Firm News

Our firm is delighted to announce that Michael D. Braunstein has been promoted to Partner at Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.

Michael D. Braunstein’s practice is focused on complex commercial litigation matters, with an emphasis on franchise law and complex civil litigation cases in state and federal courts, including appellate practice. He also successfully represents clients in mediation and arbitration proceedings. Mr. Braunstein’s representation includes high-profile cases and multi-million dollar business disputes. He has successfully obtained several multi-million dollar jury verdicts and awards for clients.

Mr. Braunstein joined Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. in June 2015 as a law clerk and continued working with the firm throughout his time in law school. He became an attorney in 2017.

Prior to graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2017 from the University of Miami School of Law, he was very active in law school as Captain of the Trial Team, Senior Articles Editor of his Law Review journal, and a member of the Moot Court Board, where he continues to volunteer his time as a Coach and Mentor. Mr. Braunstein received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Miami in 2014.

He contributes as a writer and/or speaker for the American Bar Association (ABA) Franchise Law Journal as well as the International Franchise Association (IFA) Legal Symposium.

In 2023, Mr. Braunstein had a remarkable year as a recipient of the following prestigious awards: Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch” in Commercial Litigation and Corporate Law, Super Lawyers’ “Florida Rising Star,” South Florida’s Top Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell’s “AV Pre-Eminent” Rating, as well as Client Champion-Platinum Distinction.

Please join us in congratulating Michael D. Braunstein on his promotion to Partner!

Photo of Michael D. Braunstein

Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A Announces Its Representation of the Aligned Franchisee Association

Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., the leading law firm representing the interest of franchisees, proudly announces their new client, the Aligned Franchisee Association (AFA). The AFA is comprised of franchisees of The Joint Corp., the franchisor of Joint Chiropractic clinics located across the United States. Currently, the AFA represents more than half of all The Joint franchisees.

Since its inception, the AFA has focused its immediate efforts on adding value to its members through frequent webinars on best practices and exclusive discounts from key vendors. In addition, the AFA seeks to work constructively with The Joint Corp. to address issues that have been negatively impacting the franchise system, including what many franchisees see as ineffective marketing and advertising campaigns, stagnant offerings, and outdated technology. “We are extremely proud to be working with such an amazing group of franchisees,” said Robert Salkowski, Esq., a Senior Partner at Zarco, Einhorn, Salkowski, P.A. “The AFA’s Board looks forward to working constructively with The Joint Corp. on ways to improve the brand.”

Alexander Klaus, AFA President, shared “We are pleased to work with one of the most notable law firms in franchising. Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. is a critical part of the AFA’s strategy to bring balance to the relationship with our franchisor, and to create a collaborative foundation that enables both franchisor and franchisees to thrive and grow again.”

Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. and the Aligned Franchisee Association look forward to continuing their successful partnership, which will be key to effecting meaningful change within The Joint Chiropractic brand.

Senior Attorney Michael Braunstein spent a fruitful weekend coaching the University of Miami Trial Team at the National Pre-Trial Competition!

A huge shoutout to two of our firm’s brilliant law clerks, Victoria Diaz and Dorian Vergos. We are very proud of their performance; they led the UM Trial Team to the semi-finals! Congratulations!

Mr. Braunstein’s involvement as coach and mentor at his alma mater, the University of Miami School of Law, is a wonderful way of Giving Back to the community. Thank you!

Miami Trial Team at the National Pre-Trial Competition

Celebrating Anite Coro’s Extraordinary Achievement: Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) with the Florida Bar Association!

We are thrilled to announce the outstanding achievement of our esteemed colleague and Senior Paralegal, Anite Coro, who has attained the prestigious title of Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) granted by the Florida Bar Association!

Anite’s journey to achieving this high distinction of becoming an FRP has been outstanding. She has gone above and beyond the standard requirements, demonstrating her exceptional work experience as a paralegal and unwavering commitment to ongoing continuing education in the legal field. Her dedication to excellence truly sets her apart as a paralegal professional of the highest caliber.

Throughout her time at Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., Anite has consistently exhibited great diligence, professionalism, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of growth. Her many contributions to our team and clients have been invaluable, and her expertise has played a pivotal role in our collective success.

Anite’s achievement reflects her tireless efforts and dedication to professional development. As she takes on this new chapter in her career as an FRP, we have no doubt that she will continue to excel and make a positive impact at our firm and in the legal community.

Please join us in congratulating Anite on this extraordinary accomplishment; we feel fortunate to have her as an esteemed member of our team.

Florida registered paralegal | Anite Coro

Congratulations Nadia Espinosa on Achieving the High Distinction of Becoming a Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) with the Florida Bar Association!

It is with immense pride that we announce that Nadia Espinosa, our Senior Paralegal, has achieved the high distinction of becoming a Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP). Her dedication, commitment, and passion for excellence have propelled her to exceed the already stringent criteria set by the Florida Bar Association for this prestigious designation.

Becoming an FRP requires going above and beyond the standard requirements, including a wealth of prior work experience and a commitment to ongoing continuing education. Nadia’s exceptional achievements in these areas truly set her apart as a paralegal professional of the highest caliber. Throughout her time with us, Nadia has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to her craft, providing invaluable legal support to our team and clients. Her thirst for knowledge and commitment to continuous growth have made her an asset to our organization and an inspiration to her colleagues.

Nadia’s achievements stand as a testament to her hard work, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. We are honored to have her as a longtime part of our team and look forward to witnessing her continued success in the legal field.

Please join us in congratulating Nadia on this remarkable achievement. Your support and encouragement mean the world to her and all of us at Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.

Florida registered paralegal | Nadia Espinosa

Franchise Law Advocate Robert Zarco addresses his Client, the National Owners Association (NOA) a group of over 1,000 McDonald’s Franchisees, and the National Franchisee Leadership Alliance (NFLA)

Among many critical topics covered during his over 1.5 hour speech in Houston, Zarco concludes that ‘Joint Employer Liability’ to Franchisors is GREAT for Franchisees!

Joint Employer initiatives, applied on a case by case basis, will cause franchisors to ease control over their franchisees’ methods and processes of operating their businesses, allowing franchisees to be the independent business contractors they are legally intended and considered to be, according to Attorney Robert Zarco, veteran Franchise Law and Commercial Trial Lawyer.

Zarco further explained that Joint Employer does not change the definition of legitimate franchisees to Employees, as publicly asserted by McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski, when he accused the legislature of attacking franchising.

To the contrary, Zarco maintains that Franchisor CEOs and Presidents, like Chris Kempczinski and Joe Erlinger from McDonald’s among other franchisors, who through their incessant control and costly initiatives for the franchisees are the protagonists who are indeed attacking franchising and hurting the most important element of the system, the franchisees!

Photo of Roberto Zarco

Firm Partners Salkowski and Nikezic Achieve Significant Victory for Client on Summary Judgment in Federal Court

Partner Attorneys Robert Salkowski and Mary Nikezic obtained a summary judgment in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on all Title VII and Florida Civil Rights Act claims brought against their client surrounding allegations by a former employee of unlawful termination during the course of the employer/employee relationship. The victory allowed the employer to avoid paying significant compensatory damages as well as punitive damages in connection with the former employee’s claims.

This is a significant victory for our well-known fine dining restaurant client in Palm Beach County, Florida, who otherwise would have had to incur significant time and expense to defend at trial these unfounded claims in order to clear its name.

Our team of attorneys have vast experience resolving significant employment disputes related to civil litigation in matters of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, C-suite executive employment disputes, and more.

Partner Attorneys Robert Salkowski and Mary Nikezic

Representing Franchisee Associations Nationwide

Attorneys Robert Zarco and Himanshu Patel, Partners at Zarco Einhorn Salkowski P.A., preparing for an important meeting of the Independent Association of LINE-X Franchisees (IALXF) Board of Directors whose association represents more than 300 members.
LINE-X is in the business of providing customers with truck accessories, spray-on bed liners, and more.
Representing Line-X Franchisee Associations Nationwide
Representing Line-X Franchisee Associations Nationwide

Staying Healthy with our Trainer

Our Staff and Attorneys enjoys spending quality time together 2X/week working out in the gym and outside on a beautiful day.
Thanks to our awesome trainer Morgan and Morganic Lifestyle!
Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A Staff and Attorneys outside on a beautiful day
arco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A Staff and Attorneys spending quality time together 2X/week working out in the gym
Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A Staff and Attorneys spending quality time together 2X/week working out in the gym

Michael Braunstein Co-Authors Article in the ABA Franchise Law Journal

Headshot of Michael D. Braunstein
Co-Authors Michael D. Braunstein and Megan B. Center published ‘A Crash Course on Interpretation of the “Marketing Plan or System” Element of State Franchise Statutes,’ American Bar Association (ABA) Franchise Law Journal • Vol. 42, No. 2 • Fall 2022

Mary Nikezic Promoted to Partner

Headshot of Mary Nikezic
Our firm is proud to announce that Mary Nikezic has been promoted to Partner at Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.
Mary Nikezic’s practice focuses on complex commercial and franchise litigation, representing institutional clients and individuals in a variety of business disputes. Ms. Nikezic represents clients in state and federal courts and in arbitration proceedings throughout the United States. Ms. Nikezic is admitted to practice law in Florida and Illinois, as well as before the United States Southern District of Florida and the Northern District of Illinois.
Before joining Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., Ms. Nikezic worked in Chicago, Illinois at several prominent litigation law firms, practicing as a trial lawyer in both state and federal civil litigation. She represented a broad spectrum of clients in the hospitality and beverage industries, including importers and suppliers, national hotel, restaurant and tavern and grocery store chains. She also has significant experience in areas of construction law, complex construction defect litigation, general liability, casualty defense, and first-party property, including all phases of litigation, contract negotiations, contract drafting, and alternative dispute resolution procedures.

Attorney Robert Zarco and Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. featured as ‘Leaders in Law’, S. Florida Business & Wealth Magazine, January 2023

Attorney Robert Zarco and Zarco Einhorn Salkowski

Pictured here from left to right are firm partners Himanshu Patel, Kaari-Lynn Gagnon, Robert Zarco, Robert Einhorn, Robert Salkowski

What Makes your Commercial Litigation Law Firm Special & Unique?‘Zarco Law’ built its acclaim as powerhouse Trial Lawyers in Complex Commercial Litigation with a national niche in Franchise Law where we’ve established legal precedents. Our talented team of Attorneys enjoy an extraordinary track record of success for helping clients’ commercial and legal interests in complex business disputes and transactions in a variety of industries and practice areas. Our decades of success stems from providing creative solutions and blended fee structures when other attorneys tell clients that their legal case is hopeless and unaffordable. Most often, a legal case is only as good as the client’s lawyer. Over the three decades, our team has often changed the lives of the clients we represent, including franchisees, franchise associations, dealerships, licensees, distributors and other commercial businesses from over 40 States and 20 Countries in U.S. Federal and State Courts.

The boutique law firm I founded, Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., joined by my extraordinary Partners and Staff, is enjoying its 30th Anniversary year. We proudly celebrated our 3 decades of remarkable success in grand style for what was arguably called the ‘Party of the Year’ with over 500 clients, friends and family at my waterfront home in Miami Beach.

How do you define Leadership and Success? We believe in ‘Always Doing the Right Thing’, ‘Giving Back’ and ‘Paying it Forward’. Our professional success has allowed us to impact the lives of others way beyond just benefitting ourselves. Clients often come to us desperate for a way to save their businesses, or grow it to achieve their life dreams. Our out-of-the-box thinking has translated into helping others via our creative legal strategies as well as customizing flexible and hybrid contingent fee arrangements to meet our clients’ unique circumstances. We pride ourselves in that high level of leadership and success. That formula has been translated beyond the office and extended into the community by donating our talent, treasure and service to a variety of people, programs, and organizations in the community such as The Embrace Girls Foundation, the Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS), the Miami Dade County ‘Put Something Back’ Program, and the Dade Legal Aid Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) program among many others.

Meet our Firm Mascot ‘Justice’

Meet our firm mascot ‘Justice’, the extraordinary 3-month old Australian Shepherd with the most beautiful blue eyes.

Justice is a special new member of our firm who fits right in with our team given his great intelligence, energy, drive, compassion, and love for people.

Like our team of attorneys, Justice stands for ‘doing the right thing’ and ‘protecting our clients’.

Welcome aboard Justice!!!

Photo of Mascot Justice

Zarco Law are true Dol-fans!

Win or lose, we support the team, the community, and the stadium. We feel so blessed to share the experience and make memories with our clients, staff, family, old and new friends.

Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A Staff and Attorneys outside on a beautiful day
arco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A Staff and Attorneys spending quality time together 2X/week working out in the gym
Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A Staff and Attorneys spending quality time together 2X/week working out in the gym
Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A Staff and Attorneys spending quality time together 2X/week working out in the gym
Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A Staff and Attorneys spending quality time together 2X/week working out in the gym
Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A Staff and Attorneys spending quality time together 2X/week working out in the gym
Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A Staff and Attorneys spending quality time together 2X/week working out in the gym

Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. extends warm wishes to all of our friends and clients for a healthy and happy holiday and New Year!

AAFD 2022 Leadership Summit and Conference Sponsor and Keynote Speaker

Our firm is proud to participate as the Lead Sponsor at this year’s live American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) Leadership Summit and Conference being held in Mesa, Arizona.

Robert Zarco is the Keynote Speaker addressing the large audience of franchisees from a broad spectrum of franchise systems throughout the country. Robert Einhorn is also participating as a Moderator on various roundtable topics.

AAFD is a national non-profit organization supporting franchisees and dealers in education, legislative and legal advocacy, market support, accreditation, and ethics with the goal of Total Quality Franchising.

https://www.aafd.org/conference/

AAFD’s 30th Anniversary Franchisee Leadership Summit and Annual Conference September 10-13

Epic Gala Event Celebrating the National Franchise Law Firm’s 30th Anniversary

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava proclaimed February 26, 2022 as Zarco, Einhorn, Salkowski, P.A. Day.

Nearly 500 distinguished guests, including prominent clients and colleagues, friends and family from all over the country and locally, feasted their senses with tropical beauty, entertained by an 8-piece live band and DJ, an exquisite variety of delicious food, as well as numerous and extraordinary interactive entertainers cascading upon the beautiful outdoor garden venue on the bay throughout the evening.

The celebration, hosted at the residence of the law firm’s founder Attorney Robert Zarco, was themed “Tropicana in Havana” after the Latin roots of its founder and the people who have largely influenced Miami in the flavor of its music, food, and ambiance.  The evening felt like a crescendo of excitement to celebrate the joys of life, the fruits of hard work, and fabulous friendships, with entertainment from dancers, models, musicians, and even a water show in the bay.  It could arguably be deemed the ‘Party of the Year’!

Partner Kaari Gagnon Selected as One of Miami’s Rising Leaders in Law by Social Miami

Our firm family is so very proud of our Partner Kaari Gagnon selected as one of Miami’s Rising Leaders in Law by Social Miami for powerfully representing clients and passionately supporting charitable causes.

All candidates were nominated by people and organizations working in partnership with SocialMiami.com Young Professional Directory.

Congratulations Kaari!

kaari gagnon

Congratulations to Our Partners for Decades of High Professional Recognition

Congratulations to our esteemed partners for receiving the highest AV PREEMINENT Peer Rating for highest level of professional excellence verified by Martindale Hubbell, based on their legal ability, ethical standards, communication skills, and client reviews.

AV Preeminent 2022

Celebrating Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.‘s 30th Year Anniversary in 2022

In this New Year 2022, we proudly announce our law firm’s 30th Year Anniversary, and introduce you to the Executive Team that leads the way for our clients nationally in franchise law, commercial litigation, business disputes and legal transactions: Founding Partner Robert Zarco, Partners Robert Einhorn, Robert Salkowski, Himanshu Patel, Kaari Gagnon, and CFO Edicsa Feliz.  Happy New Year…and to many more!

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a healthy, joyous and successful year ahead from the law firm of Zarco, Einhorn, Salkowski, PA.

U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings Released

Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. is once again Awarded 2022 BEST LAW FIRMS National Tier 1 in Franchise Law by Best Lawyers of America© in partnership with US News & World Report, and Regional Tier 1 in Commercial Litigation for South Florida.

Founding Partner Robert Zarco says, “This is a testament to our longtime powerhouse reputation in the franchise and legal industry, and to our passionate commitment for over 30 years to protecting the best interest of our clients. Our national ranking is a big deal from such a prestigious legal rankings source.”

The rigorous Best Law Firms selection process rewards professional excellence involving extensive evaluation, including consistently impressive ratings from clients and professional peers. Exemplifying the highest quality of legal expertise, seventy percent (70%) of our firm’s attorneys, including all of our partners and two of our more senior associates were also awarded in 2022 as “Best Lawyers” and “Ones to Watch” based on their professional abilities and reputation as best in class. In fact, our named partners have been recognized as “Best Lawyers” for over 15 years!

As the franchise industry has dramatically grown over the past decades, so has our firm’s reputation in Franchise Law, and Commercial Litigation and dispute resolution, primarily representing the legal and business interests of franchisees. This includes successfully establishing national and state case-law precedents, providing affordable access to justice for our business clients against the often much greater forces and resources of opponents via creative fee arrangements including contingency fee arrangements, and practicing franchise law as a frontrunner in the field for over 35 years. Zarco Law has represented franchisees from over 500 franchise brands nationwide and overseas in restaurant, hospitality, retail, dealership, distributorship, licensing and other service industries.

The niche work we do as a boutique firm in the legal industry involves the resolution of commercial and business disputes, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation as a last resort when necessary. Our work as Trial Lawyers captures our vast depth and breadth of experience, aggressiveness and creativity that has brought the greatest success to our clients and national reputation to our firm.

Thank you to our past and current Clients, Professional Peers, Best Lawyers, US News & World Report, and our many friends who provide tremendous support! Also, Congratulations once again to our exceptional Team of Lawyers and Staff!

Firm Partners Co-Speaking at American Bar Association 44th Annual Forum on Franchising in Atlanta

Robert Salkowski and Himanshu Patel are invited along with others to address a broad audience of franchise lawyers. Salkowski will lend his vast experience in franchise law and commercial litigation on how to expeditiously negotiate and settle a franchise dispute. Patel will also bring his many years of experience in the field of franchise disputes to address issues for franchisees when franchisors do not live up to their obligations. We are very proud of our Partners, their uncompromising commitment to clients, and advancing the field of franchise law.

Firm Attorneys Awarded ‘Best Lawyers’ and ‘Ones to Watch’

8/23/2021
Announcing our extraordinary attorneys recognized in 2022 as “Best Lawyers” and “Ones to Watch” by the prestigious “Best Lawyers in America©” in the areas of Franchise Law and Commercial Litigation. Awards are based on their professional abilities and reputation as best in class as judged by their peers by consensus opinion.

Thank you to our professional peers and the ‘Best Lawyers’ organization for your support and continued confidence in our dedicated and experienced Attorneys. Our firm’s commitment to clients is second to none, and we wish to thank them for nearly 3 decades of opportunities to represent their best business interests.

View the Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. attorneys recognized for 2022:
Open Best lawyers Announcement 2022 graphic

The Franchise Litigation Handbook, Second Edition Co-Edited by Robert Einhorn

08/10/2021
Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. is very proud that our Senior Partner and longtime veteran Attorney in Franchise Law and Commercial Litigation, Robert Einhorn, Co-Edited this latest edition that “continues to serve as a useful tool for practitioners who represent franchisees and franchisors in the inevitable disputes that arise in this increasingly important type of business relationship.”

Franchise litigation handbook, Second Edition

The ‘Franchise Litigation Handbook’ is now available for purchase at the American Bar Association (ABA) web store. To view and purchase, please visit: Click Here

AAFD Announces 2021 “TQF Lifetime Achievement Award” To Attorney Robert Zarco

06/15/2021
Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. is extremely proud to have our firm’s founding partner, Robert Zarco, honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD), the focus of the very constituency Zarco and the firm have been dedicated to serving and protecting nationwide for over three decades against their often very powerful franchisors and other stakeholders. It is a great honor to have been recognized by this very prestigious trade association for the many contributions Robert Zarco, supported by his experienced team of attorneys, has provided clients and the industry in the area of Franchise Law.  Congratulations to Robert Zarco, and Thank You to the AAFD for your effectiveness as a resource to Franchisees and Dealers nationwide.

Zarco Law a Powerhouse in Franchise Law and Commercial Litigation is Nationally Awarded

4/30/2021

ROBERT ZARCO, Founding Partner, was invited into the very exclusive Trial Lawyers Honorary Society, Litigation Counsel of America (LCA), as a Fellow and Order of the Centurions. With less than 1% of N. American lawyers, judges, and scholars invited, our Founding Partner with over 35 years of legal experience is recognized for his professional excellence and integrity in the field. https://www.zarcolaw.com/attorney/zarco-robert/
CONGRATULATIONS ZARCO!

Zarco, Einhorn, Salkowski, P.A. is proud to once again announce our firm’s selection as BEST LAW FIRMS National Tier 1 in Franchise by Best Lawyers of America© as listed in US News and World Report. The recognitions awarded our firm and attorneys are a direct result of helping our business clients level the playing field against larger adversaries, as David vs. Goliath in complex disputes and negotiations, and providing an affordable key to the courthouse when necessary.
Congratulations to our awesome Team!

For nearly 35 years, we have helped businesses succeed, including franchisees, franchisee associations, dealerships and more with critical cases and negotiations, and provide the leverage necessary in establishing a healthy, well-balanced relationship with major stakeholders. Our experienced team of heavyweight attorneys include former economists, bankers and accountants who will stand by your side to negotiate difficult transactions, handle the toughest cases and the most complicated business disputes.

We invite you to view our new website to learn more. www.zarcolaw.com Sending you our good wishes for a safe and successful rest of the year!


12/08/2020
Season’s Greetings from Zarco Law

We wish you a bright and happy future during this holiday season. At this joyous time of the year, we reflect on how much we value our relationship and association with you.

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a bright and successful year ahead from the law firm of Zarco, Einhorn, Salkowski, PA.



03/23/2020

News about our law firm operations during the Government shutdown of certain commercial businesses over preventing and slowing the spread of the corona virus:

Covid-19

11/09/2018

Zarco Einhorn Salkowski P.A Celebrate 25th Anniversary With Grand Opening Of New Office

Author: Alejandra Tenorio
Publication: Haute Living


09/26/2016

Law firm inks $18M lease at One Biscayne in downtown Miami

Author: Katherine Kallergis
Publication: The Real Deal


09/26/2016

Cushman and Wakefield Negotiates $18M Lease at One Biscayne Tower with Zarco Einhorn Salkowski

Publication: City Biz List


12/23/2015

Haute 100 Update MIA: Robert Zarco Gives FIU Commencement Address

Author: Hadley Henriette
Publication: Haute Living


11/18/2015

Robert Zarco makes the Front Page of Independent Joe Magazine