John D. Holland | Franchisee Attorney

For many entrepreneurs in Minnesota, investing in a franchise offers a compelling pathway to business ownership, combining the spirit of independence with the support of an established brand. However, the world of franchising is governed by complex agreements and regulations, and navigating relationships with franchisors can sometimes lead to unforeseen challenges. When disputes arise, or when critical decisions need to be made, having specialized legal counsel is not just beneficial—it's essential. This is where John D. Holland, a distinguished Franchisee Attorney based in Minneapolis, steps in as a vital advocate for franchisees and dealers across the state and nationwide.

John D. Holland is a highly respected partner at Dady & Gardner, P.A., a Minneapolis-based law firm that exclusively focuses on representing franchisees and dealers. This singular focus distinguishes them from general practice firms, ensuring a deep and nuanced understanding of the unique legal landscape governing franchise and dealership relationships. For over two decades, John Holland has dedicated his practice to empowering these business owners, helping them resolve disputes, protect their investments, and ensure fair treatment under the law. His work is not just about legal theory; it's about practical solutions for real-world business problems that Minnesotan franchisees face.

What makes John D. Holland particularly noteworthy for locals is his extensive experience and track record of successfully resolving complex disputes. He has a proven history of tackling issues such as unlawful termination, the intricacies of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), encroachment by franchisors, and challenges related to transfer rights. His expertise extends to successfully negotiating with major equipment manufacturers to reverse decisions that threatened the dealership rights of his clients. This practical, results-oriented approach is critical for business owners who depend on their franchise or dealership for their livelihood and future. John Holland's ability to navigate these high-stakes situations with strategic acumen provides immense peace of mind for his clients.

Furthermore, John D. Holland is not just a seasoned practitioner; he is a recognized leader in the field of franchise law. He has garnered numerous accolades, including being named among the "Best Lawyers in America®," recognized as a "Super Lawyer" by Minnesota's Law & Politics Magazine, and earning the prestigious title of "Legal Eagle" by Franchise Times Magazine. He is also listed in the International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers and has been recognized as a WWL Thought Leader – USA by Lexology. These honors are not simply titles; they are peer and industry acknowledgments of his exceptional legal ability, ethical conduct, and profound impact on the franchise legal community. For Minnesotans, this means access to an attorney whose reputation for excellence precedes him, ensuring highly capable and dedicated representation for their franchise and dealership interests.

Location and Accessibility

John D. Holland practices from the office of Dady & Gardner, P.A., conveniently located in the vibrant downtown area of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The firm's address is 80 S 8th St #5100, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA. This prime location places them within the IDS Center, one of Minneapolis's most iconic buildings, making the office easily identifiable and accessible for clients throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area and beyond.

Being situated on South 8th Street, the office benefits from excellent connectivity within downtown Minneapolis. For those traveling by car, numerous parking facilities are available in the surrounding blocks. The area is also well-served by Minneapolis's robust public transportation network, including several bus lines and light rail stations (such as Nicollet Mall Station), providing convenient access for clients utilizing the city's transit system. The firm's central location ensures that Minnesotan franchisees and dealers can easily reach expert legal counsel, minimizing travel burdens during what can often be a stressful period.

While the firm has a strong physical presence in Minneapolis, their practice extends nationwide, indicating a readiness to leverage modern communication technologies. This means that even clients outside the immediate metropolitan area can expect seamless interaction through phone calls and virtual meetings, ensuring that John D. Holland's specialized expertise is accessible to all franchisees in Minnesota and across the country who need it.

Services Offered

John D. Holland, as a partner at Dady & Gardner, P.A., focuses exclusively on providing comprehensive legal services to franchisees, dealers, and distributors. His practice areas are specifically tailored to address the unique challenges and disputes that arise in these complex business relationships. Key services offered include:

• Franchise and Dealership Dispute Resolution: Successfully resolving conflicts involving franchisors and suppliers through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
• Unlawful Termination Cases: Representing franchisees and dealers who have faced or are threatened with wrongful termination of their agreements, fighting to prevent termination or secure compensation.
• Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Review and Disclosure Issues: Analyzing FDDs to help prospective and current franchisees understand their rights and obligations, and addressing instances of inadequate or misleading disclosures.
• Encroachment Disputes: Advocating for franchisees whose exclusive territories or market share are threatened by franchisor actions, such as establishing new units or channels that directly compete.
• Transfer Rights Issues: Assisting franchisees with legal matters related to the sale or transfer of their franchise interests.
• Violation of State Franchise and Dealership Laws: Litigating cases where franchisors or suppliers have violated specific state laws designed to protect franchisees and dealers.
• Negotiation with Manufacturers and Franchisors: Strategically negotiating terms, resolutions, and reversals of adverse decisions with powerful franchisors and equipment manufacturers.
• Breach of Contract Claims: Representing franchisees when franchisors fail to uphold their contractual obligations.
• Fraud and Misrepresentation: Pursuing claims for franchisees who were induced to purchase a franchise based on false information or omissions.
• Franchise Agreement Review and Negotiation: Advising prospective franchisees on the terms of franchise agreements and negotiating beneficial changes.
• Franchise Association Representation: Assisting groups of franchisees in organizing and advocating for their collective interests.

This specialized suite of services ensures that franchisees and dealers in Minnesota and beyond have dedicated and knowledgeable legal representation for all aspects of their business relationships.

Features / Highlights

John D. Holland, as a leading Franchisee Attorney at Dady & Gardner, P.A., showcases several standout features and highlights that underscore his expertise and reputation in the legal field:

• Exclusive Focus on Franchisees and Dealers: Unlike many general practice firms, John D. Holland and Dady & Gardner, P.A., exclusively represent franchisees, dealers, and distributors. This specialized focus ensures deep industry knowledge and unwavering advocacy for their clients' unique interests.
• Highly Acclaimed Recognition: John Holland has consistently received prestigious accolades, including being named:
  • "Best Lawyers in America®" (recognized since 2012)
  • "Super Lawyer" by Minnesota's Law & Politics Magazine
  • "Legal Eagle" by Franchise Times Magazine
  • Listed in the International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers
  • "WWL Thought Leaders – USA" by Lexology (2024) and "WWL: Franchising" by Who's Who Legal (2023)
  • Ranked in Chambers USA 2025 for Franchising: Mainly Franchisee (Band 2)
• Extensive Experience in Disputes and Negotiations: John has successfully resolved numerous disputes related to unlawful termination, FDD disclosures, encroachment, and transfer rights. He has also successfully negotiated with multiple equipment manufacturers to reverse termination decisions for his dealer clients.
• Graduated with Honors: He graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School (1998) and magna cum laude from St. Olaf College (1995), demonstrating a strong academic foundation.
• Broad Bar Admissions: Admitted to practice in Minnesota (including the Minnesota Supreme Court and U.S. District Court District of Minnesota), U.S. District Court Eastern District of Arkansas, U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, and U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, allowing him to represent clients across multiple jurisdictions.
• Part of a Renowned Firm: He is a partner at Dady & Gardner, P.A., a firm with a long history (since 1994) of obtaining practical results for clients through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation, and known for battling major franchisors.

These features collectively highlight John D. Holland's authoritative standing, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to serving the legal needs of franchisees and dealers.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a highly specialized and distinguished legal practice, John D. Holland and Dady & Gardner, P.A., do not typically engage in conventional "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. The value they provide lies in their deep expertise, extensive experience, and proven track record in complex franchise and dealership law. Legal fees for such specialized services are generally determined based on the complexity of the case, the time and resources required, and the strategic solutions developed.

However, interested franchisees and dealers in Minnesota are encouraged to contact the firm directly to discuss their specific legal situation. During an initial consultation, you can gain clarity on how John D. Holland's expertise can be applied to your case and discuss the potential fee structures involved. Their focus is on delivering effective legal outcomes and preserving the value of clients' businesses, rather than short-term promotional incentives. Their transparency in discussing legal approaches and potential costs is part of their professional service.

Contact Information

For franchisees and dealers in Minnesota and beyond who are seeking expert legal counsel, John D. Holland can be reached through the Minneapolis office of Dady & Gardner, P.A. Please use the following contact details:

• Address: 80 S 8th St #5100, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA
• Phone: (612) 359-9000 (Please note, while a specific direct line of (612) 359-3504 and a toll-free number 888-261-3777 are sometimes listed for the firm, the provided number is a valid firm line.)

It is recommended to call the office directly to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific franchise or dealership legal needs with John D. Holland or another attorney at the firm.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotan entrepreneurs who have invested their livelihoods in a franchise or dealership, John D. Holland stands out as an exceptionally suitable and indispensable legal advocate. His practice, rooted in Minneapolis at Dady & Gardner, P.A., offers a highly specialized and effective resource for navigating the often-challenging landscape of franchise law. The firm's exclusive focus on representing franchisees and dealers means that local business owners receive counsel from attorneys who are not merely familiar with franchise law, but are true experts in this niche, consistently fighting for the rights and interests of the "little guy" against often larger, more powerful franchisors or manufacturers.

John D. Holland's suitability for locals is amplified by his deep well of experience and his impressive list of accolades. Being recognized as a "Super Lawyer," a "Legal Eagle," and among the "Best Lawyers in America" signifies a track record of legal excellence and peer respect that provides immense confidence to clients in Minnesota. Whether it's a dispute over unlawful termination, complex FDD disclosures, or encroachment issues, John Holland possesses the specific knowledge and a history of successful resolutions that are critical for preserving local businesses and investments. His academic background, including graduating with honors from the University of Minnesota Law School, further solidifies his understanding of the legal framework relevant to Minnesotans.

Furthermore, the firm's central location in downtown Minneapolis ensures easy accessibility for clients across the metropolitan area, while their nationwide reach implies a flexible and modern approach to client communication, vital for busy business owners. For Minnesotans seeking to protect their franchise interests, resolve disputes, or ensure fair treatment within their dealership agreements, John D. Holland offers not just legal representation, but a dedicated partnership built on specialized expertise and a proven commitment to empowering business owners. His unwavering focus on franchisee and dealer rights makes him an ideal choice for anyone in Minnesota navigating the complexities of their franchise journey.