Practice Area Overview

At Kaufmann Gildin & Robbins LLP, getting it done is not just a catchphrase. It is our mission. It is our calling. It is our resolve.

Kaufmann Gildin and Robbins’s extraordinary expertise in the fields of franchising, litigation, investment fraud, real estate, corporate/commercial/securities transactions, securitization financings, and estate planning is perhaps best reflected by the treasured clients who place their trust and confidence in us when confronting significant opportunities, crises or simply everyday legal counsel and support:

In Franchising, Licensing and Distribution, working with some of the nation’s largest and most prestigious franchisors, as well as innumerable start-ups, structuring or modifying their franchise networks; adducing the franchise agreements and disclosure documents necessary to achieve their goals; securing for them all required franchise registrations, both around the country and around the world; serving as their franchise counsel in some of the largest franchise mergers, acquisitions, and securitization financings ever accomplished; engaging in government and media relations to their advantage; representing them in trials, appeals and arbitrations with remarkable fervor and results; and, authoring the International Franchise Association’s seminal reference work, An Introduction to the Law of Franchising.

In Litigation and Appeals, representing with zeal, experience and stunning effectiveness individuals and corporations involved in critical and high-profile legal proceedings. Kaufmann Gildin’s litigators appear in trial courts, appellate courts and arbitration forums throughout the United States. Our litigation record speaks for itself, and what it says is remarkable. And as with all other aspects of our practice, the degree of efficiency and economy which we bring to bear to litigation is extraordinary.

In Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions, handling the most delicate and critical negotiations, whether in this country or internationally, with consummate skill and optimal results. Producing extraordinarily tight contracts that accurately reflect the ultimate deal and minimize the likelihood that litigation will ever ensue (and, if it does, ensuring that the terms of the contract itself are so well crafted that the client should prevail). Incorporating, and furnishing critical counsel to start-up companies and entrepreneurs. Servicing the needs of established companies. And representing both public and private entities in debt and equity securities offerings, private placements, mergers and acquisitions, institutional financings, regulatory compliance matters and disclosure obligations.

In Real Estate, handling transactions ranging from the complex multi-million dollar sale of one of 42nd Street’s premier office buildings to negotiating leases in Rockefeller Center and major malls and shopping centers nationwide for restaurants and major retailers, while also serving as counsel to coop and condominium boards of directors and effecting acquisitions and conveyances of commercial and residential properties.

In Securities Industry Representation: Investors and Brokers, our partner-in-charge – – David E. Robbins – – literally wrote the book: the definitive “Securities Arbitration Procedure Manual” relied on daily by other lawyers, by arbitrators, by law schools and by the securities industry itself (where virtually all customer-broker disputes must be arbitrated and not litigated in court). David serves as an arbitrator and mediator for FINRA Dispute Resolution, Inc. and the American Arbitration Association. He previously served as Director of Compliance and Director of Arbitration of the American Stock Exchange (and, before that, as a securities fraud criminal prosecutor) and has successfully represented investors, brokers, investment advisors and brokerage houses throughout the United States and around the world with remarkable success.

In Arbitration, we know how the rules of evidence differ from the courts, what arbitrators expect, and how to succeed in that forum. While the Federal Rules of Evidence do not as a general matter govern the conduct of arbitration proceedings, the rules of evidence do often provide good, practical guidance on what evidence is probative.

In Franchising Securitization Financing, structuring (with co-counsel) the template for the first successful securitization of a franchisor’s royalty stream over accomplished and thereafter serving as franchise counsel in nearly every succeeding franchise securitization which has transpired in the United States.

In Estate Planning, drawing on its deep knowledge of all pertinent tax, property, securities, business organization, banking, trust and real estate laws to identify those techniques and structures legally available to protect and preserve your hard earned wealth and guard it from taxation to the maximum extent possible.

In Stock Broker Fiduciary Duty, distinguishing cases where a broker has a continuing duty from non-discretionary arrangements. As investors have lost money in the recession many have claimed their broker had a duty to warn of losses and guide them effectively through these times.

In Broker Recruiting, we can advise you whether you are a broker moving to another firm, or a firm losing or recruiting brokers. A growing number of larger firms have signed on to The Protocol for Recruiting Brokers.

In FINRA expungement procedures, an arbitration panel may be convinced to expunge a matter from a broker’s official record – the Central Registration Depository. Contact us