RICHARD C. DUELL III
Email Richard Duell III
Richard C. Duell III has been rated “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell.
Richard Duell, Managing Member of Duell | Law, has earned a nationwide reputation successfully representing both franchisors and franchisees. Richard distinguishes himself from those in most law firms, who generally have experience representing only one side in the franchise industry. His knowledge of both sides of the franchise model enables him to explain the intricacies and dynamics of franchise law to our clients and apply that knowledge and experience to our clients’ advantage.
Richard consults regularly with franchisors considering expansion both within the United States and Internationally. His expertise helps franchisors adhere to franchise relationship laws, and comply with disclosure and franchise registration and renewal registrations throughout the United States. He represents various franchise clients from the east coast to the west coast. When franchise disagreements occur, Richard assists clients by first carefully identifying the problem, and when necessary, resolves disputes through mediation, arbitration or litigation.
With 35 years of franchise law experience, Richard has been rated “AV” for more than 25 years by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating from this universally recognized rating source. Richard has authored numerous franchising articles and speaks often on franchising law. He is also the author of the monthly newsletter Franchisor Alert® which features franchising articles and provides valuable insight for emerging and mature franchisors.
Richard is a member of the Franchise Committee of the International Bar Association and member of the Franchising Committee, Section of Anti-Trust Law of the American Bar Association. In addition, he is a member of the American Bar Association’s Forum Committee on Franchising and the Subcommittee on Franchising of the Section of Corporation, Banking and Business Laws, Small Business Committee. Richard is licensed to practice law in Alabama and before the United States Supreme Court, the Eleventh and Fifth Circuits of the United States Court of Appeals and all United States District Courts of Alabama. Richard is known for successfully promoting franchising within his home state of Alabama and co-founded the Alabama Franchise Alliance in 2010 to help further franchising in Alabama. He has also served the Birmingham Bar Association as Chairman of the Fee Arbitration Committee, the Economics of Law Committee as Chairman, and as a member of the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, Civil Court Procedure Committee, Budget Committee, Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation Committee, Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee and Special Assignments Committee.
Richard received his Doctor of Jurisprudence at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Auburn University. He was selected to be on the panel for the International Franchise Association (IFA) Expo in Washington, D.C, speaking on Multi-Unit and Multi-Concept Franchising, sponsored by Franchise Times. Richard has been voted as one of Birmingham’s top attorneys for numerous years, selected by his peers for recognition as Best Attorneys in Alabama, Best Lawyers in America, Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report and was chosen for the Honors Division of the Worldwide Registry (Franchise Law).
Licenses
- United States Supreme Court
- Eleventh and Fifth Circuits of the United States Court of Appeals
- All United States District Courts of Alabama
Awards
- Martindale-Hubbell
- Avvo Rating – Superb Top Attorney Franchising
- Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report
- Honors Division of the Worldwide Registry (Franchise Law)
- Best Lawyers in America
- Best Attorneys in Alabama
- Voted Birmingham’s Top Attorneys
- Who’s Who in Huntsville
Work Experience
- Duell | Law, LLC, Managing Member 2003-Present
- Duell, Yearout & Spina, P.C., Managing Member 1997-2003
- Duell & Spina, P.C., Managing Member 1990-1997
- Duell & Riddle, P.C., Managing Member 1989-1990
- Clayton & Duell, P.A., Managing Member 1981-1989
- Duell Law Firm, Managing Member 1977-1981
- Ritchey and Ritchey, P.A. 1973-1977
Associations
- International Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Alabama State Bar, Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Section
Education
- Doctor of Jurisprudence, Cumberland Law School
- Business Administration, Auburn University