IFA Foundation Announces Philip Zeidman Franchising Internship Program

DLA Piper-Supported Internship Program Named in Honor of Franchise Law Pioneer Philip Zeidman Will Support the Next Generation of Franchise Leaders

WASHINGTON DC, March 15, 2023 – The International Franchise Association (IFA) and the IFA Foundation, with support from a generous donation by DLA Piper, have created the Philip Zeidman Franchising Internship Program and Fund, an endowment to support and educate the next generation of leaders in international franchising.

The internship program, established to continue Zeidman’s legacy of service and support for the global franchising community, will provide direct financial assistance to summer IFA interns who major in business, finance, marketing, hospitality, franchising, entrepreneurship, or law. Students selected for the competitive internship will support the IFA’s mission to protect, enhance, and promote franchising, while learning about franchise best practices and opportunities in franchise law.

“Philip Zeidman is known across franchising for his willingness to invest his time and talent to grow others,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the IFA. “It is only fitting that upon Phil’s retirement, we, along with DLA Piper, would recognize his lifetime of contribution by creating this endowment in his name. Phil has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the business model, and this program is yet another way his legacy will be felt for generations to come.”

“Phil’s contributions to franchising over the years are well known, both within the industry and DLA Piper, and the franchise lawyers within the firm are thrilled to play an active role in supporting this endowment,” said Rich Greenstein, chair of DLA Piper’s Global Franchise and Distribution Practice. “We look forward to the impact it will make for future generations, which is fitting given Phil’s championing of young leaders over the years.”[YG1] 

Zeidman began his career as the youngest chief legal officer of any government agency when he was appointed general counsel for the U.S Small Business Association (SBA), where he helped develop programs that connected franchise owners with SBA loans, delivering access to capital for franchise entrepreneurs. After crossing paths with the IFA during his time at the SBA, Zeidman opened his own law firm where the IFA became his first client. He later joined DLA Piper and worked tirelessly in support of franchising, advising U.S. and foreign companies, trade associations and governments on franchise law. He was previously recognized with the International Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

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About the International Franchise Association:

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 790,492 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.4 million direct jobs, $825.4 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

About the IFA Foundation:

Founded in 1983 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the IFA Foundation has been at the forefront of serving the franchising community and supporting the mission of the International Franchise Association. Through the production of timely research, the establishment of an industry-leading certification program and by acting as a bridge between franchising and diverse communities, the Foundation helps to shape the future of franchising. We provide the franchising community and their advocates with the tools and knowledge to promote and protect the franchise business model, while ensuring that it remains inclusive, diverse and a force for good in communities around the country and the world.

About DLA Piper:

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, positioning us to help clients with their legal needs around the world. In certain jurisdictions, this information may be considered attorney advertising. dlapiper.com

Contact

Press Contact

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Katherine Knight Patterson

Email:

kpatterson@franchise.org

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