Marisa Rauchway

Marisa represents and advises franchisees, multi-unit operators, distributors, retailers, and other businesses in both complex disputes and transactional matters across a broad range of industries, including hospitality, food and beverage, fitness, medical, retail, luxury goods, motor vehicle dealerships, and supply chain distribution.

Drawing on extensive experience as both a litigator and corporate attorney, Marisa counsels franchisee clients throughout the full business lifecycle — from franchise acquisition and development to expansion, restructuring, dispute resolution, and exit strategies. She regularly advises on franchise disclosure documents, franchise and area development agreements, portfolio expansion, sales and transfers, multi-unit transactions, licensing arrangements, and related commercial agreements. Her practice includes representing sophisticated owner-operators and franchise groups ranging from emerging businesses to large regional and national franchise owners and operators.

Marisa also represents franchisees, distributors, and operators in litigation and arbitration matters throughout the United States and internationally involving franchise disputes, termination claims, supply chain and distribution conflicts, commercial landlord-tenant matters, breach of contract claims, and member/shareholder disputes. She has particular experience handling matters arising under the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act, including issues involving “hidden” or “accidental” franchise relationships.

Known for her practical and business-focused approach, Marisa works closely with clients to develop commercially sound strategies that align legal solutions with operational and growth objectives. She is a frequent speaker on franchise law topics and holds the Certified Franchise Executive™ designation from the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives, as well as a Franchise Management Certificate from Georgetown University.

Representative Experience

• Advises prospective franchisees on franchise disclosure documents, franchise agreements, and area development agreements.
• Represents franchisees, franchisors, distributors, and retailers in litigation and arbitration matters throughout the United States.
• Counsels clients on franchise portfolio expansion, sales and transfers, and multi-unit transactions.
• Represents clients in disputes involving the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act.
• Handles commercial landlord-tenant disputes, member/shareholder disputes, and broader commercial business litigation.