Partner in the Canada/U.S. law firm Dickinson Wright LLP and Co-Chair of its Franchise and Distribution Law Group. Ned provides legal services to Canadian and international clients on all aspects of Canadian franchise, licensing and distribution law and has represented some of the world’s foremost franchises. He is recognized in Who’s Who Legal, The Best Lawyers in Canada and Chambers & Partners as one of Canada’s leading authorities in franchising and distribution law. Ned is a noted lecturer and a prolific writer, having published numerous books, papers and articles on franchise and distribution law, including the leading text Canadian Franchise Legislation (2001, LexisNexis). He received the Canadian Franchise Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2010) and was General Counsel to the Canadian Franchise Association from 2000 to 2007. Ned is a member of the International Franchise Association, where he sits on its International Committee, and is also a member of the Canadian Franchise Association, the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising and the International Bar Association. Certified Franchise Executive since 2010. Called to the Ontario Bar (1975). In Ned’s over 4 decades practicing franchise law in Canada, he has experienced virtually ever aspect of franchising, not just as an attorney, but also as an investor and as a broker. He has been instrumental in bringing several concepts into Canada from the U.S., Australia and Europe and expanding Canadian franchise systems internationally.