MANAGING ATTORNEY & FOUNDER

Schuyler 'Rocky' Reidel

Franchise Law · International Trade · Texas Business

Welcome — I’m Schuyler “Rocky” Reidel. If you landed here from my card or a QR code, you’re in the right place. I help business owners with franchise law (FDD reviews, franchising your concept), international trade compliance, and Texas business matters — fast, flat-fee, and practical. Most questions are answered on our package pages which you can see here. Otherwise, let’s keep in touch through the links below.

I’m the managing attorney and founder of Reidel Law Firm. I started in franchising in 2014 when I opened my law practice. I added international trade in 2016 when I became a licensed customs broker. Since then, I’ve worked with many owners and businesses across the country and the world in expanding their brands.

While the firm is based in Galveston, Texas — where I grew up — I’m often found around the world traveling for business events and assisting clients. If I’m not in Texas, I’m most likely to be found in Panama, the United Arab Emirates, or Zambia. But don’t worry: we still keep U.S. business hours and we’ll find a way to work with you anytime.

GET TO KNOW US

Working with Reidel Law Firm

A short walkthrough of how I think about client work and what to expect when we engage.

MY PRACTICE

What I do — and what I don't

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.

  • Franchise Formations

    I work with franchisors in developing and expanding their concept and system. Mostly we’ve worked with smaller international and startup franchisors here in the U.S. 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.

  • International Transactions

    I’m a licensed customs broker and sanctions specialist and help clients with import, export, and other international compliance matters. It’s an exciting and dynamic area of law that always offers a challenge — what I like.

  • Critiquing Ballpark Hot Dogs

    My secret superpower — ballpark hot dog critic. Something my family can attest to me doing since attending my first ball games in the Astrodome. I had many $1 DomeDogs in my day. Some of the best ballpark hot dogs I’ve had include Oriole Park, Traveler’s Field, and Coors Field (must be the altitude). Invite me to your ballpark if you think your ballpark dogs deserve a top spot.

What 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.

NICE THINGS PEOPLE SAY

Nice Things People Have Said About Me

Reviews from clients and colleagues I've had the pleasure of working with.

AROUND THE WORLD

Out and about

A few shots from travel, client work, and life in general.

  • Kseniia at a replica Oval Office
  • Family with our husky on a Costa Rica beach
  • With our husky overlooking the Costa Rican cloud forest
  • Boat ride with our husky off the Costa Rican coast
  • Presenting at the Saudi Arabia franchise summit
  • Recovering at a clinic in Africa after the seafood incident
  • Feeding a giraffe at a reserve in southern Africa
  • At the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa with Kseniia
  • Playing Crusade and Revolution at a wargaming convention

WHY WORK WITH ME

What you can expect

  • I Answer My Own Phone and Emails

    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’ll never use those at Reidel Law Firm.

  • Flat Fees

    Every project is flat fee, so don’t sweat the nickels and dimes. I believe billing by the hour is neither efficient nor ethical for attorneys, so we don’t do it here. Each project is billed on a flat fee determined by scope, complexity, and time. We’re on the same side — let’s get the project done right and on time.

  • I Meet My Deadlines

    I meet my deadlines and show up ahead of schedule. A big reason is that I provide realistic timelines up front. I keep my practice areas limited so I don’t get behind on schedule and can work efficiently for clients.

OFF THE CLOCK

Some interesting things about me

Hobbies

Wargaming, hiking, and sailing — just a few of the things I like to do when I have some free time. I’ve climbed four of the highest state peaks in the U.S. I enjoy sailing Galveston Bay and Clear Lake and dropping a line to fish when I can.

Hosted FM Radio Show

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.

Countries Visited — 27 and counting

  • 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
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • Turkey
  • Colombia

READY TO CHAT

Let's find a way to work together

My job as an attorney is to make your life easier by having an experienced counselor on your side to take or give punches and protect your business. Schedule a time to chat today.

Schedule a Chat