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.