Advisor Member
Established over 125 years ago, Gardner Leader has grown from its Berkshire roots into a modern, full-service law firm, while maintaining the values of trust, integrity and client-focused service that have underpinned the firm throughout its history. Much of our work comes from returning clients and recommendations, reflecting the importance we place on building lasting relationships and delivering practical, trusted advice.
Gardner Leader provides legal advice to businesses, individuals and families across a wide range of sectors and industries. With offices across Berkshire and the Thames Valley, we offer commercially focused advice designed to help clients achieve their objectives and navigate legal challenges with confidence.
Our services include corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, employment, real estate, private wealth, family law and residential property. By bringing together lawyers from different disciplines, we provide joined-up support that reflects the realities of our clients’ businesses and personal circumstances.
We value long-term relationships and take the time to understand the people and organisations we work with. Whether advising on growth strategies, business structures, property matters, workplace issues, disputes or personal legal affairs, our focus is on providing clear, accessible advice and pragmatic solutions.
Gardner Leader recently achieved Certified B Corporation™ status, reflecting our commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Becoming a B Corp certified business recognises our belief that businesses should be a force for good and reinforces the way we operate as a firm, from how we support our people and clients to our wider role within the communities we serve.
This commitment aligns closely with the values promoted by the British Franchise Association, particularly the importance of ethical business practices, transparency, fairness and long-term sustainable relationships. We believe that legal advice should not only help clients achieve their commercial objectives but also support responsible and sustainable business practices.
Our team is committed to continuous learning, collaboration and delivering advice that is both technically strong and commercially relevant. We work with clients ranging from owner-managed businesses and entrepreneurs to larger organisations, helping them manage risk, seize opportunities and plan confidently for the future.
Gardner Leader advises franchisors and franchise businesses, supporting brands at every stage of their franchise journey, from initial expansion and network development through to ongoing management, growth and dispute resolution. We work with both established franchise networks and emerging businesses looking to franchise for the first time.
Our franchising team combines specialist franchise expertise with the strength of a full-service law firm. This means clients have access not only to dedicated franchising lawyers, but also to specialists in corporate transactions, commercial property, employment, intellectual property, dispute resolution and regulatory matters whenever required. Our franchise team includes lawyers recognised in the Legal 500 for their franchising knowledge and expertise in their sector.
We understand that successful franchising is built on strong relationships, clear documentation and practical commercial advice. Our approach is to provide straightforward guidance that helps businesses protect their brand, manage risk and achieve their long-term objectives.
Our franchising services include:
• Preparation and review of franchise agreements and related documentation
• Multi-unit, area development and master franchise arrangements
• Franchise disclosure documentation and compliance
• Franchise sales, acquisitions and exits
• Advice on commercial contracts and supply arrangements
• Intellectual property protection and brand management
• Franchise recruitment and onboarding processes
• Employment advice and HR support across franchise networks and to individual franchisees
• Network management and operational support
• Franchise renewals, transfers and succession planning
• Dispute avoidance, mediation and dispute resolution
• Enforcement of post-termination restrictions and obligations
As members of the British Franchise Association and being a Certified B Corp™ Corporation, we are committed to supporting ethical franchising and promoting best practice across the sector. We work closely with clients to help ensure their franchise arrangements are transparent, sustainable and aligned with recognised industry standards.
Our clients range from start-up franchisors entering the market for the first time to well-established franchise networks operating across multiple sectors. Many clients continue to work with us as their networks grow, allowing us to provide ongoing support throughout the lifecycle of their franchise business.
By combining specialist franchise knowledge with practical commercial advice and the resources of a full-service law firm, we help franchisors and franchisees navigate challenges, seize opportunities and build successful long-term businesses.