Mr. Thomas R. Brule
Partner, Corporate and Securities Practice Group
Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP

Mr. Brule has extensive experience in the franchising area. He was the former U.S. franchise and litigation counsel for Kentucky Fried Chicken; has been Senior Vice President and General Counsel of two international retail companies; and was the former Chair of the Franchise Practice Group at a large northeast Ohio law firm. 

In his franchise practice he assists existing franchisors, companies who are exploring franchising as a growth vehicle, and franchisees with all aspects of starting and operating a franchise business. Mr. Brule also regularly advises clients in the distribution area, restaurants, retail, licensing and buying and selling companies. 

He received a B.S. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1976 (and served on The Board of Trustees), an M.B.A in 1977 from the University of Kentucky in which he was awarded a Graduate Assistantship for academic achievement, and a J.D. from the University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law in which he was a member of the regional moot court team.Mr. Brule managed one of the largest franchisee leveraged buyouts in the U.S. and has acted as counsel in numerous purchases and sales of companies. Mr. Brule also drafts and reviews Franchise Disclosure Documents and Franchise Agreements.   He is appointed as an approved commercial arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.

Mr. Brule is additionally admitted to practice in Kentucky and is admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and other federal courts. He has been an Adjunct Professor at The University of Akron School of Law and a Lecturer at The University of Louisville School of Business.

Mr. Brule is additionally admitted to practice in Kentucky and is admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and other federal courts. He has been an Adjunct Professor at The University of Akron School of Law and a Lecturer at The University of Louisville School of Business.