Franchise Law
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2026 edition in Philadelphia.
Harris J. Chernow
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006 
Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Harris Chernow, Partner in Reger Rizzo & Darnall's Philadelphia Office and Chair of the Firm's National Franchise & Distribution and Hospitality Practice Groups, has concentrated his practice on franchise, hotel, and business-related matters. Harris has developed his national franchise and hospitality practice by representing franchisors, franchisees, owners, brands, and distributors from coast to coast. He dedicates his practice to providing competent and effective counseling and guidance to clients involved in transactions and dispute resolution matters with a specific focus on franchise, hospitality, mergers and acquisitions, general corporate structuring, and leasing and real estate development. Representing both established leaders and start-ups, Harris's clients are involved in numerous industry sectors. Harris's reputation has established him as a highly sought after Mediator for franchise, hospitality, and general business disputes, He is known for his strong ability for bringing parties together to reach an amicable resolution. He is also frequently asked to serve as an independent Arbitrator.
Overview
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Temple University, J.D., graduated 1988
- Temple University, BBA, graduated 1985
- United States, U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals
- New Jersey, U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
- Pennsylvania, U.S. District Court, District of Pennsylvania
- ABA Forum on Franchising - Past Program Chair for 30th Annual Forum on Franchising; Served on Governing Committee from the ABA Forum; Former Chair of the Forum’s Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee and Forum’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Division
- American Association of Franchisees and Dealers - Past Chair of the Legal Education Subcommittee; Speaker at Annual Conventions and Forums
- American Franchisee Association - Speaker at Legal Symposia
- Center for Public Resources Institute for Dispute Resolution - Distinguished Franchise Panel Neutral; Franchise Mediation Committee Member
- Georgetown Law School - Hotel & Lodging Summit Advisory & Planning Committee Member
- International Franchise Association - Vice-Chair of the Legal Symposium Task Force; Speaker
- Montgomery County Bar Association - Served as Co-Chair and Vice Chair of the Franchise Law Committee; Past Chair of the Franchise Law Committee
- National Franchise Mediation Program - Steering Committee Member
- New Jersey State Bar Association - Franchise Law Committee Member
- Pennsylvania Bar Association - Franchise and Business Sections Member
- Philadelphia Bar Association - Chair, Business Law Section; Co-Chair, Franchise Law Committee; Vice Chair, Mid-Size Firm Committee
- Temple University Athletic Fundraising - President of Board, Executive Committee and Board Member
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- United States, U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals
- New Jersey, U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
- Pennsylvania, U.S. District Court, District of Pennsylvania
- ABA Forum on Franchising - Past Program Chair for 30th Annual Forum on Franchising; Served on Governing Committee from the ABA Forum; Former Chair of the Forum’s Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee and Forum’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Division
- American Association of Franchisees and Dealers - Past Chair of the Legal Education Subcommittee; Speaker at Annual Conventions and Forums
- American Franchisee Association - Speaker at Legal Symposia
- Center for Public Resources Institute for Dispute Resolution - Distinguished Franchise Panel Neutral; Franchise Mediation Committee Member
- Georgetown Law School - Hotel & Lodging Summit Advisory & Planning Committee Member
- International Franchise Association - Vice-Chair of the Legal Symposium Task Force; Speaker
- Montgomery County Bar Association - Served as Co-Chair and Vice Chair of the Franchise Law Committee; Past Chair of the Franchise Law Committee
- National Franchise Mediation Program - Steering Committee Member
- New Jersey State Bar Association - Franchise Law Committee Member
- Pennsylvania Bar Association - Franchise and Business Sections Member
- Philadelphia Bar Association - Chair, Business Law Section; Co-Chair, Franchise Law Committee; Vice Chair, Mid-Size Firm Committee
- Temple University Athletic Fundraising - President of Board, Executive Committee and Board Member
- Temple University, J.D., graduated 1988
- Temple University, BBA, graduated 1985
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Franchise Law, Philadelphia (2026)
- Franchise Law, Philadelphia (2024)
- Franchise Law, Philadelphia (2019)
- Franchise Law, Philadelphia (2017)
- Franchise Law, Philadelphia (2014)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Franchise Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Leisure and Hospitality Law
- Mediation
Awards:
- Included in the Franchise Times list of Legal Eagles
- Included in the list of Franchise Super Lawyers and Top 100 Attorneys by Franchise Times
- Selected as one of only three franchise lawyers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and one of only 169 internationally, to be included in the list of International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers
- Received the Member of the Year award from the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers
- Included in the list of The Best Lawyers in America® in the area of Franchise Law
- Included in the list of 50 on the Fast Track by the Pennsylvania Law Weekly
- Included in the list of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers by Philadelphia Magazine
- Rated as an AV Preeminent® attorney by Martindale-Hubbell
- Recipient of the Temple University F. Eugene Dixon Jr. Inspiration Award
Included in the list of 2017 Franchise Legal Players by 1851 Magazine
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