Legal & FDD comparison
Cheng Cohen vs Plave Koch
How Cheng Cohen and Plave Koch compare for wellness franchise operators — side-by-side specs and our verdict on which fits which concept.
Short answer
Two franchise-focused boutiques rather than general firms with a franchise practice, which is the distinction that matters most when choosing FDD counsel. Both are staffed by attorneys who work on franchise matters full time, and both are well known in franchisor-side work — FDD drafting, registration-state filings, and system-wide agreement structures. A general corporate firm will bill you to learn what these firms already know. Choose between them on the specifics rather than the brand: ask each for experience with your concept type, current registration-state filing capacity, and a fee structure quoted per document rather than open-ended hourly. For a franchisee buying a single unit, both are heavier than the situation requires — you want a franchise attorney for an FDD review, not a firm that builds franchise systems.
Side-by-side
| Cheng Cohen | Plave Koch | |
|---|---|---|
| Practice focus | Both | Franchisor |
| States active | Nationwide (US) | Nationwide (US) |
| Pricing model | Hourly, boutique rates | Hourly, boutique rates |
| Best for | Emerging franchisors and franchisees wanting boutique franchise-law focus | First-time franchisors wanting direct senior-attorney access plus trademark counsel |
| Differentiator | Chicago boutique firm focused exclusively on franchise and distribution law | Boutique firm pairing franchise law with dedicated trademark/brand protection counsel |
Full profile
Cheng Cohen
Chicago-based franchise law firm for franchisors and franchisees.
Full profile
Plave Koch
Boutique franchise and trademark law firm outside Washington, D.C.
See more options in our roundup of the best legal & fdd for wellness franchises.