Michael J. Ackerman is one of the founding partners of Paris Ackerman LLP and concentrates his practice on complex multi-unit franchise transactions and franchise financing. Michael represents small and large multi-unit franchisee operators in the acquisition and disposition of franchise networks and real estate properties. In addition, Michael handles all aspects of franchise financing in connection with acquisitions, debt restructuring, mezzanine funding and remodels imposed by franchisors.
Michael’s services include preparing purchase and sale agreements for franchise networks or real estate, negotiating and drafting of commercial leases, and reviewing and revising commercial loan documents. Once the contract phase of a transaction is complete, Michael works tirelessly on closing his clients’ deals in an extremely efficient and effective manner.
Michael also counsels start-up businesses and established companies seeking to expand, with respect to the formation of entities and the establishment of sophisticated corporate infrastructure. Michael drafts and negotiates various types of agreements, including operating agreements for partnerships and limited liability companies, shareholder agreements, licensing agreements, franchise agreements and franchise disclosure documents.
Prior to founding Paris Ackerman LLP, Michael was a member of the taxation and estate planning group at the law firm of Connell Foley LLP located in Roseland, New Jersey and previously served as an associate in the tax department of a large New York City accounting firm. Michael’s background in taxation and estate planning allows him to provide additional insight to his transactional clients on matters related to estate and succession planning, taxes and wealth preservation. Michael is able to work closely with his clients’ estate planning attorneys, accountants and financial advisors based upon his familiarity with taxation and estate planning concepts.
For the past six years (2011-2016) Michael was named as a Franchise Times Legal Eagle, having been selected by his peers and the Franchise Times’ editorial board as one of the best attorneys in franchising. In addition, Michael has been selected as a New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Star for the years 2013-2016.
Michael earned his law degree at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and his masters of law (LL.M.) in taxation from the New York University School of Law. Michael received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Michael is currently admitted to practice law in the States of New York and New Jersey, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.