Are you looking to get more involved in the ABA Forum on Franchising?  Boy do I have a deal for you! 

Now that I am into my second year as Editor-in-Chief of The Franchise Lawyer, I am a bit surprised that more authors do not step forward with potential articles.  Certainly, some of you have, and I want to thank you again for doing so.  Others of you also have “volunteered” to write articles upon a gentle prompting from me.  I want to thank you again as well.  For those of you who have not written for The Franchise Lawyer, or have not written for some time, I want to extend an invitation for you to do so. Writing for The Franchise Lawyer is an easy (dare I say fun) way of drawing on topics relevant to your practice and contributing to the Forum.

The Franchise Lawyer is published on a quarterly basis during the first two weeks of October, January, April and July.  Articles for The Franchise Lawyer are meant to be informative and thought-provoking with respect to the latest developments in franchising.  They are not, however, meant to be long or overly in-depth.  Articles are generally 800 to 1,600 words in length (although we now have a little more flexibility under the new electronic format), with minimal in-text citations and no footnotes.  In keeping with a balanced approach and the spirit of the Forum, authors should strive to provide something of value to both franchisor and franchisee attorneys and avoid self-promotion.

I am fortunate to be assisted by three talented Associate Editors, Kristy Zastrow of Dady & Gardner in Minneapolis, (kzastrow@dadygardner.com); Beata Krakus of Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale in Chicago (bk@greensfelder.com); and newcomer Kevin Shelley of Kaufmann Gildin Robbins & Oppenheim in New York (kshelley@kaufmanngildin.com).  In case you do not know them, I have included their pictures.  Kevin replaces Associate Editor Glenn Plattner of Bryan Cave in Santa Monica, who finished his three-year term this past July.  I want to thank Glenn for his hard work and valuable contributions to the publication during his tenure.

Kristy, Beata, Kevin and I will be in Baltimore and encourage you to FIND US AT THE FORUM with your ideas for articles.  Perhaps a new case, law or trend has caught your attention, a recent ListServ exchange has left you wanting more, or a Forum discussion with colleagues (yes, even one of those late-night discussions) will result or has resulted in the inspiration for a potential topic.  We also may be able to pose topics that are of interest to you.

If we do not connect at the Forum, please feel free to contact me (max.schott@gpmlaw.com) or any of the Associate Editors with your ideas.  We are always looking for potential topics and authors.  After all, The Franchise Lawyer is only as good as the articles we receive from Forum members like you.

I look forward to seeing you in Baltimore.