John is the founding partner of Canada’s largest franchise law boutique, Sotos LLP. He is recognized as the 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.
Recognitions
Chambers Canada – Franchise
Firm founding partner John Sotos acts on franchise agreements and arbitration matters, and also has transactional expertise. He has notable experience in the grocery industry.
Who’s Who Legal: Global Elite Thought Leader
John Sotos is an “all-star” franchise practitioner who is regarded as the “go-to person in dealing with franchise matters” by clients.
Who’s Who Legal: Canada – Franchise
John Sotos stands out as “one of the pioneers of franchising in Canada”, earning acclaim as “an all-star and go-to for franchise matters”.
• Ranked in Chambers Canada – Franchising (2017 – 2022)
• Listed as Senior Statesperson by Chambers Canada – Franchising (2020 – 2022)
• Consistently listed in Best Lawyers in Canada (2006 – 2022)
• Listed as “Lawyer of the Year – 2010” by Best Lawyers in Canada
• Recognized in Best Lawyers Global Business Edition (2016 – 2021)
• Listed in Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory – Franchise (1997 – 2021)
• Listed in Guide to US/Canada Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada: Corporate (2015 – 2019)
• Named “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times Magazine (2008 – 2021)
• Listed in the “Hall of Fame – 2017” by Franchise Times Magazine
• Listed in Who’s Who Legal: Canada Franchise (2011 – 2020)
• Listed as “Most Highly Regarded – 2017 & 2020” by Who’s Who Legal: Canada Franchise
• Listed as “Global Elite Thought Leader – 2020 & 2021) by Who’s Who Legal Global Guide: Franchise
• Listed in Who’s Who Legal Global Guide: Hospitality (2020 – 2021)
• Listed in International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers
• Highest ranking (AV Preeminent) and Toronto’s Top Rated in Martindale-Hubbell