Commercial Litigation Franchise Law
Robert Zarco
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006 View Robert Zarco on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@zarcolaw2 View Robert Zarco on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/zarcolaw/ View Robert Zarco on Blog Website at https://www.facebook.com/zarcolaw/ View Robert Zarco on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/zarcolaw/ View Robert Zarco on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/zarco-einhorn-salkowski-law View Robert Zarco on X at https://x.com/zarcolaw
View Robert Zarco on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@zarcolaw2 View Robert Zarco on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/zarcolaw/ View Robert Zarco on Blog Website at https://www.facebook.com/zarcolaw/ View Robert Zarco on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/zarcolaw/ View Robert Zarco on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/zarco-einhorn-salkowski-law View Robert Zarco on X at https://x.com/zarcolaw
Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Robert Zarco
Founder and Managing Partner, Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.
Robert Zarco is the Founder and Managing Partner of Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., a Miami, Florida-based law firm representing franchisees, business owners, and associations in complex disputes across the United States and internationally. For nearly four decades, Mr. Zarco has focused his practice on Franchise Law and Commercial Litigation, advising and representing clients in litigation, arbitration, mediation, and business-related disputes involving franchise systems, dealerships, distributors, and other commercial relationships.
Throughout his career, Mr. Zarco has represented multi-unit operators, franchisee associations, dealerships, distributors, licensors, and independent business owners in high-value commercial disputes and negotiations. His work often involves matters such as franchise terminations and non-renewals, encroachment and territory disputes, fraud and disclosure issues, restrictive covenant and non-compete litigation, supply chain conflicts, fiduciary duty claims, and other disputes affecting franchise and distribution systems. Through the firm’s Franchise, Dealership, Distribution & Licensing Practice, he and his team regularly handle franchise litigation and related commercial litigation matters throughout the country.
Mr. Zarco has received numerous professional recognitions throughout his legal career. He has been included in Best Lawyers in America for Franchise Law and Commercial Litigation and has been selected to Super Lawyers since 2006. He was also recognized by Best Lawyers as “Lawyer of the Year” in Franchise Law in 2020. In 2021, the American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD) presented him with its Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his longstanding work involving franchisee advocacy and fair franchising practices. He has also been inducted into the “Legal Eagle Hall of Fame” by Franchise Times and has received an AV Preeminent peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Under Mr. Zarco’s leadership, Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. represents franchisees, multi-unit operators, and franchisee associations connected to hundreds of brands across more than 40 states and multiple countries. The firm handles matters involving franchise agreements, commercial litigation, dispute resolution, and business conflicts that impact business operations, franchise relationships, and long-term growth for clients. The firm’s work extends throughout its Areas Served across the United States and internationally.
In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Zarco frequently speaks at industry conferences and legal forums on topics involving franchise law, franchisee rights, dealership and distribution law, private equity’s role in franchising, and complex commercial litigation. He has served as a speaker or panelist at events hosted by organizations such as the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, the International Franchise Association Legal Symposium, the American Association of Franchisees & Dealers Franchisee Leadership Summit, and the Coalition of Franchisee Associations.
Mr. Zarco earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard University. Early in his career he worked as a financial analyst at General Motors in New York while also attending MBA courses at Pace University’s Graduate School of Business. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law.
He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Supreme Court of Florida, multiple U.S. District Courts including those in Florida, Colorado, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and New York, and several U.S. Courts of Appeals.
Fluent in Spanish, Mr. Zarco was born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1961. His background and early entrepreneurial experiences continue to influence his work with business owners and franchise operators. Outside of his legal practice, he supports a variety of charitable, healthcare, and educational organizations and has served in leadership and advisory roles within community institutions in South Florida.
Education
- University of Miami School of Law, Coral Gables, Florida
- J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence - 1985
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- B.A., Bachelor of Arts
- Major: Economics
Bar and Court Admissions
- Florida
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Supreme Court of Florida
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court District of Arizona
- U.S. District Court District of Colorado
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
Practice Areas
- Franchise Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Complex Business & Commercial Law
- Business Litigation & Disputes
- Appeals, Arbitration & Mediation
- Real Estate & Insurance Disputes Resolution and Litigation
- Intellectual Property Disputes Resolution & Litigation
- Employment Law Disputes Resolution & Litigation
Honors & Awards
- Fellow and Order of the Centurions, Trial Lawyers Honorary Society, Litigation Counsel of America (LCA), Since 2021
- Lifetime Achievement Award in Total Quality Franchising by the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD)
- Lawyer of the Year, Franchise Law – Best Lawyers, 2020
- Best Lawyers in America – Franchise Law and Commercial Litigation, Since 2013
- AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell/LexisNexis, Since 1995
- Chambers USA Top National Ranking in Franchising (Mainly Franchisee)
- Super Lawyers, Franchise/Dealership and Business Litigation, Florida, 2006 to present
- Legal Eagles Hall of Fame – Franchise Times
- Legal Eagles – Franchise Litigation, Franchise Times
- Top Dealmakers of the Year, Real Estate Development – Daily Business Review
- Franchise Advocate of the Year SWAG Award – Ask April Porter
- Top 1% of America’s Most Honored Lawyers – The American Registry
- Top Lawyer, Franchisees & Automotive Dealerships – South Florida Legal Guide
- Florida’s Legal Elite – Florida Trend
- Haute Living Magazine’s Haute 100 List of Influential Names in Miami
- Men of Influence – Lifestyle Magazine
- Who’s Who Legal Recognition in Franchise Law
- South Florida’s Top Lawyers – Miami Herald
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Overview
- English
- Spanish
- Pace University, Masters in Business
- University of Miami School of Law, J.D. in Law, graduated 1985
- Harvard University, B.A. in Economics, graduated 1980
- Florida, Florida
- American Bar Association (ABA) - Member
- American Bar Association Forum on Franchising - Member
- Litigation Counsel of America (LCA) Trial Lawyers Honorary Society - Members
- Fellow and Trial Law Institute Member Diversity Law Institute - Member
- Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) - Member
- American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) - Member
- International Franchise Association (IFA) - Member
- Florida Justice Association - Member
- Federal Bar Association - Member
- Federal Trial Bar Association - Member
- Dade Country Trial Lawyers Association - Member
- Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) - Member
- Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers - Member
- Dade County Bar Association - Member
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Supreme Court of Florida
- U.S. District Court District of Arizona
- U.S. District Court District of Colorado
- 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 Northern District of Indiana
- U.S. District Court District of Maryland
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court Western District of New York
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
- English
- Spanish
- Florida, Florida
- American Bar Association (ABA) - Member
- American Bar Association Forum on Franchising - Member
- Litigation Counsel of America (LCA) Trial Lawyers Honorary Society - Members
- Fellow and Trial Law Institute Member Diversity Law Institute - Member
- Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) - Member
- American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) - Member
- International Franchise Association (IFA) - Member
- Florida Justice Association - Member
- Federal Bar Association - Member
- Federal Trial Bar Association - Member
- Dade Country Trial Lawyers Association - Member
- Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) - Member
- Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers - Member
- Dade County Bar Association - Member
- Pace University, Masters in Business
- University of Miami School of Law, J.D. in Law, graduated 1985
- Harvard University, B.A. in Economics, graduated 1980
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Supreme Court of Florida
- U.S. District Court District of Arizona
- U.S. District Court District of Colorado
- 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 Northern District of Indiana
- U.S. District Court District of Maryland
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court Western District of New York
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Franchise Law, Miami (2020)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Commercial Litigation
- Franchise Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Litigation - Construction
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
- Litigation - Intellectual Property
- Corporate Law
- Litigation - Real Estate
Special Focus:
- Franchise
- Litigation
Awards:
- Fellow and Order of the Centurions, Litigation Counsel of America (LCA) Trial Lawyers Honorary Society, Since 2021
- Lifetime Achievement Award in Total Quality Franchising by the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) awarded 2021
- Lawyer of the Year; by Best Lawyer's, Franchise Law, 2020
- Best Lawyers of America – Franchise Law and Commercial Litigation, Since 2013
- Top 50 Bench Awards in the USA, Therapies 4 Kids Inc. v. Santoro, et al., Top Verdicts, USA, 2023
- “AV” Preeminent Peer Rating, Martindale-Hubbell/LexisNexis, Since 1995
- Chambers USA National Ranking in Franchising (mainly Franchisee)
- Super Lawyers, Franchise/Dealership and Business Litigation, Florida, 2006 to the present
- Legal Eagles Hall of Fame – Franchise Times, Since 2015
- Legal Eagles – Franchise Litigation, Franchise Times, Since 2008
- “Top Dealmakers of the Year”, Real Estate Development – Daily Business Review, 2013 (Four Seasons Surf Club)
- ‘Franchise Advocate of the Year’ SWAG™ Award - Ask April Porter, 2023
- 'Top Franchise Legal Players' by 1851 Franchise, 2025
- “Top 1% of America’s Most Honored Lawyers” - The American Registry
- “Top Lawyer” Franchisees & Automotive Dealerships, South Florida Legal Guide
- “Florida’s Legal Elite” - Florida Trend Magazine’s
- “Bar Register’s Highest Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards”, Lexis Nexis
- South Florida’s Top Lawyers - Miami Herald
- Top Attorneys - Best in Class, Franchise Times
- Top Attorneys in Florida – “Franchise/Dealership Law”
- Haute Living Magazine’s Haute 100 List of Most Influential Names in Miami
- Haute Lawyer- Franchise Law, Commercial Litigation & Trial Lawyer
- “Men of Influence” – Lifestyle Magazine, 2022
- Biggest Restaurant Newsmakers – Restaurant Business Online, 2018
- “High- Flying Franchise Attorneys”, Franchise Times Magazine
- “Top Franchise Attorneys’ – Top Legal Minds in the Business”, Franchise Times
- Power Player, South Florida Business Leader Magazine
- “Top Lawyers in Franchise” - South Florida Legal Guide, Since 2009
- Key Partners Award - South Florida Business Journal Magazine
- The International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers, Since 2011
- National Register’s Who’s Who in Executives & Professionals
- “South Florida’s Top Lawyers”, Miami Metro Magazine
News & Media
Additional Information
- Pro-Bono Activities
Pro-Bono Activities
- City of Miami Beach Budget Advisory Committee
- Several committees for Greater Miami Jewish Federation
- Board of Directors of Temple Menorah
- Affiliate of American Franchisee Association
- Member of Beacon Council
- Delegate to White House Conference on Small Businesses
- University of Maryland Board of Trustees
- Jackson Memorial Hospital/Public Health Trust Governing Board of Trustees
- Published Works
Published Works
- Tips for the Franchisee in Pursuit of the American Dream
- Know Your Legal Rights
- Practical Aspects of Franchisee Representation Alternative Dispute Resolution: Which Method is Best for Your Client (Co-Author)
- The Sounds of Silence in the Franchise Agreement, co-author with Lawrence V. Ashe, Franchise Law Journal, vol. 19, no. 1, American Bar Association
- Fairness and Good Faith and McDonald's Remodeling Requirements, Consortium Members Inc. Equity Forum, A Publication for McDonald's Franchisees, 2000
- Speakerships & Seminars
Speakerships & Seminars
- October 2025: "Navigating New Franchise Agreement Provisions in a Competitive Marketplace," AAFD’s 2025 Franchisee Leadership Summit and Annual Conference, Washington D.C.
- May 2025: "The Importance of Due Diligence When Buying a Franchise,” International Franchise Association (IFA) World Franchise Show, Miami Beach, FL
- March 2025: Prevalent Issues & Disputes Between Franchisors & Franchisees, Independent Association of Home Instead Franchisees (IAOHIF), Denver, CO
- May 2024: “The Impact of Private Equity on Your Franchise Relationship, ” AAFD’s 2024 Franchisee Leadership Summit and Annual Conference, St. Louis, MO
- April 2024: “The Impact Private Equity Has On The Franchisor/Franchisee Relationship,” Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) Day Forum & Legal Symposium, Washington D. C.
- 2023, CFA DAY Forum, Panelist sharing his legal opinions on the Federal Trade Commission’s recent Request for Information about franchising, Wash. DC.
- 2023, Keynote Speaker at the SWAG Conference, “From Cuba to Court: How an Immigrant Created a Life of Sanity, Wealth & Gratitude,” St. Louis, MO.
- 2022, AAFD’s 30th Anniversary Franchisee Leadership Summit and Conference, Keynote Speaker “It’s Our Time”, Mesa, AZ.
- 2022, CFA Membership Webinar on ‘Encroachment and Cannibalization in Franchising.’
- 2021, AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit, Speaker and Awarded the AAFD “Total Quality Franchising Award for Lifetime Achievement,” Virtual.
- 2019, Panelist Speaker, CFA Legal Symposium, “How to handle Encroachment issues”, Las Vegas, NV.
- 2019, AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit “When Private Equity Buys Your Franchise System” and lead a Panel Discussion on “Protecting Franchisee Goodwill”, Mesa, AZ.
- 2019, Speaker, “Jack in the Box” National Franchisee Association Convention, Scottsdale, AZ.
- 2017, February 24. “Alternative Fee Arrangements”, Inaugural Corporate Counsel Summit, Coral Gables, FL.
- 2017, CFA Day Forum, “Franchisor Control – The Impact on Joint Employer Liability and Vicarious Liability,” Washington D.C.
- 2017, 25th Annual AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit and Conference “Threat of NLRB to Joint Employer Doctrine,” Indian Wells, CA.
- 2016, November 10. “Where to Draw the Line – Is your Franchise Agreement an Unconscionable, Illusory Contract?”, 39th Annual ABA Forum on Franchising, Miami Beach, FL
- 2016, May 4. “NLRB Decision: Joint Employer”, 7-Eleven Franchisee National Coalition Conference, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
- 2015, December 14. “Launching into the World”, Florida International University Commencement Ceremony, Miami FL.
- 2015, October 8-11. “Legal implications of the recent National Labor Relations Board decision on franchisors, franchisees and franchising in general”, 56th Annual HADA convention, Maui, HI
- 2015, September 21-22. “Joint- Employer: What it really Means for You and Franchisors”, 2015 DDIFO National Conference, Las Vegas, NV
- 2015, February 26. “Affordable Care Act – The Employer Mandate in Summary”, DDIFO District Member Meeting, Orlando, FL
- 2014, Florida International University Graduation Commencement Speaker.
- 2014, October 15-17. “The 7 Most Significant Franchise Cases of all Time”, 37th Annual ABA Forum on Franchising, Seattle, WA
- 2014, October 9-12. “Hawaii’s Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Act” , 55th Annual HADA Convention, Wailea, HI
- 2013, May: “A Seat at the Table-The Case for Franchisee Advisory Councils,” International Franchise Association (IFA), 46th Annual Legal Symposium, Washington, D.C
- 2013, May 5-9. “Alternatives to Default: Managing Underperforming Franchisees”, 46th Annual IFA Legal Symposium
- 2010, November. Lecture: University of Maryland
- 2009, October. “Franchise Litigation”, ABA Forum on Franchising, Toronto, ON, Canada
- 2009, May 30-31. “Tips for Franchisees in Pursuit of the American Dream”, Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- 2009, June. “Tips for the Franchisee In Pursuit of the American Dream”
- 2009, March. “Guest satisfaction Still First Priority for hospitality Industry in Weathering Challenging Economic Times”
- 2009, February. “Creative Strategies for Franchise Businesses to Navigate Challenging Economic Times”
- 2006, October 11-13. “The Practical Considerations on Litigation Franchise Disputes” ABA 29th Annual Forum on Franchising, Boston, MA
- 2006, February 9-12. “Investing in a Hotel Franchise”, National Society of Minorities in Hospitality, Dallas, TX
- 2005, March 24-25. “Maximizing your Franchise Agreement”, 2005 AAHOA Annual Convention & Trade Show, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- 2004, November 5. “Understanding the UFOC and Franchise Laws”, Hampton Roads Franchise Roads Expo 2004, Hampton, VA
- 2004, September 8. “Getting the Most of the Franchisor/Franchisee Relationships”, Tennessee Hospitality Alliance Exposition with Tennessee Restaurant Association, Nashville, TN
- 2004, August 6. “Benefits of a Franchise Association & Medicine Shoppe Franchise”, Pharmacy Franchise Owner Association, Anaheim, CA
- 2004, January 22. “Hospitality Franchising Issues”, Conrad N. Hilton College, University of Houston, Houston, TX
- 2003, September 22. “Lawsuit Trends and Thoughts on Avoiding Litigation”, Multi-Unit Food Service Operators Conference, Atlanta, GA
- 2003, June 12. Nova’s Fast Track MBA Training in Franchise Management – International Institute of Franchise Education, H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business & Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL
- 2003, June 3. “Franchising Today UFOC Night”, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s “Franchise Today”, Orientation Seminar, New York, NY
- 2003, April 9. “Franchising Today UFOC Night”, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s “Franchising Today”, Orientation Seminar, Orlando, FL
- 2003, January 22. "Franchise Relationship Laws in US Territories", U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's "Franchising Today" Orientation Seminar, Caguas, Puerto Rico.
- 2003, January 17. "The Ten Most Dangerous Provisions in a Franchise Agreement", Florida Bar Franchise Seminar, Miami, FL.
- 2002, October 30. “Financial Management of a Franchised Business and The Role of the CPA”, The Cuban American CPA Association, Miami, FL
- 2002, October 19. “Franchising Today: Exploring New Markets & New Opportunities”, The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles, CA
- 2002, October 6. “The 10 Most Dangerous Contract Clauses in The Hardee’s Franchise Agreement”, The Hardee’s Convention, Miami, FL
- 2000, April. “The Top Ten Issues Facing Hotel Counsel”
- 2000, Convention. Fairness and Good Faith and McDonald’s Remodeling Requirements.
- 2000, April. Alternatives in Resolving Franchisor– Franchisee Disputes— Part One: The Mediation Option
- 2000, March. “Liquidated Damages Clauses – Do You Always Have to Pay?”
- 2000, February. The American with Disabilities Act–An Overview for Franchisees in the Lodging Sector
- 2000, January. Premises Liability– Is the Franchisor or Franchisee Responsible When a Guest is Injured on Hotel Property
- 1999, December. To Pay or Not to Pay…(Royalties)…That is the Question.
- 1999, November. Part II of the Most Potentially Dangerous Contract Clauses in Your Franchise Agreement
- 1999, September. Ten of the Most Dangerous Contract Clauses Which May Be in Your Franchise Agreement
- Know Your Legal Rights.
- Practical Aspects of Franchisee Representation Alternative Dispute Resolution: Which Method is Best for Your Client
- The Sounds of Silence in the Franchise Agreement, co-author with Lawrence V. Ashe, Franchise Law Journal, vol. 19, no. 1, American Bar Association
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