Johnston Lawrence is a leading law firm in Wellington, having achieved excellent results for our clients for over 90 years. Specialising in Commercial Law, particularly in franchising legal advice, agency, distributorship, Technology, Superannuation, Compliance and Governance, we have provided legal advice in Wellington for over 90 years.
Sharmala David, was appointed Special Counsel in the Firm in 2009 with over 20 years experience in sole private practice in Wellington and as General Counsel and Company Secretary at Tower Life and Managed Funds New Zealand. She has acted for many international and national franchises and franchisees and worked extensively in the offer of securities, managed funds and superannuation schemes and in the training and compliance law reform of Financial Advisers, Issuers, Franchisors and Franchisees.
Sharmala takes a hands on approach to Business Negotiations, Drafting and Reviewing Contracts and is able to work with both Franchisors. Franchisees, Purchasers and Distributors using her Legal Expertise to advise on Business Legal requirements, Risk Management, Product, Marketing Promotional activities, Consumer Protection and Employment Conditions, Dispute Resolution, Conflicts of Interest, Restraints of Trade, Exclusive Arrangements, Intellectual Property Management, Insurances etc Sharmala also works in Commercial Contracts, Managed Funds, Insurance, Investments and Technology. Sharmala is also able to Draft and Negotiate Commercial Leases and related matters.
Sharmala is a Member of the China New Zealand Business Council, The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Superannuation Funds of New Zealand and the New Zealand Law Society.
Sharmala holds a Masters Degree in Corporate and Commercial Law from Victoria University of Wellington and a Licentiate Performance Diploma from the Royal Schools of Music, London. She is a Barrister and Solicitor of New Zealand and a Solicitor of England and Wales.
Sharmala David provides:Legal Advice on Buying a franchise:
- Legal advice on the terms and conditions of the franchise documents and related documentation.
- The protection required when entering into these arrangements
- Plain language negotiation and drafting
- Commercial and business advice based on our experience in dealing with franchise and distribution systems for over 15 years across the length and breadth of New Zealand
Legal Advice on selling a franchise:
- Advice on the terms and conditions of sale.
- Preparation of the franchise business sales contract.
- Attending to all legal matters to complete the sale.
Legal Advice on setting up a Franchise Network:
- Advice on the terms and conditions that should be included in your Franchise documents.
- Preparation of the proposed Franchise System documentation including:
- Disclosure documents.
- Franchise agreements.
- Master franchise agreements.
- Confidentiality agreements.
- Lease documentation
- Intellectual Property protection
Do you have a dispute with your Franchisee/ Franchisor?
We act for Franchisee’s and Franchisor’s to resolve disputes by way of mediation and where necessary initiating court proceedings in the event of there being a breach of the franchise agreement. Dispute Resolution is our specialty.
Our Wellington office is conveniently located on the fifth floor of Deloitte House, Brandon Street in central Wellington City. So if you are thinking of franchising your business, of purchasing or selling an existing business or need your franchise documentation reviewed or have any other need in relation to franchising - contact Sharmala David via the e-mail form above, we would love to help.
We accept instructions from within New Zealand and Overseas