Jennifer Shayko Leaves Recipe Unlimited to Join Aird & Berlis as Franchise Law Co-Lead
In a move that has sent ripples through Canada’s legal and franchise industries, Jennifer Shayko has announced her departure from Recipe Unlimited to take on a new role as co-lead of the Franchise Law group at Aird & Berlis LLP. Known for her deep expertise in franchise and business law, Shayko’s career shift marks a significant moment in her journey as a legal leader.
Background and Legal Expertise
Jennifer Shayko’s legal career began at top-tier Canadian law firms such as Osler and Sotos, where she developed a strong foundation in franchise law. Early on, she realized her passion lay in franchise litigation rather than technical fields like tax law. Her specialization in franchise disputes—cases often involving high commercial stakes and complex relationships—shaped her pragmatic, relationship-focused approach. Shayko is known for emphasizing amicable conflict resolution and prioritizing the integrity of the franchise network over litigation.
Role at Recipe Unlimited
Before her move to Aird & Berlis, Shayko served as Associate General Counsel at Recipe Unlimited, one of Canada’s largest restaurant chains. In this role, she oversaw legal and business strategies for more than 20 brands, managing a vast international franchise network that included operations in the U.S. and India. Her responsibilities extended far beyond litigation, as she played a key role in setting up corporate infrastructure, overseeing tax, finance, and human resources, and adapting master franchise agreements to fit diverse regulatory environments globally.
Shayko’s leadership at Recipe Unlimited was characterized by her adaptability and collaborative approach. She consistently sought to understand franchisee perspectives, balancing their needs with the long-term interests of the franchise network. Her ability to navigate complex legal and business challenges earned her a reputation as a strategic thinker and a trusted advisor.
Industry Leadership and Vision
Jennifer Shayko is widely regarded as a powerhouse in Canadian legal circles. She brings a strategic mindset to her work, seamlessly balancing legal risk management with business growth and innovation. Shayko is also a vocal advocate for the integration of artificial intelligence into legal practice, viewing it as an opportunity to transform the industry. By shifting repetitive drafting tasks to technology, she believes lawyers can focus more on problem-solving and strategic advisory roles.
New Role at Aird & Berlis
As Shayko joins Aird & Berlis as co-lead of the Franchise Law group, she is expected to leverage her extensive experience in both high-stakes litigation and business strategy. Her collaborative philosophy and international experience will be invaluable as the firm’s clients navigate the increasingly complex landscape of franchise law. Shayko’s move underscores her continued commitment to leadership in the field and reflects broader industry trends toward more strategic, business-focused legal services.
For more details on Jennifer Shayko’s career and her new role, visit this link.
Leadership Philosophy and Approach
Jennifer Shayko’s leadership style is defined by her adaptability, collaboration, and innovative thinking. Her ability to understand franchisee perspectives while protecting the long-term interests of the franchise network has been a hallmark of her career. This collaborative approach has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor and a strategic thinker in the legal and franchise communities.
Key Highlights
Shayko’s career is marked by several notable achievements and attributes that make her a standout leader in franchise law:
- Previous Role: Associate General Counsel at Recipe Unlimited, where she oversaw legal and business strategies for over 20 brands.
- New Role: Co-lead of the Franchise Law group at Aird & Berlis LLP, where she will leverage her expertise in franchise litigation, business law, and strategy.
- Key Expertise: Franchise litigation, business law, and strategy, with a focus on amicable dispute resolution and network integrity.
- Notable Experience: Managing legal and business operations for a vast international franchise network, including the U.S. and India.
- Leadership Philosophy: Emphasizing adaptability, collaboration, and innovation to balance legal risk management with business growth.
- Industry Vision: Advocating for the integration of artificial intelligence in legal practice to transform the industry and enhance the role of lawyers as strategic advisors.
For a detailed summary of Jennifer Shayko’s career and her new role, refer to the summary table here.
Broader Industry Trends
Shayko’s move to Aird & Berlis reflects a broader shift in the legal industry toward more strategic, business-focused legal services. As franchise law becomes increasingly complex, firms are seeking leaders who can navigate both legal and business challenges with a collaborative and innovative approach. Shayko’s appointment as co-lead of the Franchise Law group positions her to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of franchise law in Canada and beyond.
Conclusion
Jennifer Shayko’s transition to Aird & Berlis LLP as co-lead of the Franchise Law group marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her unique blend of legal expertise, business acumen, and collaborative leadership. Her ability to balance legal risk management with strategic business growth positions her as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of franchise law. As the legal industry evolves, Shayko’s innovative approach and vision for integrating technology, such as artificial intelligence, underscore her commitment to advancing the role of lawyers as strategic advisors. Her adaptability, collaborative philosophy, and forward-thinking mindset make her a leader to watch in the franchise and legal communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Jennifer Shayko’s leadership style?
Jennifer Shayko’s leadership style is characterized by adaptability, collaboration, and innovative thinking. She emphasizes balancing legal risk management with business growth while fostering a culture of trust and strategic decision-making.
What is Jennifer Shayko’s new role?
Jennifer Shayko is the co-lead of the Franchise Law group at Aird & Berlis LLP. In this role, she leverages her expertise in franchise litigation, business law, and strategy to provide legal and strategic guidance to clients.
What industries does Jennifer Shayko specialize in?
Jennifer Shayko specializes in franchise law, with a focus on franchise litigation, business law, and strategy. She has extensive experience managing legal and business operations for international franchise networks, including in the U.S. and India.
What is Jennifer Shayko’s vision for the legal industry?
Jennifer Shayko advocates for the integration of artificial intelligence in legal practice. She envisions a future where lawyers play a more strategic advisory role, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
What makes Jennifer Shayko a standout leader in franchise law?
Jennifer Shayko is recognized for her collaborative approach, innovative thinking, and ability to navigate complex legal and business challenges. Her experience overseeing legal strategies for over 20 brands and managing international franchise networks highlights her expertise and leadership in franchise law.
