Stephanie J. Blumstein is a partner at A.Y. Strauss and Chair of the firm’s Franchise Group.

Stephanie represents clients in multiple business sectors, and provides counsel to prospective franchisees, veteran franchise operators, and franchisors on a wide range of issues both in and out of court. Her franchise litigation experience includes matters involving breach of contract, unfair and deceptive trade practices, trademark and trade name infringement, fraud claims and business competition torts. As part of her practice, Stephanie advises clients through the franchise purchase process, including the review of franchise disclosure documents, the negotiation of franchise and area development agreements, lease negotiations, and sales and transfers. She also works with existing franchisees and franchisors to address issues that arise during the franchise relationship.

Stephanie has extensive experience representing clients in franchise and commercial litigation matters before state and federal courts across the country, as well as before arbitration tribunals, in alternative dispute resolution forums, and in private mediations. Clients look to Stephanie for effective, timely legal solutions in an ever-changing business landscape.

Stephanie was recognized in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in the practice area of franchise law and has been named to the annual “Legal Eagles” list of the best lawyers in the franchise industry by Franchise Times magazine since 2020. An authority in the sector, Stephanie is a frequent speaker on issues facing U.S. based franchisees and a contributor to various franchise-focused publications on matters involving franchise ownership and franchise-related commercial litigation. She is also an active member of several state and national franchise law groups.

Honors and Awards

• Recognized in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for franchise law
• Named to the annual “Legal Eagles” list by Franchise Times magazine since 2020

In The Media 

• “Do Not Count It Out; The Implied Covenant Of Good Faith And Fair Dealing Is Alive And Well,” Author, The Franchise Lawyer, Vol. 23, No. 2 (Spring 2020)

Speaking Engagements and Presentations 

• “Eureka or Gotcha Moment? Reliance, Materiality, and Loss Causation: Analysis of Key Elements of Franchisee Claims for Franchise Disclosure,” Co-Presenter/Co-Author, American Bar Association, 44th Annual Forum on Franchising, Atlanta, GA (October 2021)
• “Franchise Litigation Basics,” Co-Presenter/Co-Author, International Franchise Association, 53rd Annual Legal Symposium, Washington, D.C. (May 2021)
• “A Franchisee’s Guide to Reading and Using the FDD,” Co-Presenter, Franchise Expo West, Long Beach, CA (December 2019)
• “Franchise Litigation Basics,” Co-Presenter/Co-Author, International Franchise Association, 50th Annual Legal Symposium, Washington, D.C. (May 2017)

Professional Activities 

• American Bar Association
  • Solo and Small Firm Committee (2022-2025 term)
  • Program Committee (2020-2022 term)
  • Member, Forum on Franchising
• New York State Bar Association
  • Franchise, Distribution and Licensing Law Committee
  • Member, Business Law Section
  • Member, Women in Law Section
• New York City Bar Association
• International Franchise Association
• Women’s Franchise Network, New York/New Jersey Chapter