Robert A. Lauer
Biography
As co-chair of Haynes Boone’s Franchise and Distribution Practice Group, Rob Lauer focuses exclusively on domestic and international franchise matters. He advises both established and startup franchisors on franchise transactions in the United States and internationally, including how to structure franchise offerings, comply with franchise disclosure and registration requirements, negotiate franchise and related agreements, address pre-litigation franchise disputes, develop supply chain programs and supplier arrangements, and handle franchise due diligence in mergers and acquisitions.
Rob is also extremely active in franchise legal organizations, including the ABA’s Forum on Franchising, where he has served as an editor, writer and speaker, and the IBA’s International Franchising Committee.
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- Committee Member, IBA International Franchising Committee, 2017-present
- American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising
- American Bar Association Forum on Franchising Member At-Large of the Governing Committee for second three year term through August 2025
- Fran Guard Task Force Member, International Franchise Association
- ABA Forum on Franchising International Division Steering Committee (3-year term ending August 2011)
- Co-Creator, Austin/Central Texas Franchise Business Network, March 2007
- Co-Creator, Haynes and Boone, LLP Restaurant School Program, Fall 2007
- Former Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair and Council Member, Franchise & Distribution Section, Dallas Bar Association
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- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Woodward/White, Inc., Franchise Law, 2008-2026
- Chambers USA, Chambers and Partners, Franchising (Nationwide), Up and Coming, 2012-2014; Band 4, 2015-2023; Band 3, 2024-2026
- Chambers Global, Chambers and Partners, Global Franchising; Band 3, 2011, 2013-2023; Band 4, 2012, 2024, 2025
- Recognized as a 2025 USA Thought Leader by Lexology Index
- Recognized as a Legal Eagle (top franchise lawyers), Franchise Times, Franchise Times Corp., 2019, 2025
- Recognized in Latin Lawyer 250, Law Business Research Ltd., 2016
- International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers, Law Business Research, 2010-2015, 2019-2023; recognized as a Thought Leader for Franchise, 2023.
- Co-Receipt, Purveyor of the Year Award, Outback Steakhouse International, LP, 2007
- Selected for inclusion in Texas Super Lawyers - Rising Stars Edition, Thomson Reuters, 2005, 2008-2012
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- "It is All Mine, But You Can Use it for Now! Key Issues and Options for Data-related Provisions in International Franchise Agreements," speaker, IBA/IFA Joint Conference, May 2023.
- “Annotated Franchise Agreement,” co-author, American Bar Association Book Publishing, 2018.
- "Fundamentals of Franchising – Europe," co-author, American Bar Association Book Publishing, 2017.
- "What Every Texas Attorney Should Know About Franchise Law,” presenter, Ten Minute Mentor video tutorial, Texas Bar CLE/Texas Young Lawyers Association.
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Education
- J.D., St. Mary's University, 1997, cum laude; Who's Who: American Law Students (17th ed.); Corpus Juris Secundum Award in Torts, 1994-1995; Outstanding Staff Writer Award, St. Mary's Law Journal (1995-1996)
- B.A., Trinity University, 1994
Clerkships
Briefing Attorney, Justice Terrie Livingston, Second Court of Appeals, State of Texas;
Intern, The Honorable Edward Prado, United States District Court
Admissions
- Texas
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What kinds of franchise matters do you handle?
I focus exclusively on domestic and international franchise matters. My work includes structuring franchise offerings, advising on disclosure and registration requirements, negotiating franchise and related agreements, addressing pre-litigation disputes, developing supply chain programs, and supporting franchise-related due diligence in mergers and acquisitions.
Who do you represent in your franchise practice?
I work with both established franchisors and startup franchisors. I advise clients on U.S. and cross-border franchise transactions and related operational and transactional issues.
How does your background help restaurant and hospitality clients?
My restaurant and hospitality clients benefit from my prior experience as an in-house franchise and litigation attorney for a large public restaurant franchisor and operator. That background helps me approach franchise counseling with a practical understanding of how these systems operate.
Are you involved in the broader franchise legal community?
Yes. I have been active in the ABA’s Forum on Franchising as an editor, writer and speaker, and I have also served on the IBA’s International Franchising Committee.
Have you contributed to franchise-related publications or thought leadership?
Yes. I co-authored or co-edited franchise-related publications published by the American Bar Association, including Annotated Franchise Agreement and Fundamentals of Franchising – Europe, and I have spoken on franchise law topics through industry and bar association programs.
Haynes Boone Earns Record 15 Lawyer and 6 Practice Rankings in Chambers Global 2026
February 12, 2026