Lancaster firm launches franchise litigation practice

Saxton & Stump is launching a franchise litigation practice to protect franchisors and their brands nationwide. 

The Lancaster-based firm unveiled its new practice Tuesday at the International Franchise Association’s 2025 Annual Convention in Las Vegas. The Franchise Litigation Practice is in response to the growing demand for specialized legal services within the franchise industry, according to a release. 

“Legal disputes have grown more sophisticated, requiring lawyers that are effective, cost-efficient, and understand the unique dynamics of franchising,” Thomas J. Kent Jr., co-chair of the Franchising, Licensing, and Distribution Group, said in a statement. “Complex litigation can derail even the best in-house legal teams. Our platform at Saxton & Stump gives us the unique ability to assemble a team of experts with the bandwidth to address a full spectrum of needs for franchisors, including litigation, mediation, and arbitration, and meet these challenges with confidence.” 

 Led by Kent and c-chair Amanda D. Dempsey, the Franchising, Licensing and Distribution Group brings decades of combined experience in focusing on the franchising industry. Key attorneys named as part of the Franchise Litigation Practice include the following: 

• Hon. Judge Christopher Conner (Ret.) leverages his “view from the bench” expertise as a former federal district chief judge to advise and represent clients in complex franchise disputes. 

• Louis J. Fiorilla, Chad G. Goebel, Richard L. Hackman, and Jason A. Daigle experienced litigators handling disputes with franchisees, vendors, labor and employment, breach of contract, regulatory investigations, and related claims. 

• M. Kelly Tillery specializes in intellectual property litigation involving trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. 

• Samuel D. Harrison seasoned litigator focusing on antitrust and price-fixing cases, including territory exclusivity, procurement arrangements, and supply chain constraints. 

Per the release, the expansion enhances the firm’s Franchising, Licensing and Distribution Group, delivering litigation expertise tailored to emerging, national, and international franchisors operating in the U.S. 

Saxton & Stump’s franchise litigation team represents clients in matters involving: 

• Franchise-focused litigation and arbitration involving franchise systems, franchisees, vendors, and related claims. 

• Anti-trust issues, including price fixing, territory exclusivity, procurement arrangements, and supply chain restraints. 

• Trademark, copyright, patent and trade secret enforcement. 

• Labor and employment matters such as joint employer liability, vicarious liability, discrimination and harassment claims, health and safety violations, and unfair labor practices. 

• Regulatory agency actions and investigations. 

• Breach of contract matters. 

The Franchise Litigation Practice is designed to help franchisors safeguard their brands, resolve disputes efficiently, and navigate regulatory actions successfully to deal with franchise litigation that is becoming more complex and more frequent.