Stites & Harbison, PLLC

Michael is an experienced franchise lawyer with complementary expertise in commercial real estate and general transactional matters. He has 15 years experience inside the quick service restaurant industry, serving most recently in multiple roles as General Counsel for two national restaurant chains and Director of Franchise Administration for a third brand. Michael's practice concentrates in franchise (representing franchisees and franchisors), commercial real estate and general business/transactional matters.

Recent Assignments

• Preparation of complex, multiple Franchise Disclosure Documents for large retail franchisors
• Development and implementation of impact guidelines and development policies for large retail franchisor
• Negotiation of complex material beverage supply contracts for retail entity, generating significant increases in per-gallon funding for franchisees
• $85 million sale-leaseback restructure arrangement for retail entity, resulting in increased asset flexibility, facilitation of company's franchisee divestiture initiative and immediate P&L upside
• Management of retail franchisor's real estate/unit divestiture program, supporting client's corporate strategy to become a 100% franchised system and generating in excess of $70 million cash

Before Stites & Harbison

Michael joined the firm after a combined 15 years service in the corporate legal departments of affiliated national restaurant chains that currently are under the common ownership of the world's largest restaurant company in terms of restaurant units. Michael served as General Counsel and Secretary and Executive Management Committee member of two national restaurant brands and Director of Franchise Administration for a third affiliated brand. Throughout his tenure as corporate counsel, Michael concentrated in domestic and international franchise transactions and trademark practice, as well as real estate and general business matters. Prior to moving in-house in the restaurant industry, Michael was a partner in one of Alabama's largest private law firms, where his practice concentrated in commercial real estate, secured transactions and transactional representation of regional healthcare providers and lending institutions.

More Than Stites & Harbison

Michael is past President and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the University of Kentucky Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity Alumni Association. He maintains an active role within that organization.

Besides Stites & Harbison

Michael and his wife, Jane have three children. Michael's interests include coaching youth basketball and music (in particular, guitars: playing, buying, selling and collecting).