Sotos LLP

12 Best Lawyers awards

Sotos LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Franchise Law

Biography

Debi is a Partner at Sotos LLP and recognized as one of Canada’s leading franchise lawyers. With more than 30 years of experience, she advises Canadian and international franchisors across all industries on every aspect of Canadian franchise law, including franchise regulatory compliance and best practices for establishing and maintaining successful franchise systems and relationships.

Debi also advises on managing cross-border transactions, supply and distribution agreements, corporate and commercial law, and mergers & acquisitions.

She is committed to providing sound, practical business advice and timely service. Debi is passionate about making clients feel at ease and helping them understand the details of their transactions, including franchise compliance, best practices for franchise relations, and early dispute resolution.

Debi is an active contributor to the franchise community. She is a long-serving member of the Ontario Bar Association Franchise Law Section, served as co-chair of the 2017 OBA Annual Franchise Law Conference, and is a frequent writer and speaker at industry & professional events on franchise law.

Sotos LLP

12 Best Lawyers awards

Sotos LLP logo

Overview

  • Ontario, Law Society of Ontario, 1986

  • ABA Forum on Franchising - Member
  • Canadian Franchise Association - Member
  • International Franchise Association - Member
  • Ontario Bar Association Franchise Law Section - Executive Member
  • Ontario, Law Society of Ontario, 1986
  • ABA Forum on Franchising - Member
  • Canadian Franchise Association - Member
  • International Franchise Association - Member
  • Ontario Bar Association Franchise Law Section - Executive Member

Client Testimonials

Debi Sutin is a first class franchise lawyer. She knows what to look for and how to protect a client. What most impresses me is that she goes beyond the legalese and actually thinks through the business. Debi has asked questions about business procedures that I couldn't answer, demonstrating areas where I needed to delve deeper, but more importantly, requiring franchisor and franchisee to maintain a dialogue that results in better clarity and understanding BEFORE costly mistakes occur. Debi certainly has my vote.

Tanya Christie (Hand & Stone Massage Spa)

Toronto, ON

It has been a pleasure working with Debi Sutin and her associates at Gowlings Lafleur Henderson. She exhibits a very high level of expertise, professionalism, and responsiveness. Debi often stays in touch to see if she can assist personally and will recommend someone else if the situation requires. Although I am a relatively new (and small) client, the level of service provided by Debi has exceeded my expectations.

Jill Davies (TWISTED shakes)

Toronto ON, ON

Debi Sutin is the top in her field and truly cares about her clients. She is always available day or night Debi is ready to give her utmost attention to our questions or concerns. Our company is privileged to have Debi Sutin as our lawyer.

Jo-Anne Spadafora (Twin Phoenix Corp)

Oakville, ON

Since coming on board as franchise legal advisor to the Tortoise Restaurant Group Inc., Debi Sutin has exhibited a superior knowledge of Franchise Law and it's applications within the Ontario market. She is bright, articulate, and forthright in her dealings with clients and colleagues alike. Her communications skills are clear and concise and she is extremely effective in identifying problems within a set format and resolving same. I would recommend Debi Sutin to anyone seeking to achieve results in a timely fashion.

Peter James Fisher (Tortoise Restaurant Group Inc.)

Burlington, ON

I was pleased to hear that Debi Sutin was selected to be included in the 2008 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada. Debi has been Spotless Dry Cleaners' solicitor for over four years. During this period, Debi's extensive knowledge and expertise in the area of Franchise Law, dedication, and professionalism have well exceeded my expectations. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Debi on this well-deserved honor.

Cathy Commisso (Spotless Dry Cleaners)

Burlington, ON

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2026 for work in:
  • Franchise Law
Awards:
  • Igor Kaplan Memorial Award

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