The Norwich-based firm Ashtons Legal is notable for its work with domestic and international clients in both international expansion and bringing overseas brands into the UK. The team frequently handles the construction of franchise models and managing franchise documentation, including issuance and renewals, as well as franchise disputes and franchising litigation in the High Court. The team is headed by ‘seasoned professional’ Damian Humphrey, who leverages his extensive international brand expansion experience to advise franchisors in the entertainment, food and beverage, education, and pet care sectors on establishing and growing their franchise networks.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Ashtons Legal are an extremely experienced and professional operation, with decades of hands-on franchise legal experience in a variety of brands.’
‘Tracy Williamson is a stand-out legal professional who offers invaluable support in all aspects of our franchise business.'
- 'Damien Humphrey is a seasoned professional who has support the rewrite of our agreements, along with various individual challenges, over the last 10 years.’
‘With huge amounts of experience in contentious and non-contentious matters, it is a full-service franchise team, and Ashtons Legal are extremely attractive to clients who clamber to instruct rather than being on the opposite side.’
‘Tom Bailey's personable yet judicious approach are qualities that have seen him excel, together with his mastery of franchise law. He is without question a very 'safe pair of hands' who in complex disputes one would much rather have on side than be against.'
- 'Damien Humphrey has a wealth of experience on the non-contentious franchising side and is recognised by his peers as a leading figure.’
Key clients
- TaxAssist Accountants
- Water Babies
- CeX
- Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries
- Bubbleology
- Signs Express
- We Love Pets
- Pitman Training Group
- Radfield Home Care
- Snowflake Gelato
- Flip Out
- Caremark
Work highlights
Advising Pitman Training on the granting of master franchise rights for India.
Advising Dutch brand Fat Phill’s on the granting of development rights for the UK.
Advising the CarMoney on the set-up of its franchise operations, including preparation of legal documentation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Damian Humphrey
Other key lawyers
Tracy Williamson; Tom Bailey