Schuyler "Rocky" Reidel

    I am Schuyler ‘Rocky’ Reidel, the managing attorney and founder of Reidel Law Firm. I started in franchising in 2014 when I opened up my law practice. I added international trade to the practice in 2016 when I became a licensed customs broker. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work with many owners and businesses across the country and the world in expanding their brands.

    While my firm is based in Galveston, Texas – where I grew up, I am often found around the world traveling for business events and assisting clients around the world. If I am not in Texas I am most likely to be found in Panama, United Arab Emirates, or Zambia. But don’t worry, we still have US business hours and we’ll find a way to work with you anytime. And if you ever want to visit any of those places, drop me a line, would love to show you around or connect you with my friends and colleagues there.

    Here’s a bit about what I do best:

  • Franchise Reviews – I help franchisees review and understand their terms, obligations, and expectations when joining a franchise system. We prepare a summary review letter in plain english with our comments on what we like or don’t like about a system and the key legal terms for our franchisee clients to digest. Then in a conference call we address each of the client’s questions and concerns and counsel through ways to mitigate their concerns and potential risks. Here is a video walking through our entire franchisee review process which you will probably find helpful: Our Franchisee Review Process
  • Franchise Formations – I work with franchisors in developing and expanding their concept and system. Mostly we have worked with smaller international and startup franchisors here in the US and have had a lot of fun helping brands find their way with franchise regulations. We handle the FDD drafting, annual renewals, and general franchise counsel for our franchisor clients. Here is a short video about our franchisor process: Our Franchisor Process
  • International Transactions – I am a licensed customs broker and sanctions specialist and help clients within import, export, and other international compliance matters. It is an exciting and dynamic area of law that always offers a challenge, what I like.
  • Critiquing Ballpark Hotdogs – My secret superpower, ballpark hot dog critic. Something my family can attest to me doing since attending my first ball games in the Astrodome, ha. I had many $1 DomeDogs in my day. Some of the best ballpark hotdogs I’ve had include: Oriole Park, Traveler’s Field, and Coor’s Field (must be the altitude). Invite me to your ballpark if you think your ballpark dogs deserve a top spot!

To offer some balance, here are some things that I don’t do:

  • Litigate – I learned early in my career that the courtroom was not the place for me. For some reason, judges have really disliked me…
  • Anything Outside Franchising or International Trade – I stay in my lane and expertise by only handling matters within franchising and international trade. If you need something else, happy to chat and point you in the right direction.
  • Eat Seafood More than 100 Miles from the Ocean – There’s a story behind that one but it’s not particularly flattering. My PSA for others to avoid seafood more than 100 miles away from the ocean.

    Here are some nice things clients and colleagues have said about me:

  • “Schuyler provided prompt service with a great level of detail, but took the time to personally explain everything so I clearly understood. Some of the best legal guidance I have ever gotten and I will definitely be using him again in the future.”- Thomas Smith, Franchisee Client
  • “What I love most about Schuyler is his responsiveness and being detailed oriented. He always responds quicker than any other attorneys I have worked with and keeps me out of trouble.” – David Lee, Franchsior Client, Handam BBQ and founder of Restaurant Shares

    If it sounds like I or Reidel Law Firm might be a fit to assist you and your business, give me a call – let’s find a way to work together. My job as an attorney is to make your life easier by having an experienced and knowledgeable counselor on your side to take or give punches to protect your business. Schedule a time to chat today.

Why You Should Work with Me:

    How can you get important and timely counsel when you have to go through robot menus or a thousand assistants to just chat about what the issues are? I hate robot phone menus, we will never use those at Reidel Law Firm. We also have developed a secure, encrypted communications channel for our clients to use so they are not constrained by our office hours to reach us. You can check it out here: chat.reidellawfirm.com.

    Every project is flat fee, so don’t sweat the nickels and dimes with Reidel Law Firm. I believe billing by the hour is neither efficient nor ethical for attorneys (more on that below) so we do not bill by the hour here, each project is billed on a flat fee determined by the scope of the project, the complexity of the matter, and the time involved. We are on the same side, let’s get the project done the right way and on time.

    I meet my deadlines and show up ahead of schedule. A big reason for this is that I provide realistic timelines for my clients or potential clients. I don’t have 24-hour turn around. I keep my practice areas limited so I don’t get behind on schedule and work efficiently for clients.

Some Interesting Things About Me:

Just a few of the things I like to do when I have some free time. I have climbed 4 of the state highest peaks in the US. I enjoy sailing Galveston Bay and Clear Lake and dropping a line to fish when I can.

Thus far, I have been to 21 countries. I will keep this list updated as often as I can:

  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Panama
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Austria
  • Slovakia
  • Croatia
  • Serbia
  • Hungary
  • Slovenia
  • Czechia
  • Poland
  • Russia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • South Africa
  • China

I started as a jazz show host on my university’s radio station. Then I joined a small local radio station in Ocala, Florida as a night talk show host. We discussed everything from Bigfoot to Obamacare. Lots of fun.

I am a proponent and supporter of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). Free or Open Source Software I use and Sponsor:

Joe Arico
Joe Arico
24. August, 2023
I was introduced to Rocky through a business associate. In every aspect Rocky met and in many instance exceeded my expectations!! He was thorough, candid, shared ideas and strategy, had a sense of urgency, honest and his communication is excellent. I continue to use Rocky for ongoing needs and I highly recommend him!!
Jason Gscheidmeier
Jason Gscheidmeier
3. August, 2023
"Rocky" and Reidel Law is an excellent resource to review, analyze, and advise franchise agreements. He responds quickly, communicates well, and has the knowledge and competance to boil down large legal documents in a summary that is easy to understand. The summary clearly communicates the risks and requirements, and helps you understand and prioritize what modifications are possible. I'd strongly recommend his services.
Rohit Jain
Rohit Jain
26. July, 2023
Had a wonderful experience working with Schuyler 'Rocky' Reidel at Reidel Law Firm. I worked with him on reviewing the Franchisee agreement that I was interested in and he was really quick to get in touch and collect all the details from me. He completed the review quickly and it was very detailed and comprehensive. He also met and answered all the questions I had to my satisfaction. I am really pleased with his services and would recommend him.
Sherlock 789
Sherlock 789
30. May, 2020
Mr. Reidel is an honest and professional attorney. Although my case was outside of his area of expertise, he gave me recomendations for other attorneys that could help me. He was very freindly and gave me some advice for finding an attorney. I am a little disapointed that he couldnt represent me but I highly recomend him to others.
M. Joukov
M. Joukov
29. March, 2020
My business partner and I used the Reidel Law Firm to help us begin franchising our business concept. Anyone familiar with franchising knows that it is a complex process that can take months, if not years to complete successfully.  Mr. Schyler "Rocky" Reidel was absolutely instrumental in helping us achieve our goal of becoming franchise ready in about 12 weeks. His attention to detail, professionalism, responsiveness, and customer service were unparalleled. Mr. Reidel handled all manners of requests, including business formation, writing the franchise disclosure document and franchise agreement, filing trademark applications, doing due diligence with various state requirements, and beyond. When working with Mr. Reidel, it is immediately apparent that he is not only a skilled legal professional, but is also well versed in business operations-- an ideal combination for business owner clients.  We approached him with a novel, out-of-the-box concept, and Mr. Reidel's insightful comments and questions on our business operations and efficiencies made it clear that he takes a multi-faceted approach to his work. Mr. Reidel encouraged us to consider issues that would not only impact our current situation, but also serve us well as our brand grows. Beyond providing legal counsel, Mr. Reidel went above and beyond in making sure our experience as clients was top notch. He flew out to visit our facility in person, made himself available in the off-hours, quickly responded to inquiries, and even introduced us to connections from his personal network who would be able to assist us.  Mr. Reidel is friendly, personable, and easy to do business with.  Administrative transactions with the firm were transparent, efficient and hassle-free, especially considering that we were out of state clients. We couldn't be more pleased with our experience and highly recommend using the Reidel Law Firm for your legal needs.
Chris G
Chris G
10. January, 2019
Nothing but five+ for Reidel (Rocky), very professional, corteous and conciuos of our situation. Thanks so much Rocky for helping me out
Lou Nguyen
Lou Nguyen
8. January, 2019
We contacted Mr. Reidel to assist with a residential real estate acquisition. The project took much longer than expected but Schuyler was with us every step of the way. He provided sound legal advice, was very responsive to our needs and more importantly, considered our preferences in the decision making process. We felt that Schuyler always had our best interest in mind. Compared to other attorneys and firms we have used in the past, Schuyler Reidel would get two thumbs up from us and we would definitely consider asking for his help again in the future.

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