will also assist with the purchase, sale, financing, restructuring and private equity investment of franchise systems and units.

The group will act for clients in disputes related to termination, non-competes, misrepresentation, rescission, and good faith. Moreover, it will negotiate settlements to avoid litigation and protect brands’ reputations.

The group will provide trademark, trade secret and copyright support as well as advice on privacy, consumer protection, advertising, food safety, bilingual packaging and Quebec-specific rules. It will also help with site selection, lease negotiations, and real estate development.

The group will advise on mitigating joint employer concerns, structuring franchise relationships and ensuring compliance with employment standards, as well as with advertising compliance, gift cards, contests and customer loyalty programs.

Canadian franchise bar member Shayko brings corporate, litigation and in-house experience, having served as Recipe Unlimited Corporation’s associate general counsel for almost 10 years. In this role, she managed a portfolio of over 20 brands that included Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, and New York Fries.  

In April, she was announced as the co-leader of Aird & Berlis’ franchising group and a corporate partner.