Ten lawyers from Baker McKenzie’s Chambers Global Market Leaders, Band 1 ranked Franchising Practice have been recognized as 2026 “Legal Eagles” by Franchise Times, one of the franchise industry’s leading publications. Partners Will Woods, Michael Santa Maria, and Abhishek Dubé have also retained “Hall of Fame” status, reflecting their place on the Legal Eagles list for at least 10 years.
Legal Eagles recognizes leading franchise lawyers who demonstrate exceptional legal skill, deep industry knowledge, and a sustained commitment to client success. Franchise Times considers nominations and recommendations from clients, peers, and other legal professionals as part of its annual selection process.
The 2026 Baker McKenzie Franchise Times Legal Eagles are:
Will Woods* – Partner, Dallas
Abhishek Dubé* – Partner, Dallas
Michael Santa Maria* – Partner, Dallas
Kevin Maher – Partner, Dallas
Richard White – Partner, Dallas
Nancy Sims – Partner, Los Angeles
Brent Stewart – Partner, Dallas
Bryan White – Partner, Dallas
Michael Boardman – Associate, Los Angeles
Luke Christianson – Associate, Dallas
*Indicates Hall of Fame status
Baker McKenzie’s Franchise, Distribution & Global Brand Expansion team combines deep industry experience with technical legal knowledge to advise brands at every stage of their life cycles, from startup and middle market growth to mature global systems. The team counsels clients on the structuring and operation of franchise and other brand systems and helps navigate complex issues such as defaults and terminations, distressed franchisees, regulatory inquiries and disputes. As global brand expansion leaders, the practice supports expansion through franchising, licensing, joint ventures, and direct investment across nearly every commercialized jurisdiction worldwide, providing integrated advice across tax, trademark, corporate, labor and employment, real estate, competition, anti-corruption and compliance matters.
Read more about the Legal Eagles recognition here.
Legal Eagles recognizes leading franchise lawyers who demonstrate exceptional legal skill, deep industry knowledge, and a sustained commitment to client success. Franchise Times considers nominations and recommendations from clients, peers, and other legal professionals as part of its annual selection process.
The 2026 Baker McKenzie Franchise Times Legal Eagles are:
Will Woods* – Partner, Dallas
Abhishek Dubé* – Partner, Dallas
Michael Santa Maria* – Partner, Dallas
Kevin Maher – Partner, Dallas
Richard White – Partner, Dallas
Nancy Sims – Partner, Los Angeles
Brent Stewart – Partner, Dallas
Bryan White – Partner, Dallas
Michael Boardman – Associate, Los Angeles
Luke Christianson – Associate, Dallas
*Indicates Hall of Fame status
Baker McKenzie’s Franchise, Distribution & Global Brand Expansion team combines deep industry experience with technical legal knowledge to advise brands at every stage of their life cycles, from startup and middle market growth to mature global systems. The team counsels clients on the structuring and operation of franchise and other brand systems and helps navigate complex issues such as defaults and terminations, distressed franchisees, regulatory inquiries and disputes. As global brand expansion leaders, the practice supports expansion through franchising, licensing, joint ventures, and direct investment across nearly every commercialized jurisdiction worldwide, providing integrated advice across tax, trademark, corporate, labor and employment, real estate, competition, anti-corruption and compliance matters.
Read more about the Legal Eagles recognition here.
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