Photo: Jennifer Shayko, Aird & Berlis LLP
Aird & Berlis LLP has welcomed Jennifer Shayko as a co-leader of its franchising group and a partner in its corporate group as of this April.
Shayko served almost a decade as associate general counsel at Recipe Unlimited Corporation. In this role, she gained experience leading franchise operations within a complex corporate structure and oversaw more than 20 brands, including Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, and New York Fries.
“I am in charge of the legal responsibilities for franchising, which is a very large portfolio at Recipe,” Shayko told Lexpert in February. “Each brand is governed independently and has its own personnel.”
A press release from Aird & Berlis said that Shayko is a prominent member of Canada’s franchise bar and a lawyer known for her business-focused approach and deep industry insight.
“She brings a rare combination of corporate, litigation and in-house experience,” the firm’s press release added.
As associate general counsel, she strove to modernize the legal department and the business in general, including through AI and online ordering platforms.
“Technology is making things better for our system,” Shayko said to Lexpert.
Shayko’s practice
Shayko’s bio on the website of Aird & Berlis provided more information on her professional experience.
She has worked closely with established and emerging franchisors alike on all franchising aspects, including regulatory compliance, risk minimization, contract negotiations, and system growth. She has also worked with franchisee associations and system stakeholders in implementing effective business strategies.
Shayko has structured area development agreements and master franchising arrangements in Canada and beyond. She has supported franchisors in their cross-border expansion into markets such as the US, the UK, India, the Middle East, and Asia.
She has negotiated complex franchise transactions across different industries, including food and beverage, hospitality, trucking and logistics, automotive, fashion, and retail. She has assisted franchisors with:
- acquisitions and dispositions
- single-unit and multi-unit transactions
- the development and evolution of franchise systems
- system-wide updates
- changes to franchise disclosure documents, agreements, and other ancillary contracts
- leasing and subleasing arrangements,
- trademark portfolio management
Shaykos’ litigation work has included appearances before the Ontario Court of Appeal, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and the latter court’s Commercial List in Toronto.
She joined the Ontario bar in 2012. Her other languages include Mandarin Chinese.