Professional Legal Services

Sharma Law Group is a position to resolve brand specific satisfaction standards and enhance your ability to protect your investment in your hotel/motel real estate and business. We have litigated and/ or resolved the claims, counter claims and damages resulting from the alleged default/breaches and/or termination of the franchise agreements in total amount excess of five hundred million dollars. We have successfully obtained arbitration award(s) and/ or court decisions declaring that liquidated damages clause of franchise agreement is an unenforceable penalty. To remove your fear as to the uncertainty and unknown legal fees, we are in a position to offer fixed, contingency and flexible fees schedule to meet your specific needs. SLG has developed an effective Pro-Bono plan for legal services for the community. In addition SLG provides free 30 minute initial consultation to Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) members.

SLG takes a problem-solving, business-oriented approach to your legal matters and evaluate the entire range of possible solutions, including business alternatives, negotiated solutions, and, if necessary, the most appropriate venue and jurisdiction for Alternative Dispute Resolution and /or litigation.

SLG provides Litigation and Arbitration services with unmatched skills (with the highest possible level of professional skills), experience and determination that only the best mega-firms can provide with a professional attitude and well equipped infrastructure (tools/ technology) that makes the process prompt and affordable.

Why it is important to put yourself in position now to deal with potential of termination and foreclosure:

• Acquisition/Consolidation

• Trends for occupancy, ADR, and RevPar

• Brand performance

• Brand reimaging

• Capital Improvements

• Operation and Maintenance

• Taxes - Segregation of costs and depreciation

• Cash flow, alternate working capital

• Leasing - Management company

Steps to Consider Once You Have Decided to Purchase a Franchise

Read the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD, formerly UFOC). This disclosure is required by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and many of State Disclosure Laws. It describes among others the investment you will be making, the anticipated initial costs, your legal obligations, and the background and financial strength of the franchisor, among other things. Contact current and former franchisees. Ask lots of questions, including ones to help you determine the appropriate flag for your Hotel franchisor, AAHOA , other AAHOA members, family and friends who are franchisees' of same or similar brand of hotels. Review the franchisor's financial strength and list of litigation with existing or former franchisees.
Market Feasibility - Which brand will work at your location. Consult an experienced franchise attorney. SLG has the experience to advise you on the risks and advantages in making this substantial investment before you sign a franchise agreement.

Hotel/Motel Owner Protection Legal Services

SLG works to protect your hotel/motel, real estate, business and franchise. These uncertain and challenging times, Commercial Mortgage bailouts command our immediate attention. SLG, provides innovative business solutions along with dispute resolution, arbitration and or litigation, to protect, preserve and promote your best hotel/motel business. SLG actively participates in your decision to purchase/sell hotel/motel by preparing Purchase/ Sale Agreements (PSA), Due Diligence Documents, Closings, Review and modify loan documents and Franchise Agreements. Business entity formation, shareholders unit participation agreements. SLG conducts free educational workshops/seminars at AAHOA meetings on a regular basis. SLG provides personalized service that puts a Client's Best interests first. SLG’s success has won us a loyal following particularly from the AAHOA members. In fact, many of our Clients are referred by satisfied hotel/motel owners on a regular basis.

Fair Franchising Legal Services

SLG works closely with hotel/motel owners and entrepreneurs to negotiate modifications to franchise agreement to incorporate the Common Grounds of Fair Franchising. Franchising is dominated by Franchisor’s unequal bargaining position. SLG’s Enforcement of fair franchising is based upon : State Franchise law protections, Franchisor’s Disclosure Documents, Franchisor’s Fair Franchising and Impact Policies, Franchisee owners Council’s initiatives, and the twelve grounds of Fair Franchising advocated by Asian American Hotel Owner’s Association. (“AAHOA”).

Legal Services for Business and Real Estate

Businesses are facing increased uncertainty in virtually every aspect of their organizations’ operations and strategic planning. To address these complex, varied challenges SLG works with Clients to renegotiate Commercial Mortgages to modify the terms and conditions of loan documents. Sharma Law Group’s market analysis & consultations to Hotel/Motel owners, provide creative, value-added and unconventional solutions. SLG uses E-Discovery & State of the Art Technology based on Lexis- Nexis, Versus Law, STR Reports, and industry trend reports.

Accomplishments

SLG has accomplished proven results in successful completion of purchase Sale transactions of hotels/motels value at more than $800 million. To mention a few are enforceability of “Liquidated Damages” (LDs) provision of the Franchise Agreements. Sharma Law Group has successfully litigated /arbitrated LDs in excess of $ 10 million. To remove your fear as to the uncertainty and unknown legal fees, we are in a position to offer fixed, contingency and flexible fee schedules to meet your specific needs. In addition, as an AAHOA approved attorney, we are continuing our policy to offer 30 minutes free consultation to address your specific situation.