(Nashville, TN/April 4, 2011) For the fifth consecutive year, Joel R. Buckberg, head of the franchise and hospitality practice groups of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, has been named a Legal Eagle by Franchise Times, a national publication for franchisors and multi-unit franchisees. Mr. Buckberg practices in the Firm's Nashville and Atlanta offices.
An annual listing that recognizes franchise law attorneys on the basis of input from their peers and clients, the Legal Eagles list includes leading franchise attorneys from across the country. To be included as a Legal Eagle, attorneys must be nominated by their peers or clients and must meet the criteria of the Franchise Times editorial panel.
Mr. Buckberg counsels business clients, particularly in hospitality, franchising and distribution, on strategic planning, transactions, financing, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance and operations. Active in the International Franchise Association (IFA), he serves as administrator for the organization's Franchise Compliance Training Program, a remedial educational program for violators of federal and state franchise regulations. He is a legal advisor and trainer for IFA's Fran-Guard compliance and business culture training program. He served as co-editor of the 2009 edition of Annual Developments in Franchise and Distribution Law published by the American Bar Association. He is the editor of Baker Donelson's Hospitalitas electronic newsletter on franchising and hospitality. Additionally, Mr. Buckberg serves as the host for the IFA's quarterly Franchise Business Network meetings in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.