Lance also represents franchisors in the development of franchise programs and related compliance matters and represents both franchisors and franchisees in domestic and international franchise transactions, including the purchase and sale of going concern franchise businesses. The focus of Lance’s franchise practice is in the restaurant and hospitality industries.
He was previously Associate General Counsel for Applebee’s International, Inc. where he was responsible for corporate transactions, domestic franchise matters and management of the company’s trademark portfolio. He served as lead in-house counsel for the negotiation of the $1.9 billion securitization structure which was used to finance Applebee’s acquisition by IHOP Corp. He also served as lead in-house counsel for the establishment of a re-franchising program involving more than 400 company-owned restaurants. Additionally, Lance served as General Counsel for the international division of Applebee’s, a role that included responsibility for franchise matters and oversight for the establishment of Applebee’s company-owned operations in China.
Education
- University of Iowa, J.D., 1997
- With high distinction
- Wartburg College, B.A., 1994
- Summa cum laude
Admissions
- Missouri
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- The Missouri Bar
- Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
Kansas City, MO 64108