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Robert Zarco - Miami, FL
2 South Biscayne Boulevard34th Floor Miami, FL 33131 - 2150
Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.
Miami Franchise Law Lawyer
Overview
Robert Zarco, Founding Partner of Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., has built a distinguished national and international reputation in franchise law and complex commercial litigation. For over 35 years, he has been at the forefront of protecting the legal rights and interests of business clients in the U.S. and abroad. Zarco has handled complex commercial trials, legal transactions, business disputes, and litigation in federal and state courts, as well as arbitration and mediation forums.
Renowned as an experienced, aggressive, and innovative trial lawyer and negotiator, Zarco has received numerous industry distinctions, including being recognized in Best Lawyers in Commercial Litigation and Franchise Law every year since 2006. He was honored as “Lawyer of the Year” in 2020 for Franchise Law by Best Lawyers in America©. Other accolades include being named a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America and an inductee into the Order of Centurions Trial Lawyers Honor Society, “Top Dealmakers of the Year” for Real Estate/Land by the Daily Business Review, and receiving the “Legal Eagle Hall of Fame” recognition from Franchise Times. In 2021, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD). Under Zarco’s leadership, Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. has consistently ranked among the “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers in America©.
Mr. Zarco leads a team of highly skilled attorneys with diverse backgrounds in economics, banking, and accounting. The firm has an exceptional track record of assisting franchisees and businesses in forming, managing, growing, restructuring, exiting, and defending legal transactions and disputes. These include complex cases involving commercial real estate, intellectual property and trademark infringement, C-Suite labor and employment disputes, and more. Zarco is particularly celebrated for his expertise and advocacy on behalf of franchisees in all aspects of franchise litigation. He actively lobbies federal and state legislators to enact “Fair Franchising” legislation to protect franchisees’ rights and business interests.
A graduate of Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Zarco developed a strong foundation in business, finance, and accounting during his tenure as a financial analyst at General Motors in New York. While working there, he simultaneously attended Pace University’s Graduate School of Business MBA program. His passion for the law led him to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law. Mr. Zarco is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Florida Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and other federal courts nationwide.
Under his leadership, Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A. has achieved landmark victories for clients and set legal precedents, especially in franchise law. The firm has led significant cases involving issues such as encroachment/cannibalization, breaches of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud in the inducement, fraudulent concealment, and violations of state and federal franchise statutes.
The firm represents franchisees from over 500 brands across more than 40 states and 20 countries. Clients have included franchisees and franchisee associations from major systems such as Holiday Inn, Days Inn, McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Harley Davidson, Planet Fitness, Massage Envy, Edible Arrangements, and many more.
Fluent in Spanish, Robert Zarco was born in Cuba and immigrated to the U.S. with his family in 1961, fleeing communism. His parents’ sacrifices and his determination have shaped his success. A lifelong entrepreneur, Zarco started his first business at age seven and invested his early earnings into real estate as a college freshman.
As a community leader and philanthropist, Zarco has served on the Board of Trustees for the Public Health Trust/Jackson Health System and the University of Maryland. He supports charitable organizations including the Jewish Federation, AIPAC, Israel Bonds, Rambam Hospital, and Temple Menorah. An avid yachtsman and amateur chef, Zarco enjoys hosting events for charitable causes. He also collects automobiles and displays his art collection at the firm’s luxurious offices in Downtown Miami.
Zarco’s life mottos, “Work Hard, Play Hard” and “Live, Learn, Love, and Laugh,” embody his philosophy of achieving balance and fulfillment. He lives in Miami with his family and enjoys traveling and creating lasting memories with his three grown children and grandchildren.
About Robert Zarco
Current Employment Position(s)
- Founding Partner
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Practice Areas
- Franchise Law
- Complex Business & Commercial Law
- Commercial Trial Lawyer
- Business Litigation & Disputes
- Appeals, Arbitration & Mediation
- Real Estate & Insurance Disputes Resolution and Litigation
- Intellectual Property Disputes Resolution & Litigation
- Employment Law Disputes Resolution & Litigation
Litigation
- 99%
Qualifications
Bar Admissions
- Florida
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court District of Arizona
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Supreme Court of Florida
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court District of Colorado
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit
Other Affiliations
- American Bar Association, Member (ABA)
- Florida Bar Association, Member
- Dade County Bar Association, Member
- Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, Member
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Member
- American Bar Association Franchise Forum
- Cuban American Bar Association (CABA)
- Dade Country Trial Lawyers Association
- Federal Trial Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- Florida Justice Association
- International Franchise Association (IFA)
- American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD)
- Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA)
- Litigation Counsel of America (LCA), Fellow and Trial Law Institute Member
- Diversity Law Institute, Member – Litigation Counsel of America
Classes and Seminars
- May 2024: “The Impact of Private Equity on Your Franchise Relationship, ” AAFD’s 2024 Franchisee Leadership Summit and Annual Conference, St. Louis, MO
- April 2024: “The Impact Private Equity Has On The Franchisor/Franchisee Relationship,” Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) Day Forum & Legal Symposium, Washington D. C.
- 2023, CFA DAY Forum, Panelist sharing his legal opinions on the Federal Trade Commission’s recent Request for Information about franchising, Wash. DC.
- 2023, Keynote Speaker at the SWAG Conference, “From Cuba to Court: How an Immigrant Created a Life of Sanity, Wealth & Gratitude,” St. Louis, MO.
- 2022, AAFD’s 30th Anniversary Franchisee Leadership Summit and Conference, Keynote Speaker “It’s Our Time”, Mesa, AZ.
- 2022, CFA Membership Webinar on ‘Encroachment and Cannibalization in Franchising.’
- 2021, AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit, Speaker and Awarded the AAFD “Total Quality Franchising Award for Lifetime Achievement,” Virtual.
- 2019, Panelist Speaker, CFA Legal Symposium, “How to handle Encroachment issues”, Las Vegas, NV.
- 2019, AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit “When Private Equity Buys Your Franchise System” and lead a Panel Discussion on “Protecting Franchisee Goodwill”, Mesa, AZ.
- 2019, Speaker, “Jack in the Box” National Franchisee Association Convention, Scottsdale, AZ.
- 2017, February 24. “Alternative Fee Arrangements”, Inaugural Corporate Counsel Summit, Coral Gables, FL.
- 2017, CFA Day Forum, “Franchisor Control – The Impact on Joint Employer Liability and Vicarious Liability,” Washington D.C.
- 2017, 25th Annual AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit and Conference “Threat of NLRB to Joint Employer Doctrine,” Indian Wells, CA.
- 2016, November 10. “Where to Draw the Line – Is your Franchise Agreement an Unconscionable, Illusory Contract?”, 39th Annual ABA Forum on Franchising, Miami Beach, FL
- 2016, May 4. “NLRB Decision: Joint Employer”, 7-Eleven Franchisee National Coalition Conference, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
- 2015, December 14. “Launching into the World”, Florida International University Commencement Ceremony, Miami FL.
- 2015, October 8-11. “Legal implications of the recent National Labor Relations Board decision on franchisors, franchisees and franchising in general”, 56th Annual HADA convention, Maui, HI
- 2015, September 21-22. “Joint- Employer: What it really Means for You and Franchisors”, 2015 DDIFO National Conference, Las Vegas, NV
- 2015, February 26. “Affordable Care Act – The Employer Mandate in Summary”, DDIFO District Member Meeting, Orlando, FL
- 2014, Florida International University Graduation Commencement Speaker.
- 2014, October 15-17. “The 7 Most Significant Franchise Cases of all Time”, 37th Annual ABA Forum on Franchising, Seattle, WA
- 2014, October 9-12. “Hawaii’s Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Act” , 55th Annual HADA Convention, Wailea, HI
- 2013, May: “A Seat at the Table-The Case for Franchisee Advisory Councils,” International Franchise Association (IFA), 46th Annual Legal Symposium, Washington, D.C
- 2013, May 5-9. “Alternatives to Default: Managing Underperforming Franchisees”, 46th Annual IFA Legal Symposium
- 2010, November. Lecture: University of Maryland
- 2009, October. “Franchise Litigation”, ABA Forum on Franchising, Toronto, ON, Canada
- 2009, May 30-31. “Tips for Franchisees in Pursuit of the American Dream”, Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- 2009, June. “Tips for the Franchisee In Pursuit of the American Dream”
- 2009, March. “Guest satisfaction Still First Priority for hospitality Industry in Weathering Challenging Economic Times”
- 2009, February. “Creative Strategies for Franchise Businesses to Navigate Challenging Economic Times”
- 2006, October 11-13. “The Practical Considerations on Litigation Franchise Disputes” ABA 29th Annual Forum on Franchising, Boston, MA
- 2006, February 9-12. “Investing in a Hotel Franchise”, National Society of Minorities in Hospitality, Dallas, TX
- 2005, March 24-25. “Maximizing your Franchise Agreement”, 2005 AAHOA Annual Convention & Trade Show, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- 2004, November 5. “Understanding the UFOC and Franchise Laws”, Hampton Roads Franchise Roads Expo 2004, Hampton, VA
- 2004, September 8. “Getting the Most of the Franchisor/Franchisee Relationships”, Tennessee Hospitality Alliance Exposition with Tennessee Restaurant Association, Nashville, TN
- 2004, August 6. “Benefits of a Franchise Association & Medicine Shoppe Franchise”, Pharmacy Franchise Owner Association, Anaheim, CA
- 2004, January 22. “Hospitality Franchising Issues”, Conrad N. Hilton College, University of Houston, Houston, TX
- 2003, September 22. “Lawsuit Trends and Thoughts on Avoiding Litigation”, Multi-Unit Food Service Operators Conference, Atlanta, GA
- 2003, June 12. Nova’s Fast Track MBA Training in Franchise Management – International Institute of Franchise Education, H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business & Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL
- 2003, June 3. “Franchising Today UFOC Night”, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s “Franchise Today”, Orientation Seminar, New York, NY
- 2003, April 9. “Franchising Today UFOC Night”, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s “Franchising Today”, Orientation Seminar, Orlando, FL
- 2003, January 22. "Franchise Relationship Laws in US Territories", U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's "Franchising Today" Orientation Seminar, Caguas, Puerto Rico.
- 2003, January 17. "The Ten Most Dangerous Provisions in a Franchise Agreement", Florida Bar Franchise Seminar, Miami, FL.
- 2002, October 30. “Financial Management of a Franchised Business and The Role of the CPA”, The Cuban American CPA Association, Miami, FL
- 2002, October 19. “Franchising Today: Exploring New Markets & New Opportunities”, The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles, CA
- 2002, October 6. “The 10 Most Dangerous Contract Clauses in The Hardee’s Franchise Agreement”, The Hardee’s Convention, Miami, FL
- 2000, April. “The Top Ten Issues Facing Hotel Counsel”
- 2000, Convention. Fairness and Good Faith and McDonald’s Remodeling Requirements.
- 2000, April. Alternatives in Resolving Franchisor– Franchisee Disputes— Part One: The Mediation Option
- 2000, March. “Liquidated Damages Clauses – Do You Always Have to Pay?”
- 2000, February. The American with Disabilities Act–An Overview for Franchisees in the Lodging Sector
- 2000, January. Premises Liability– Is the Franchisor or Franchisee Responsible When a Guest is Injured on Hotel Property
- 1999, December. To Pay or Not to Pay…(Royalties)…That is the Question.
- 1999, November. Part II of the Most Potentially Dangerous Contract Clauses in Your Franchise Agreement
- 1999, September. Ten of the Most Dangerous Contract Clauses Which May Be in Your Franchise Agreement
- Know Your Legal Rights.
- Practical Aspects of Franchisee Representation Alternative Dispute Resolution: Which Method is Best for Your Client
- The Sounds of Silence in the Franchise Agreement, co-author with Lawrence V. Ashe, Franchise Law Journal, vol. 19, no. 1, American Bar Association
Pro Bono Activities
- City of Miami Beach Budget Advisory Committee
- Several committees for Greater Miami Jewish Federation
- Board of Directors of Temple Menorah
- Affiliate of American Franchisee Association
- Member of Beacon Council
- Delegate to White House Conference on Small Businesses
- University of Maryland Board of Trustees
- Jackson Memorial Hospital/Public Health Trust Governing Board of Trustees
Education
- University of Miami School of Law, Coral Gables, Florida, 1985
J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence - Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
B.A., Bachelor of Arts
Major: Economics
Fees
Accepts Credit Cards
Articles
Published Works
- Tips for the Franchisee in Pursuit of the American Dream
- Know Your Legal Rights
- Practical Aspects of Franchisee Representation Alternative Dispute Resolution: Which Method is Best for Your Client (Co-Author)
- The Sounds of Silence in the Franchise Agreement, co-author with Lawrence V. Ashe, Franchise Law Journal, vol. 19, no. 1, American Bar Association
- Fairness and Good Faith and McDonald's Remodeling Requirements, Consortium Members Inc. Equity Forum, A Publication for McDonald's Franchisees, 2000
Office Information
Address
2 South Biscayne Boulevard34th Floor Miami, FL 33131 - 2150
Fax
- (305) 374-5428
Office Hours
9am-6pm
Websites
Achievements
Other Sources of Feedback About Robert Zarco
Included on the 2025 Florida Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2024 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2016 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2014 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2013 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2012 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2011 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2010 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2009 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2008 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2007 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2006 Florida Super Lawyers list
Honors
- Fellow and Order of the Centurions, Trial Lawyers Honorary Society, Litigation Counsel of America (LCA), Since 2021
- Lifetime Achievement Award in Total Quality Franchising by the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD)
- Lawyer of the Year; by Best Lawyer's, Franchise Law, 2020
- Best Lawyers of America – Franchise Law and Commercial Litigation, Since 2013
- “AV Pre-Eminent” Rating, Martindale-Hubbell/LexisNexis, Highest peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards, Since 1995
- Chambers USA National Ranking in Franchising (mainly Franchisee)
- Super Lawyers, Franchise/Dealership and Business Litigation, Florida, 2006 to the present
- Top 50 Bench Awards in the USA, Therapies 4 Kids Inc. v. Santoro, et al., Top Verdicts, USA, 2023
- Legal Eagles Hall of Fame – Franchise Times, Since 2015
- Legal Eagles – Franchise Litigation, Franchise Times, Since 2008
- “Top Dealmakers of the Year”, Real Estate Development – Daily Business Review, 2013 (Four Seasons Surf Club)
- ‘Franchise Advocate of the Year’ SWAG™ Award - Ask April Porter, 2023
- “Top 1% of America’s Most Honored Lawyers” - The American Registry
- “Top Lawyer” Franchisees & Automotive Dealerships, South Florida Legal Guide
- “Florida’s Legal Elite” - Florida Trend Magazine’s
- Haute Living Magazine’s Haute 100 List of Most Influential Names in Miami
- Haute Lawyer- Franchise Law, Commercial Litigation & Trial Lawyer
- “Men of Influence” – Lifestyle Magazine, 2022
- Who’s Who Legal (WWL) ‘Thought Leaders’ and ‘Global Leaders’ in Franchise Law
- South Florida’s Top Lawyers - Miami Herald
- Top Attorneys - Best in Class, Franchise Times
- Top Attorneys in Florida – “Franchise/Dealership Law”
- Biggest Restaurant Newsmakers – Restaurant Business Online, 2018
- “High- Flying Franchise Attorneys”, Franchise Times Magazine
- “Top Franchise Attorneys’ – Top Legal Minds in the Business”, Franchise Times
- Power Player, South Florida Business Leader Magazine
- “Top Lawyers in Franchise” - South Florida Legal Guide, Since 2009
- Key Partners Award - South Florida Business Journal Magazine
- The International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers, Since 2011
- National Register’s Who’s Who in Executives & Professionals
- “South Florida’s Top Lawyers”, Miami Metro Magazine
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