Michael R. Daigle

Michael focuses his practice in the areas of international business transactions, domestic and international franchising, global protection of intellectual property and general corporate law. His experience base comes from having served in three key roles - law firm partner, chief legal officer for several prominent brands and an executive-level business leader for aggressive growth companies. In those roles, Michael performed both business and legal responsibilities, including developing global expansion strategies, negotiating multi-national business deals and documenting transactions around the world ranging from direct operations, joint ventures, licenses, master franchises and area development transactions in over 50 countries in every region of the world.

Michael's experience serving in senior business roles as well as chief legal officer during critical growth phases with some of the world's best known quick service restaurants and retail brands serves as a platform for providing the firm's clients with practical legal advice guided by a first-hand understanding of the business implications of that advice.

Before joining Cheng Cohen LLC, Michael spent 20 years as in-house counsel and as a senior business executive, most recently as Executive Vice President of International Development and Legal for Quizno's which played a key role in growing that company's brand overseas. Michael also served as that company's General Counsel and as Executive Vice President of Domestic Development with oversight of the teams responsible for franchise sales, real estate, design & construction, store opening and non-traditional development.

Prior to Quizno's, Michael worked in both legal and executive level business positions with franchise brands such as Popeye's Fried Chicken, Church's Chicken, Blockbuster, Boston Market, Einstein Bagels, and Barnies Coffee and Tea. Michael's experience with these companies include international expansion, management transitions, class action lawsuits, and mergers and acquisitions.

Michael received his Juris Doctorate cum laude from Tulane Law School in 1979 and is licensed to practice in Illinois and Colorado.