28 February, 2025. Buchalter is pleased to announce that Thomas (Tom) O’Connell, Chair of the firm’s Franchise Law and e-Discovery Practice Groups, has earned his Certified Franchise Executive™ (CFE) designation. The CFE program is recognized as the gold standard for professional development in franchising, equipping industry leaders with advanced knowledge in franchise operations, legal compliance, and business strategy.
“I’ve worked with the International Franchise Association since 2016 and I’m grateful to the IFA for all the work they have done to preserve, protect, and enhance franchising. I’m thrilled to have earned this recognition from them,” said O’Connell. “I look forward to many more years of service to the IFA and being able leverage the expertise of my fellow CFE to help Buchalter’s franchisors and franchisees navigate an increasingly complex legal and business landscape.”
O’Connell is widely regarded as an authority on franchise compliance and litigation, advising regional, national, and multinational franchisors and franchisees on franchise disclosure documents, agreements, and regulatory matters. His CFE designation further solidifies his role as a trusted advisor to businesses seeking to expand and protect their franchise operations.
In addition to his litigation and compliance work, O’Connell frequently speaks and writes on franchise law topics, providing insights on best practices and regulatory trends. His certification underscores Buchalter’s commitment to providing clients with industry-leading legal counsel in the evolving franchise landscape.
*******
Buchalter is a full-service business law firm representing local, regional, national, and international clients in a multitude of practice areas and their subspecialties, among them: Bank and Finance, Corporate, Health Care, Litigation, Insolvency and Financial Law, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Real Estate, and Tax and Estate Planning. Buchalter has approximately 550 attorneys with offices in California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington. For more information about the firm, visit: buchalter.com.
