Franchise Law Certified Specialist - Barry Kurtz

For entrepreneurs, established businesses, and aspiring franchise owners navigating the intricate world of franchise and business law, Barry Kurtz, a Franchise Law Certified Specialist, offers an exceptional level of expertise and experience. Operating from his office in Encino, California, and highly recognized within the "Lawyers Near Me" platform, Mr. Kurtz is not just an attorney; he is a seasoned legal professional with decades of focused practice, providing strategic guidance and robust representation in all facets of franchise and distribution law.

Barry Kurtz's office is located at 16633 Ventura Blvd #1108-A, Encino, CA 91436, USA. This address places him within a prominent and professional business corridor in Encino, a well-regarded area in the San Fernando Valley. Ventura Boulevard is known for its concentration of professional services, including law firms, financial institutions, and corporate offices, creating an environment that exudes professionalism and reliability. The building itself is part of a high-rise office complex, typical of a prestigious law practice, offering modern amenities and a sophisticated atmosphere. Clients can expect a comfortable and confidential setting for legal consultations, designed to facilitate serious business discussions. The location offers convenient access for clients across the San Fernando Valley and beyond, with proximity to major freeways, making it easily reachable. This professional and accessible environment underscores the high-caliber legal services provided by Mr. Kurtz.

As a State Bar of California Certified Specialist in Franchise & Distribution Law, Barry Kurtz provides comprehensive legal services for both franchisors and franchisees, as well as a range of related business matters. His extensive expertise covers:

• Franchise Development and Structuring: Assisting new and established franchisors in structuring their franchise systems, including the preparation of domestic and international Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) and ensuring compliance with federal and state franchise registration and disclosure laws.
• Franchise Purchase and Sale: Guiding individuals and entities through the process of buying or selling franchise units, including due diligence, review of franchise agreements, and negotiation of terms to protect their investments.
• Franchise Disputes and Litigation: Representing clients in resolving disputes between franchisors and franchisees, including work-out arrangements with distressed franchisees, and providing expert witness testimony in franchise litigation and arbitration proceedings.
• General Business and Corporate Law: Beyond franchise law, Mr. Kurtz possesses extensive experience in broader business matters, such as corporate formation, mergers and acquisitions, business transactional law, and commercial real estate leasing. This holistic approach allows him to address a wide array of legal needs for businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Distribution Law: Advising clients on distribution agreements and regulatory compliance, particularly relevant for manufacturers and distributors.

His multifaceted experience, including prior roles as a franchisor executive and franchisee developer, provides him with a unique, practical perspective on the operational and legal challenges faced by those in the franchise industry.

Barry Kurtz stands out due to several distinguishing features that set him apart in the legal field:

• Certified Specialization: He is one of the few attorneys in California to be certified as a Legal Specialist in Franchise & Distribution Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. This designation signifies a high level of expertise, experience, and peer recognition in this niche area of law.
• Decades of Experience: Licensed to practice law since 1973 and specializing in franchise, general corporate, and transactional law since 1980, Mr. Kurtz brings over four decades of in-depth experience to every case. This long-standing tenure in the field ensures a profound understanding of its nuances and complexities.
• High Peer and Industry Recognition: Mr. Kurtz has consistently received prestigious accolades, including Martindale-Hubbell's highest rating (AV Preeminent 5.0) for legal ability and ethics and has been listed in Martindale-Hubbell's National Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers since 2008. He has also been recognized by "The Best Lawyers in America®" as among the top 5% of attorneys nationwide for franchise law, a distinction he has held annually since the 29th edition. He has been named a "Super Lawyer" by the Journal of Law & Politics each year since 2010 and a "Legal Visionary" by the Los Angeles Times since 2021. The San Fernando Valley Business Journal has repeatedly recognized him as a "Top 25 Lawyer in the Valley" and a "Trusted Advisor," and further honored him with the Attorney of the Year-Client Services Award in 2018 and the Attorney of the Year-Trailblazer Award in 2019. From 2020-2023, Mr. Kurtz was highlighted in the San Fernando Valley Business Journal's "Valley 200" list of the most influential business and community leaders. He was also acknowledged as one of the 2023 Top 100 Lawyers in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal.
• Thought Leadership: Barry Kurtz is a prolific author of numerous published articles on franchise and beer distribution law. He has also provided expert witness testimony in franchise litigation and arbitration proceedings for both franchisors and franchisees, further solidifying his authority and influence in the field. He regularly presents programs on franchising for organizations like the American Bar Association and UCLA Extension School.
• Dual Perspective: His practical hands-on experience as a co-franchisee in a regional food service chain, and as a founder/officer/director of a franchise system's advisory council, provides invaluable insights into the operational realities and challenges faced by both franchisors and franchisees. He was also certified as a mediator by Pepperdine University School of Law, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, in 2001.

These features collectively underscore Mr. Kurtz's unparalleled qualifications and his deep commitment to the franchise community.

Barry Kurtz's promotional efforts are primarily driven by his exceptional credentials, extensive recognition, and strategic positioning within the legal community and platforms like "Lawyers Near Me." Key promotional aspects include:

• Certified Specialist Designation: The "Certified Specialist" title is a significant differentiator and a powerful marketing tool, immediately conveying a high level of expertise and credibility to potential clients.
• Industry Accolades and Publications: The long list of awards, recognitions (e.g., Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyer, Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent, Legal Visionary), and his prolific authorship of articles serve as strong endorsements of his capabilities. These achievements are frequently highlighted on his firm's website and professional profiles.
• Speaking Engagements: His regular presentations on franchising and beer distribution law for prominent organizations like the American Bar Association and UCLA Extension further establish his reputation as a thought leader and expert in the field.
• Affiliation with Lewitt Hackman: As the Chair of Lewitt Hackman's Franchise Practice Group, one of California's largest dedicated departments in this area, Mr. Kurtz benefits from the firm's established reputation and comprehensive resources, which also serve as a promotional advantage.
• Direct Contact Information: The phone numbers, (818) 907-3006 and mobile +1 818-907-3006, are prominently displayed, allowing direct and immediate access for businesses and individuals seeking specialized franchise law advice.
• Targeted Audience Reach: His clear specialization and presence on platforms like "Lawyers Near Me" ensure that he reaches the specific audience of franchisors, franchisees, and business owners who require his highly specialized services. His expertise makes him a primary choice for anyone considering buying, selling, or operating a franchise, or dealing with complex distribution agreements.

In essence, Barry Kurtz represents a gold standard in franchise law, offering not just legal representation but comprehensive strategic partnership to his clients, making him an invaluable resource for anyone engaging with the franchise business model.