Michelle Murray-Bertrand, Business Attorney in New York
Over 20 years of legal practice · focused on Business and IP
PartneratKaufmann Gildin & Robbins LLP
New, NY
Practicing business in New York since 2006.
- 20+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Michelle Murray-Bertrand is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Business and IP. Michelle has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufmann Gildin & Robbins LLP.
- Based in
- New York, NY
- Experience
- over 20 years
- Known for
- Business · IP
- Handles Business and IP matters from New York, NY.
- Over 20 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michelle Murray-Bertrand: Michelle Murray-Bertrand is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Business and IP. Michelle has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufmann Gildin & Robbins LLP.
Areas of practice
Michelle's practice areas in New York
Michelle concentrates on business and ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michelle handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in New York
Michelle takes business matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
IP cases in New York
Michelle takes ip matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
Biography
Michelle Murray-Bertrand, business attorney serving New York
Michelle Murray-Bertrand is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Business and IP. Michelle has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufmann Gildin & Robbins LLP. Michelle works from New York and takes on business matters across the region.
Michelle Murray-Bertrand concentrates her practice on domestic and international franchising and licensing matters. Michelle advises both newly emerging and globally renowned mature domestic and international franchisors in the planning, structure, development and implementation of their franchise programs. Her experience includes drafting and negotiating franchise agreements, master franchise agreements, multi-unit development agreements and other ancillary agreements; securing franchise registrations and exemptions from applicable domestic franchise registration and business opportunity laws and abroad; establishing and administering regulatory compliance programs and systemwide standards; and counseling franchisors on a myriad of franchise relationship issues to avert and resolve franchisee disputes. Michelle’s franchise practice also includes representing clients in franchise related mergers and acquisitions (such as, advising private equity companies in the acquisition and/or sale of franchise, licensing and distribution systems) and complex and sophisticated franchise-related financing transactions (including, the securitizations of franchisor’s royalty streams).
Michelle has a breadth of experience in general corporate law matters, such as mergers and acquisitions; private placement offerings; business entity formation and governance; and private equity matters. She has drafted and negotiated a variety of commercial and transactional agreements, such as, systemwide and regional supply and distribution agreements, trademark license agreements, software license agreements, employment agreements, and consulting agreements.
Michelle represents some of our nation's and the world's largest and most prestigious franchisors and well as innovative startup franchise companies operating in a wide range of industries, including, hospitality and lodging, food and beverage, retail, cleaning services, home organization, medical equipment, and vacation rental and property management.
Michelle is a member of the New York State bar and has been engaged in private practice since 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from New York Law School, where she graduated magna cum laude, was an Associate Editor of Law Review and a Justice Harlan Scholar. She received her Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University.
Published Works
• International Franchise Association, Legal Symposium, Speaker and Co-Author “Threats to the Franchise Model: Where is Labor Law Taking Us”, May 2024
• Franchise Law Journal, Co-Author, “Franchising Faces Existential Threats”, Spring 2023
• American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising, Speaker and Co-Author, “Hitting Refresh: Updating Your Franchise Agreement to Reflect the Times”, November 2022
• International Franchise Association, Legal Symposium, Speaker and Co-Author “Combining Different Concepts in One FDD: Disclosing Multiple Brands and Different Franchise Formats in the Same FDD”, May 2022
• Franchise Law Journal, Co-Author, “Issues in Growth by Multi-Unit Franchising”, Winter 2019
• Franchise Business Review, Co-Author, “Reviewing and Assessing the Franchise Disclosure Document” December 2017
• Franchise Law Review, Co-Author, “United States Chapter”, November 2017, November 2016 and November 2015
• International Comparative Legal Guide to Franchise to: Franchise 2017, “USA Chapter” November 2016
Honors
• Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for work in Franchise Law
• Named as one of Franchise Times’ United States 2024 Legal Eagles
• Franchise Times Legal Eagle
Professional Associations
• American Bar Association: Forum on Franchising – Member; Programming Committee Member, 2023-2024
• International Franchise Association – Member; Legal Taskforce Member, 2023-2024
Michelle's approach to business cases
Michelle Murray-Bertrand concentrates her practice on domestic and international franchising and licensing matters. Michelle advises both newly emerging and globally renowned mature domestic and international franchisors in the planning, structure, development and implementation of their franchise programs. Her experience includes drafting and negotiating franchise agreements, master franchise…
The kind of cases Michelle takes
Michelle reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and ip matters across New York.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michelle studied and practices
New York Law School
J.D. · 2006
Syracuse University
B.S. · 1996
Jurisdictions
Michelle's state bar admissions
New York
2006 · ACTIVE
Michelle studied at J.D. in New York Law School and B.S. in Syracuse University.
Law school and academic background
Michelle completed J.D. in New York Law School and B.S. in Syracuse University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michelle runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Michelle Murray-Bertrand's office in New York
Michelle's primary office is at 675 Third Avenue, Suite 2200, New York, NY, 10017. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Kaufmann Gildin & Robbins LLP
675 Third Avenue, Suite 2200
New York, NY 10017
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michelle Murray-Bertrand — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michelle usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michelle charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michelle's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michelle will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michelle
Michelle discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michelle confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michelle's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michelle Murray-Bertrand
How much does it cost to hire Michelle for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michelle walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michelle offer a free consultation?
Michelle charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michelle's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Michelle's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in New York typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michelle gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michelle take my case if I'm outside New York?
Michelle is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michelle will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michelle?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michelle will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michelle accepting new business clients right now?
Michelle's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Michelle handles business matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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