LOS ANGELES, April 8, 2019 - Cozen O'Connor franchise attorney Susan Grueneberg was honored by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of 2019 Most Influential Women Attorneys. Grueneberg was recognized for exceptional legal skill, exemplary leadership, high professional and ethical standards, and for contributions to the Los Angeles community at large.
Grueneberg, one of California’s best known and highly regarded franchise law attorneys, joined Cozen O'Connor in July 2018 and heads the firm's global franchise practice. Grueneberg represents a client base that ranges from Fortune 500 franchisors to large area developers, sub-franchisors, and multi-unit franchisees, as well as startups.
Grueneberg focuses much of her practice on helping U.S. franchise programs expand into international markets and non-U.S. franchise programs expand into the United States. In addition, Grueneberg regularly helps clients structure franchise programs, preparing and registering a range of franchise disclosure documents — including joint venture, franchise, area development, sub-franchise, master license, area representative, and ancillary agreements. Her background also includes guiding and representing franchisors in matters involving disclosure and other regulatory matters; mergers and acquisitions; and franchise relationship issues involving transfers, defaults, and terminations.
Grueneberg also counsels and defends franchise clients involved in government enforcement actions, including investigations. She works closely with client trademark counsel to help establish protections for franchisor IP and serves as an expert witness for franchisors in arbitration and litigation matters.
Ranked by Chambers USA as one of America’s leading franchising lawyers (Nationwide), from 2007-2018, and listed as a Southern California franchising Super Lawyer from 2006-2018, Grueneberg has chaired the Advisory Committee to the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) Franchise Project Group since 2006. She is also past chair of the ABA's Forum on Franchising and has been a member of the International Franchise Association’s Legal/Legislative Committee since 1995. Grueneberg also formerly chaired the California State Bar's Franchise and Distribution Law Advisory Commission, the body that certifies specialists in franchise law in California.
Grueneberg earned her J.D. at the UCLA School of Law and her B.A. at UCLA.
About Cozen O'Connor Women’s Initiative
The Cozen O’Connor Women’s Initiative is dedicated to the development and enhancement of professional and personal relationships among our female attorneys and clients. The firm’s long-standing commitment to providing a supportive, collaborative culture for female attorneys formally began in the late 1990s and continues to prosper today, creating a positive environment for the hiring, retention and promotion of female attorneys within Cozen O’Connor. The Women’s Initiative has a dedicated Steering Committee and subcommittees that represents all of the firm’s offices and that reflects the diverse issues confronting women in today’s legal workplace.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has more than 825 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor services its clients’ needs through 32 offices across two continents.
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