Franchise Attorney – Mergers & Acquisitions
Sun Holdings is one of the largest franchise organizations in the U.S., proudly supporting over 1,300 restaurant locations across 31 states. We provide franchise management services to some of America's most beloved brands, including Applebee’s, Arby's, Bar Louie, Burger King, Cantina Laredo, Freebirds, Golden Corral, IHOP, McAlister’s, Papa John’s, Popeye’s, Taco Bueno, and Uncle Julio’s. Join our team of hands-on problem-solvers!
Job Summary
As a Franchise Attorney at Sun Holdings, you will play a key role in ensuring our business operations align with legal and regulatory standards. You’ll lead the development and implementation of compliance programs, provide ongoing legal guidance to internal teams, and collaborate across departments to ensure policies are clear, current, and aligned with company objectives. From drafting contracts and handling regulatory filings to conducting internal audits and investigations, your work will span a wide range of legal functions supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term business goals. You’ll also design and deliver compliance training, oversee policy development, monitor legal risks, and serve as a liaison to external counsel and regulatory agencies when needed—all while protecting the integrity and growth of our diverse franchise portfolio.
Responsibilities
- Lead and support M&A transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and restructurings.
- Manage legal due diligence, risk assessment, and transaction documentation.
- Draft, review, and negotiate purchase agreements, franchise transfer agreements, asset and stock sale agreements, and related transactional documents.
- Support post‑closing integration, entity restructuring, and compliance for acquired brands and locations.
- Provide legal guidance on franchise law, corporate governance, and transactional matters across multiple brands and jurisdictions.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local franchise regulations and disclosure requirements. Oversee entity formation, maintenance, and state/governmental filings linked to acquisitions and ongoing operations.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
- Admission to the Bar in good standing
- 5–7 years of experience as a licensed, practicing attorney, preferably in a corporate or franchise environment
- In-depth knowledge of corporate compliance, regulatory frameworks, franchise and transactional law, and risk management
- Experience with mergers and acquisitions, company formation and maintenance, and state/governmental filings
- Familiarity with tax and employment law is a plus
- Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills
- Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of working both independently and within cross-functional teams
- Must be able to reliably commute or relocate to Dallas, TX, before starting work
Benefits
- Competitive Pay – Your talent and hard work won’t go unnoticed.
- Health & Wellness Coverage – HSA, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance plans to keep you and your family feeling your best.
- 401(k) Match – Helping you invest in your future (and putting more back in your wallet).
- Paid Training – We set you up for success from day one.
- Generous Time Off – Up to 16 paid vacation and sick days, plus 7 company holidays to recharge and reset.
- Free lunch while at work – Pick your favorite from 5 nearby brand locations, plus discounts with some of our brands—we’ve got lunch covered.
- Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings before payday with our Earned Wage app.
- Career Growth – We’re growing fast, and we love to promote from within.
- And more good stuff – Because working with us should feel rewarding every day.
Ready to get started? Apply today and join a team that’s making a big impact—one location at a time.
At Sun Holdings, we’re committed to providing a safe, efficient, and supportive environment—for our team and the guests we serve. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Curious about who we are? Check us out at www.sunholdings.net.