Trial-proven franchise and commercial litigation counsel
Jeff Wolf is a commercial litigator who has handled arbitrations, bench trials and jury trials in state and federal courts throughout the United States. With 30-plus years of experience representing clients in a variety of business sectors, he serves as outside general counsel to several Phoenix-based behavioral health care companies and advises on dispute resolution in the areas of:
- Franchise
- Employment
- Health care
- Contract
- Partnership
- Real estate
- Intellectual property
Jeff is a highly effective, detail-oriented and responsive attorney committed to helping clients resolve their disputes as cost efficiently as possible, whether through early settlement, mediation or, if necessary, trial.
Experience in Action
- Representing franchisors in litigation involving a variety of issues, including unpaid or under reported royalties, fraud, liquidated damages, system standards, earnings claims, encroachment, advertising funds, trademark and trade dress infringement, and vicarious liability.
- Advising franchisors on cases requiring the enforcement of restrictive covenants and other post-termination rights.
- Defending franchise and consumer class actions and other system-threatening cases.
Successes
- Acted as lead defense counsel for a Fortune 50 company in an action brought by 14 plaintiffs seeking a multi-million-dollar award of damages based on claims for breach of contract, fraud and violations of the Robinson-Patman Act.
- Defended a 900-unit franchise system in an arbitration proceeding brought by a former software developer arising from the termination of a software license agreement. The plaintiff sought in excess of $50 million in damages. Obtained a defense verdict after a two-week hearing.
- Defended one of the world's most recognized fitness chains in a nationwide class action alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Plaintiffs sought to certify a nationwide class purportedly consisting of thousands of consumers. Trial court granted Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss.
- Acted as lead counsel for a publicly-traded, Arizona-based franchisor in the defense of a collective arbitration proceeding filed by a group of 18 franchisees alleging termination-related claims for breach of contract, fraud, breach of the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing, and statutory violations.
- Served as regional litigation counsel for the world’s largest guest lodging and real estate franchisor and its numerous subsidiaries in matters arising from franchisee disputes.
- Defended a major international credit card issuer against a publicly-traded corporation seeking $20 million in damages for claims alleging aiding and abetting fraud and conversion. Obtained a dismissal of the plaintiff’s claims.
Capabilities
- Franchise and Distribution
- Class Action Defense
- Health & Life Sciences
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Labor, Employment & Benefits
- Financial Institutions Litigation
- Sports, Entertainment and Media Industry
- Franchise, Distribution & Direct Sales
- Intellectual Property Litigation
- Provider and Physician Groups
Professional Recognitions
- Best Lawyers in America ® Phoenix Franchise Law "Lawyer of the Year," 2017, 2020, 2023
- Best Lawyers in America®, Franchise Law, 2007–2023
- Southwest Super Lawyers®, Franchise/Dealership Law, 2007-present
- Top 50: Southwest Super Lawyer Attorneys, 2012, 2013
- Who’s Who Legal: Franchise, 2011-2022
- Franchise Times, Legal Eagle, 2004-present
- Franchise Times Hall of Fame, 2013
- Who’s Who in Law, Phoenix Business Journal, 2006
- Arizona’s Finest Lawyers, 2011
- Lexology Client Choice Award, Arizona: Litigation, 2015
- Arizona’s Top Lawyers, AZ Business Magazine, Commercial Litigation, 2014
Professional & Civic Activities
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix Board (Board of Directors)
- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (Member, Advisory Board)
- Maricopa County Bar Association (Member)
- State Bar of Arizona (Member: Litigation and Labor and Employment Sections)
- American Bar Association (Member: Forum on Franchising)
- International Franchise Association (Member: Council of Franchise Suppliers)
- Terros, Inc. (Board of Directors, 1998–2010)
- Maricopa County Bar Foundation (Board of Trustees, 2004–2006)
- Jewish National Fund (Board of Directors, 2004–2006)
News & Insights
Education
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (J.D., 1986)
- University of Hartford (B.A., cum laude, 1982)
Bar Admissions
- Arizona
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
- U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
- U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of California