chicago franchise lawyer franchise lawyer Law Offices of Daniel S. Kaplan Chicago lawyer business law and franchise counsel

Effective April 1, 2023, after more than 30 years of practicing law, Daniel S. Kaplan has retired from private practice and will no longer be affiliated with Rachlis Duff & Peel, LLC. Mr. Kaplan has decided to limit his law practice to providing pro bono work for various organizations. If you would like to contact one of the attorneys at Rachlis Duff & Peel, LLC, you may do so using contact information available on the firm’s website, https://www.rdaplaw.net/.

Mr. Kaplan's practice is concentrated primarily in providing counseling to businesses, commercial litigation and  franchise law.  He has represented franchisors, distributors, developers and franchisees in over 140 different systems and has resolved hundreds of franchise disputes. With offices in Chicago and Northfield, Illinois, he serves clients throughout the Midwest and the country. He has been named by Franchise Times in 2013, 2014 and 2015 to its roster of Legal Eagles, identifying him as one of the very best attorneys in franchising as viewed by clients and peers. He is also rated AV Preeminent™, the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards, by Martindale-Hubbell®, as determined by the confidential opinions of the Bar and Judiciary. Mr. Kaplan makes it his business to understand his clients’ needs, concerns and challenges – and to put his experience, expertise and tenacity to work developing smart, effective legal solutions and strategies.

Recent Cases

  • We recently received a large monetary judgment for the full amount sought, plus penalties, interest and attorneys’ fees against a company alleged to have tortuously interfered with a contract to purchase a limousine and repair business.

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  • We recently successfully prosecuted an action on behalf of a multi-unit pet services franchisee to enforce the terms of a settlement agreement against a franchisor that was not a party to the settlement agreement.

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  • We recently received summary judgment in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois in favor of Chicago based restaurant operator and franchisor in a lawsuit by a former manager who claimed he was terminated because he refused to work while ill with a flu virus.

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News

  • Daniel S. Kaplan has prepared a video and a thesis paper on The Evolutionary Experiences of an Ultramarathon Runner  for his Master’s in Liberal Arts from the University of Chicago. 

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Testimonials

  • “Daniel Kaplan did a fantastic job defending our franchise operations from a lawsuit.”

    – Franchisor Litigation Client

  • “We are extremely grateful for your expert guidance over the past few months and will refer others to you whenever possible.”

    – Franchisee Dispute Resolution Client

  • “Dan is a franchise lawyer with a great practical understanding of business.”

    – Franchisor Client

  • “In my opinion your advice was timely, understandable, and a significant and effective aid to our negotiation of the best agreement available, in addition to being an effective primer for us on the business practices that are followed in franchising.”

    – Franchisee Initial Consultation Client

  • “He is extremely detailed in his research and communications of franchise law issues and their consequences.”

    – Franchisor Client

  • “You have been a great partner of ours for going on 20 years.”

    – Franchisor Client