Nancy L Lanard

Nancy has decades of experience as both a nationally recognized franchise attorney and general business attorney. Nancy started her franchise legal career as an in-house attorney for the #1 weight-loss company in the US with over 1300 franchised locations. From there Nancy formed her own law firm growing it to over 5 attorneys at its peak. Nancy is Senior Partner at Lanard and Associates. Nancy has received awards from leading franchise periodicals naming her one of the top franchise attorneys in the U.S. Nancy is recognized by both her peers and her clients as a premier franchise attorney having not only the knowledge and experience, but also the compassion for her clients.

• Business Law
• Trademarks

• Franchise Law

• Free Consultation
  Free phone consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
  We accept VISA, MasterCard and AMEX
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  We handle most franchise matters and some business matters on a flat fee basis.

Pennsylvania

Since 1978

Founder and Senior Partner

Lanard and Associates

2016 - Current

Senior Partner

Spadea, Lanard & Lignana

2012 - 2016

Partner

Law Offices of Nancy L. Lanard, P.C.

1997 - 2011

Assistant General Counsel

Nutri/System, Inc.

1994 - 1997

Villanova University School of Law

J.D. (1978) | Law

1975 - 1978

Honors: Law Review

Activities: Law Review

University of Pennsylvania

M.S. (1975) | Education

1974 - 1975

Honors: Graduated with Honors

University of Pennsylvania

B.A. (1974) | Spanish

1971 - 1974

Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Legal Eagle

Franchise Times

2017

Prestigious Legal Eagle Award given to the top franchise attorneys in the U.S. and Canada by Franchise Times

Legal Eagle

Franchise Times

2016

Top franchise attorneys in the U.S.

Superb Attorney

Avvo

2016

Legal Eagle

Franchise Times

2015

One of the top franchise attorneys in the U.S.

Superb Attorney

Avvo

2015

Legal Eagle

Franchise Times

2014

Superb Attorney

Avvo

2014

Legal Eagle

Franchise Times

2013

Superb Attorney

Avvo

2013

Top rated attorney in the U.S.

Legal Eagle

Franchise Times

2012

Superb Attorney

Avvo

2012

Legal Eagle

Franchise Times

2011

International Franchise Association

Member

2017 - Current

American Bar Association

Member

2006 - Current

Activities: Member of Business Law Section and the Forum on Franchising

Professional Business Network

Board of Trustees

2003 - Current

Activities: Monthly networking event

Pennsylvania State Bar # 28616

Member

1978 - Current

Montgomery Bar Association

Member

1978 - Current

Activities: Member of the Business Law Committee and the Franchise Law Committee

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Member

1978 - Current

Activities: Member of the Business Law Section and the Solo and Small Firm Section

Fend Off Franchise Fiascos

Costco Magazine

February, 2008

Q. I am looking to buy a business but it’s a little complicated/need help drafting a binding contract of sort

29 June 2018

A: When buying a business you should have legal representation who drafts an Asset Purchase Agreement and all of the accompanying documents. You should do the due diligence and check that there are no liens on the assets, etc. I am happy to speak with you about your situation. I do not charge for an initial consultation.

Q. How can I start & fund a business?

23 December 2017

A: Your question is way too broad to be answered in this forum. You should consult an experienced business attorney and accountant who can assist you figure out if you should operate as a corporation, limited liability company or a sole proprietorship. Additionally, the attorney would need an understanding of your business and business goals. As far as funding, there are many ways to fund a business, and those should also be explored with your professional advisors, such as your accountant and attorney. There are retirement fund roll-overs, SBA loans, etc. Good luck.

Q. Where can we get a blank template of a Pennsylvania Independent Contractor Agreement, which we can edit and fill in?

24 June 2017

A: You should retain counsel to advise you. Each independent contractor situation is different. The attorney can prepare an independent contractor agreement that can be used as a template for the various situations. Good luck.

Q. I'd like to buy a business in my town - should I buy it as a corporation?

16 May 2017

A: You should buy only the assets of the business, not the stock or membership interest of the entity that currently owns the business. Most like you should form your own entity - either a corporation or limited liability company to own the business. You should consult with an attorney to advise you. Depending on the type of business, it is likely you will want to own the business as a corporation or LLC.

Q. How do i begin the trademark process?

25 April 2017

A: It sounds like you are asking how to register a trademark with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Although uspto.gov does have instructions for filing. However, this can be a difficult legal process that should start with a nationwide trademark search and then filing in the proper category. I strongly suggest that you retain experienced counsel to handle this for you. The process is lengthy - typically 9 months or more.

Q. I signed a promissory note for money to start a business. I am in default, what kind of lawyer do I need? Thankyou

19 April 2017

A: Any business attorney should be able to assist you. I do not know you and have not reviewed all the facts, but you may want to discuss this with the lender and see if you can work out a payment plan or some new terms. Good luck.

Q. Can my husband start his own company selling something he originally created for his current employer to use?

19 April 2017

A: I do not represent you and do not know all the facts, but it sounds like this was a "work for hire" and that the company he worked for owns the rights to it. However, he could approach the company and see if he is able to sell to others. It sounds like he has a strong position in being able to ask the employer to allow him to sell to others. This response does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to provide legal advice for your specific situation.

Q. I want to start selling private label Hot sauce and salsa. I want to use my last name with the word salsa or hot sauce

19 April 2017

A: You do not need to have a trademark to sell. However, the federal trademark does protect the name so others cannot come in and copy it. I would also recommend that you copyright your recipe for the sauce. Good luck!