Legal & FDD comparison
Larkin Hoffman vs Lathrop GPM
How Larkin Hoffman and Lathrop GPM compare for wellness franchise operators — side-by-side specs and our verdict on which fits which concept.
Short answer
Two Minneapolis-rooted franchise practices with national reputations, both franchisor-side. Lathrop GPM carries one of the largest dedicated franchise benches in the country — the choice for established and scaling franchisors that want depth across FDD work, registration states, M&A, and litigation under one roof. Larkin Hoffman's franchise group is smaller but highly regarded with emerging franchisors, often at rates that fit a brand still writing its first FDDs. A concept franchising for the first time typically gets partner-level attention and friendlier economics at Larkin Hoffman; a multi-brand or PE-backed platform with registration, relationship-law, and deal work running simultaneously grows into Lathrop GPM's bench. Both know the other well — ask each for emerging-brand references at your stage.
Side-by-side
| Larkin Hoffman | Lathrop GPM | |
|---|---|---|
| Practice focus | Franchisor | Franchisor |
| States active | Nationwide (US) | Nationwide (US) |
| Pricing model | Hourly | Hourly |
| Best for | Emerging franchisors drafting their first FDD | Emerging to established franchisors needing annual FDD updates and multi-state filings |
| Differentiator | Well-established Minneapolis-based franchise and distribution law practice | Midwest-rooted full-service firm with a dedicated franchise and distribution group |
Full profile
Larkin Hoffman
Franchise and distribution law counsel for emerging franchisors.
Full profile
Lathrop GPM
Franchise and distribution law for emerging and established franchisors.
See more options in our roundup of the best legal & fdd for wellness franchises.