Michael D. Braunstein

Michael D. Braunstein is a partner at Zarco Einhorn Salkowski PA in Miami, Florida. His practice focuses on Commercial Litigation and Corporate Law, with a significant portion of his work involving franchise-related disputes and complex business litigation. He represents franchisees, area developers, and independent franchisee associations in matters involving hundreds of franchise systems throughout the United States. His clients operate in a wide range of industries, including quick‑service restaurants, pet care, health and wellness, home services, and other consumer-facing businesses.

Mr. Braunstein represents businesses and individuals in complex commercial disputes in state and federal courts nationwide and in domestic and international arbitration proceedings. His work frequently involves breach of contract claims, wrongful termination and nonrenewal disputes, fraud and misrepresentation claims, encroachment and territory disputes, supply chain and vendor conflicts, fiduciary duty claims, and other business tort litigation. He also handles matters requiring immediate judicial attention, including emergency injunction proceedings and other time‑sensitive business disputes. His litigation experience includes obtaining multimillion‑dollar jury verdicts, bench judgments, and arbitration awards on behalf of clients.

In addition to trial work, Mr. Braunstein represents clients in appellate proceedings and is admitted to practice before numerous federal district and appellate courts across the country, including the Supreme Court of the United States. He also advises businesses on corporate matters, business transactions, and strategies intended to reduce the likelihood of future disputes.

Mr. Braunstein frequently writes and speaks on franchise law and commercial litigation topics. He has presented at programs hosted by the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising and the International Franchise Association Legal Symposium. He also serves as an editor of the Franchise Law Journal. His professional recognitions include listings in Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation and Corporate Law, a “Rising Star” designation from Super Lawyers in multiple business and franchise litigation categories, and an AV Preeminent peer review rating from Martindale‑Hubbell for legal ability and ethical standards.

Mr. Braunstein earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Miami and received his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law. He currently teaches Litigation Skills at the University of Miami School of Law and coaches the law school’s Trial Team in national competitions.

Current Employment Position

• Partner, Zarco Einhorn Salkowski PA, Miami, Florida

Practice Areas

• Commercial Litigation
• Corporate Law
• Franchise Law
• Complex Commercial Litigation
• Civil Litigation

Honors & Awards

• Best Lawyers in America – “Ones To Watch” in Commercial Litigation and Corporate Law, since 2023
• “Rising Star” in Franchise/Dealership, Business Litigation, Business/Corporate, and Alternative Dispute Resolution, Super Lawyers, since 2023
• “AV Pre‑Eminent” Rating, Martindale‑Hubbell, peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards, since 2023
• Client Champion – Platinum Distinction, Martindale Hubbell, 2023
• South Florida's Top Lawyers, Miami Herald, 2024
• “Up & Comer” Award – South Florida Business & Wealth Magazine, 2022

Education

• University of Miami School of Law, Miami, Florida
  • J.D., 2017
  • Honors: magna cum laude
  • Honors: Litigation Skills I, Litigation Skills II, and Alternate Dispute Resolution
  • Honors: Excellence Award in Professional Responsibility
  • Honors: Charles C. Papy Moot Court Board, Member
  • Honors: Presidential Advisory Board, Member
  • Honors: Best Oralist
  • Honors: Best Student Casenote Award
  • Honors: Order of Barristers
• University of Miami
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, 2014

Bar Admissions

• Florida
• U.S. Supreme Court
• Supreme Court of Florida
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida
• U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois
• U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan
• U.S. District Court Western District of Pennsylvania
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
• U.S. District Court Middle District of Tennessee
• U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit

Speakerships & Seminars

• Lecturer on Litigation Skills, University of Miami School of Law, since 2026
• Co‑Presenter, Recent Regulatory Guidance, Model Rules, and Pronouncements Impacting Franchising, American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Phoenix, Arizona, 2024
• Speaker, What Is (and Is Not) Good Cause for Termination?, American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Phoenix, Arizona, 2024
• Speaker, Enforcement of System Standards During COVID‑19, International Franchise Association Legal Symposium, Washington, D.C., 2022

Published Works

• Co‑Author, FLJ Currents, Franchise Law Journal, March 2026
• Editor, Franchise Law Journal, since 2025
• Co‑Author, What Is (and Is Not) Good Cause for Termination?, American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Phoenix, Arizona, 2024
• Co‑Author, Enforcement of System Standards During COVID‑19, International Franchise Association Legal Symposium, Washington, D.C., 2022
• Co‑Author, A Crash Course on Interpretation of the “Marketing Plan or System” Element of State Franchise Statutes, Franchise Law Journal, Fall 2022

Giving Back

• Coach/Mentor: University of Miami School of Law, Trial Team and Moot Court Board
• Coach/Mentor: University of Miami, Mock Trial Team
• Pro Bono Legal Work, various confidential matters