W. Michael Garner has practiced franchise law for over 30 years and is recognized as one of the field’s leading trial lawyers and premier legal writers. He focuses his practice on representation of franchisees and dealers in disputes with franchisors and suppliers, and has won verdicts and settlements in excess of $240 million on behalf of his clients.  Michael is the author of Franchise and Distribution Law and Practice, a three-volume legal treatise; served as editor-in-chief of the Franchise Law Journal; and is editor of the Franchise Desk Book published by the American Bar Association.  Michael has tried franchise cases involving wrongful termination, fraud, breach of contract and the duty of good faith, trademark infringement, unfair competition, tortious interference, and antitrust.  He has represented franchisees in dozens of industries, including the restaurant, tax service, retail, gasoline, automobile, hair care, automotive aftermarket  and educational enrichment industries.  He has established many leading precedents for franchisees, including his victory in Temple v. Union Carbide is the leading case on enforceability of state franchise statutes notwithstanding contractual disclaimers.

Michael is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey and Minnesota.