Stephanie Blumstein

Experience

Stephanie joined Plave Koch as a partner in July 2025 and concentrates her practice on franchise and distribution law. With nearly 20 years of experience in franchising, and having practiced as both a transactional attorney and a litigator, Stephanie is able to offer comprehensive counsel to franchisors on a wide range of issues and across a variety of industries. Clients rely on her for effective and timely legal solutions in an ever-changing business landscape.

Stephanie is adept at guiding her clients through all aspects of the franchise relationship, including developing and growing franchise programs, drafting and negotiating franchise agreements and area development agreements, sales and transfers, and regulatory compliance. She also works with her clients to address issues that arise during the franchise relationship and with dispute resolution. Stephanie has extensive experience representing clients in franchise and business litigation before state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country, as well as in mediations and before arbitration tribunals (including the American Arbitration Association and JAMS).

Prior to joining Plave Koch, Stephanie served as in-house Senior Counsel for one of the world’s largest hotel franchisors. In that capacity, she played a critical role in ensuring the company complied with all laws and regulations relating to its core business of franchising. She provided legal advice in the areas of franchised hotel development and brand operations, including franchise sales, contract compliance, commercial contracts, and general business counseling. She also supported the franchise development and operations teams through regular interactions with other legal and cross-functional teams (finance, marketing, IT, tax, risk management) and outside counsel.

Stephanie has been consistently recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® and Franchise Times Magazine as a leader in franchise law. She is a frequent speaker on topics related to franchising, as well as an active contributor to franchise-focused publications. She is also an active member of several national franchise law groups.

Bar Admissions

• New York
• New Jersey
• Massachusetts
• U.S. District Court Southern District of New York
• U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York
• U.S. District Court District of New Jersey

Professional Associations

• American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising (Program Committee Member (2020-2022; 2025-present), Solo and Small Firm Committee Member (2022-2024))
• International Franchise Association (Legal Symposium Task Force Member (2024-2025); Legal/Legislative Committee)
• Women’s Franchise Network – NY/NJ Chapter