Franchise Paralegal

FullSpeed Automotive is looking for a Paralegal with heavy franchise experience to provide legal and administrative support for our growing franchise operations. This role will focus heavily on franchise documentation, regulatory compliance, franchisee transactions, and the ongoing administration of our franchise system. The Paralegal will partner closely with Legal, Franchise Operations, Development, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to support the full franchise lifecycle from disclosure and execution of franchise agreements through renewals, transfers, amendments, defaults, and terminations. The ideal candidate brings significant hands-on experience supporting a multi-state franchisor and is highly knowledgeable in franchise agreements, Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), state registration requirements, and franchise compliance. Key Responsibilities Franchise Agreements & Documentation Prepare, review, and coordinate franchise agreements, development agreements, amendments, renewals, and related legal documents. Draft and process transfers, assignments, addenda, consents, notices, and other franchise-related documentation. Coordinate agreement execution and ensure all required documents are complete and properly maintained. Review franchise documentation for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with established legal requirements. Maintain current templates and standardized franchise legal documents. FDD & Regulatory Compliance Support the preparation and annual updating of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs). Gather and coordinate information from internal stakeholders required for FDD updates and amendments. Manage state franchise registrations, renewals, exemptions, and required filings. Track regulatory deadlines and requirements across applicable franchise registration states. Partner with internal and outside counsel to support compliance with federal and state franchise requirements. Franchise Lifecycle & Transaction Support Support legal documentation for new franchise development and franchisee onboarding. Coordinate franchise renewals, ownership changes, entity changes, transfers, and acquisitions. Assist with documentation related to franchisee defaults, cure periods, terminations, and other compliance matters. Track contractual obligations and ensure required notices and documentation are completed timely. Support franchise-related due diligence, transactions, disputes, and other legal matters as needed. Contract Administration & Records Management Maintain accurate and organized franchise agreements, disclosures, amendments, and related legal records. Track agreement terms, expiration dates, renewal windows, development obligations, and other critical deadlines. Maintain franchise legal calendars, trackers, contract repositories, and electronic files. Monitor completion and retention of required franchise documentation. Identify opportunities to improve document management, tracking, and legal administrative processes. Legal & Cross-Functional Partnership Partner closely with Legal, Franchise Operations, Development, Finance, and other internal stakeholders on franchise matters. Serve as a resource to internal teams regarding franchise documentation, agreement requirements, and legal processes. Coordinate with outside franchise counsel on registrations, transactions, disputes, and regulatory matters. Assist with legal research related to franchise laws, regulations, and state-specific requirements. Support audits, regulatory inquiries, litigation, and other legal matters by gathering and organizing relevant documentation. Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience considered. Experience: 5+ years of paralegal or legal support experience, including significant direct experience supporting a franchisor or franchise-focused legal practice, with experience supporting a multi-state or national franchise system strongly preferred. Strong hands-on experience with Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), franchise agreements, state franchise registrations and renewals, and franchise-related transactions. Working knowledge of federal and state franchise laws and regulatory requirements, including the FTC Franchise Rule and franchise registration states. Strong contract administration, document management, legal research, and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail. Ability to manage a high volume of agreements, filings, deadlines, and competing priorities. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively partner with attorneys, business leaders, franchise partners, and outside counsel. Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential, privileged, and sensitive information. Technology: Proficiency with Microsoft Office, electronic signature platforms, contract/document management systems, and legal research tools. Physical Requirements: This position requires the ability to remain stationary while working on a computer and communicating via phone, video conferencing, and email, as well as move throughout the workplace as needed, with or without reasonable accommodations. What Success Looks Like Franchise Compliance: Franchise documentation, FDD requirements, state registrations, and renewals are accurate, timely, and consistently maintained. Contract Management: Franchise agreements, amendments, transfers, renewals, and other legal documents are efficiently managed from preparation through execution. Proactive Organization: Key deadlines, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements are anticipated and addressed before they become issues. Trusted Partnership: Legal, Franchise Operations, Development, and other stakeholders receive responsive, knowledgeable, and practical support on franchise matters. Process Improvement: Franchise legal processes, templates, tracking, and recordkeeping continue to become more efficient, organized, and scalable as the business grows. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. FullSpeed Automotive reserves the right to amend this description at any time. FullSpeed Automotive is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and fairness. We do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr