Mitchell (“Mitch”) is a Senior Associate Attorney at Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC. He joined the firm as an associate in 2020 after clerking with FSBR during law school, where he first developed a strong interest in franchise and brand-focused law. His practice centers on franchising, trademark law, business and corporate transactions, liquor licensing, and regulatory compliance, with additional focus on wage and hour matters affecting the hospitality industry.

Mitch works with emerging and established brands to develop franchise disclosure documents, navigate compliance with federal and state disclosure requirements, and draft agreements in accordance with evolving regulations. For example, Mitch applied his developing expertise in state data privacy regulation to lead the firm’s initiative to integrate data-privacy compliance provisions across client franchise agreements, reviewing and distilling new state statutes into actionable contract language. This work ensures that FSBR’s clients are prepared for an ever-developing regulatory landscape.

Mitch is also well-versed in providing trademark clearance, registration, and enforcement support to protect clients’ brand identities, and advises on complex commercial contracts, licensing, and service agreements.

In litigation and regulatory matters, Mitch has defended clients against Department of Labor wage and hour investigations, guiding restaurants through inquiries relating to tipping practices and recordkeeping. He also played a key role in securing victory for leading national beverage companies, where the court granted summary judgment on a novel issue applying key provisions of Michigan’s Liquor Control Code.

Across his practice, Mitch’s approach is research-driven and pragmatic. He excels at mastering nuanced legal issues quickly, translating complexity into efficient, business-minded solutions. His style emphasizes clear communication, thorough preparation, and a practical understanding of how legal strategy intersects with a client’s growth objectives.

Beyond client work, Mitch contributes regularly to the profession through writing and speaking. He has authored articles for The Franchise Lawyer and The Journal of Indemnity & Insurance Law and co-authored a white paper presented at the annual American Bar Association Forum on Franchising. He has also presented on topics ranging from the Record Marketable Title Act to franchise disclosure best practices. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Chair’s Award for Substantial Written Work or Presentation at the 2022 ABA Forum on Franchising.

Outside the office, Mitch enjoys traveling, exploring Michigan’s many renowned craft breweries, cheering on the Detroit Lions, and spending time with family on Houghton Lake.

EXPERIENCE

• Secured summary judgment in favor of multiple national beverage companies in litigation under Michigan’s Liquor Control Code.
• Drafted franchise disclosure documents and agreements for emerging restaurant and hospitality brands, including navigating complex compliance challenges for national systems.
• Led firmwide updates to franchise agreement forms to incorporate requirements from newly enacted state data privacy statutes, ensuring compliance for franchisors nationwide.
• Defended employers in Department of Labor wage and hour investigations, including matters involving tipping practices and recordkeeping requirements.
• Regularly advises on trademark clearance and registration, prepares and prosecutes applications with the USPTO, and manages renewals and enforcement.
• Drafts and negotiates business contracts, license agreements, and service agreements, with experience in software licensing and brand-protection provisions.
• Conducts research and prepares opinion letters and memoranda for employers on FLSA compliance, including wage, hour, and tip-pooling rules.