Michael D. Braunstein - Miami, FL
Attorney at Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.
Franchise Law Lawyers in Miami, FL
2 S. Biscayne Blvd. 34th Floor Miami, FL 33131
- Free Consultation
Miami Franchise Law Lawyer
Updated: 05/11/2026
Areas of Practice
- Franchise Law
- Civil Litigation
- Complex Commercial Litigation
Attorney Information
Overview
Michael D. Braunstein is a partner at Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., where he focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on franchise law. He represents franchisees, area developers, and independent franchisee associations across hundreds of franchise systems nationwide, advising clients in a broad range of industries, including quick-service restaurants, pet care, health and wellness, home services, and other consumer-facing brands.
Michael regularly handles high-stakes franchise and commercial disputes in state and federal courts throughout the country, as well as before domestic and international arbitration tribunals. His experience spans a wide array of franchise-related matters, including breach of contract claims, wrongful termination and nonrenewal disputes, fraud and misrepresentation claims, encroachment and territory disputes, supply chain and vendor issues, fiduciary duty claims, and complex business tort litigation. He is frequently retained in bet-the-company disputes involving franchise termination, system-wide operational conflicts, and multi-party commercial litigation, and has substantial experience in pursuing and defending matters requiring immediate attention—including emergency injunction proceedings and business-critical disputes. He has secured numerous multimillion-dollar jury verdicts, bench judgments, and arbitration awards on behalf of his clients.
In addition to his trial practice, Michael frequently handles appellate matters and is admitted to practice before numerous federal district and appellate courts nationwide, including the Supreme Court of the United States. He also advises clients on complex business transactions and strategic dispute avoidance.
Recognized for his results-driven advocacy and professionalism, Mr. Braunstein is a frequent author and speaker on franchise law topics, including presentations at programs hosted by the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising and the International Franchise Association Legal Symposium. He also serves as an editor of the Franchise Law Journal. He maintains the highest available ratings through Martindale-Hubbell in both peer and client reviewed categories.
Mr. Braunstein earned his B.S.B.A. from University of Miami and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law. He also serves as a professor at the University of Miami School of Law, where he teaches Litigation Skills and coaches the law school’s nationally recognized Trial Team in competitions throughout the United States.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Best Lawyers in America – “Ones To Watch" in Commercial Litigation and Corporate Law, Since 2023
- “Florida Rising Star” – Florida Super Lawyers, 2023
- “AV Pre-Eminent” Rating, Martindale-Hubbell, Highest peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards, Since 2023
- Client Champion-Platinum Distinction, Martindale Hubbell, 2023
- South Florida’s Top Lawyers - Miami Herald, 2024
- 'Up & Comer’ Award – South Florida Business & Wealth Magazine, 2022
Education
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Legal Education
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University of Miami School of Law,
Coral Gables,
Florida, 2017
J.D.
Honors: magna cum laude
Honors: Litigation Skills I, Litigation Skills II, and Alternate Dispute Resolution
Honors: Excellence Award in Professional Responsibility
Honors: Charles C. Papy Moot Court Board, Member
Honors: Presidential Advisory Board, Member
Honors: Best Oralist. Mr. Braunstein
Honors: Best Student Casenote Award
Honors: Order of Barristers
Law Review: Social Justice Law Review, Senior Articles Editor
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University of Miami School of Law,
Coral Gables,
Florida, 2017
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Non Legal Education
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University of Miami, 2014
Bachelors of Science in Business Administration
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University of Miami, 2014
Current Employment Position(s)
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Partner
Classes and Seminars
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Lecturer on Litigation Skills, University of Miami School of Law, since 2026
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Co-Presenter, Recent Regulatory Guidance, Model Rules, and Pronouncements Impacting Franchising, American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Phoenix, Arizona, 2024
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Speaker, What Is (and Is Not) Good Cause for Termination?, American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Phoenix, Arizona, 2024
- Speaker, Enforcement of System Standards During COVID-19, International Franchise Association Legal Symposium, Washington, D.C., 2022
Published Works
Articles
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Co-Author, FLJ Currents, Franchise Law Journal, March 2026
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Editor, Franchise Law Journal, since 2025
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Co-Author, What Is (and Is Not) Good Cause for Termination?, American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Phoenix, Arizona, 2024
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Co-Author, Enforcement of System Standards During COVID-19, International Franchise Association Legal Symposium, Washington, D.C., 2022
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Co-Author, A Crash Course on Interpretation of the “Marketing Plan or System” Element of State Franchise Statutes, Franchise Law Journal, Fall 2022
Bar Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Supreme Court of Florida
- U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court Western District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Tennessee
Reviews
Customer Reviews for Michael D. Braunstein
Highlights
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5.0 Value
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5.0 Quality of Service
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5.0 Professional Competence
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Hired Attorney 2022-2023I am pleased to provide Attorney Michael Braunstein of Zarco, Einhorn and Salkowski, Attorneys at Law with an exceptional review. Mr. Braunstein was extremely thorough and strategic in his approach and kept me informed throughout the process. He and his team are professional, conscientious, collaborative and personable. Selecting Zarco, Einhorn and Salkowski and Mr. Braunstein was the right decision. Mr. Braunstein exceeded my expectations for the case, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him and the firm to anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you, Michael and Zarco, Einhorn and Salkowski. providing outstanding client service. D. Benjamin
Contact
2 S. Biscayne Blvd.
34th Floor
Miami, FL 33131
Fax: 305-374-5428
Email: Send a message
Website: https://www.zarcolaw.com
Hours: 9am-6pm
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