Since 1995, Harris J. Chernow has worked within the Franchise Law practice area, garnering nearly 30 years of experience by representing franchisors, franchisees and distributors nationwide. Chernow, who specializes in franchise transactions and dispute resolution matters, has represented both leaders and fresh faces in the franchising and retail distribution space.
Currently a partner at Reger Rizzo & Darnall’s Philadelphia Office, Chernow also serves as Chair of the Firm's National Franchise & Distribution Practice Group. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2006 for Franchise Law, Chernow is currently being honored as “Lawyer of the Year” for the same practice area in Philadelphia for 2024, having received the award three previous times.
Of his legal career and recent recognition, Chernow stated: “I am honored and humbled to receive this acknowledgment from my peers and Best Lawyers. I would like to think that my professionalism, work ethic and determination, along with my franchise, corporate and dispute resolution background, were contributing factors for receiving this recognition. I am very grateful and fortunate to do work I like, and which I believe makes a positive impact for my clients and colleagues. In franchise law, no two transactions or cases are identical, and often, my clients require creatively crafted legal work, which makes my practice interesting every single day. The ‘challenge’ is what I enjoy, and watching my clients achieve their goals makes navigating the unusual twists and turns worth it.
“One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is being able to help a client map out a plan for a successful business and watch them grow that business and achieve their dreams. I have clients who start as a single-unit owner and, over time, grow their business to multi-unit ownership, which they then sell or transition to other family members. Being part of their journey is extremely rewarding. I am also fortunate to work with a diverse group of individuals and businesses from all backgrounds and industries. Learning from my clients about their businesses, culture, drive and work ethic is a true inspiration.”
In addition to working as partner at Reger Rizzo & Darnall, Chernow also dedicates his time to serving as Lead Counsel to the Temple University Alumni Association, his alma mater.
“A great attorney is not necessarily the smartest person in the room, but the one who can listen and see through to the real issues. A great attorney is sharp, professional and acts with honesty and integrity above all else. A great attorney works relentlessly for the benefit of each client and is willing to have brutally honest and sometimes very uncomfortable conversations about the achievability of a goal or case. I am very lucky to be doing work I like. I get to turn people’s dreams into reality. But perhaps more important than a specific work highlight to share, is my work mentoring the next generation of attorneys,” concluded Chernow.
