Jeff M. Schagren – Dallas Business, Employment & Labor Attorney
Jeff M. Schagren is a Dallas business attorney representing companies, executives, franchisors, developers, and management teams throughout Dallas and across Texas. His practice is dedicated exclusively to businesses and employers. He does not represent employees in claims against companies.
Jeff joined Ritter Spencer Cheng PLLC after practicing at an AmLaw 100 firm, where he was a member of the Commercial Litigation, Labor & Employment, Retail & Hospitality, and Cannabis, Hemp & CBD practice groups. He brings experience working with Fortune 500 companies, industry-leading public and private organizations, government entities, and national and international law firms.
Businesses in Dallas and throughout Texas rely on Jeff for practical, strategic, and cost-effective legal guidance designed to protect operations and support long-term growth.
Dallas Business Attorney for Growing Companies
Jeff works with small and mid-sized companies from inception through expansion. He assists with:
- LLC formation and corporate structure
- Operating agreements and shareholder agreements
- Corporate governance and policy development
- Risk management and insurance planning
- Vendor agreements and master dealer agreements
- Business succession and ownership transitions
- Joint venture agreements
- Business “divorce” negotiations between co-owners
- Outsourced General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer,
- Risk, compliance and crisis management advice
He has played key roles in major transactions, including multibillion-dollar acquisitions and divestitures in the hospitality industry. His experience includes participating in LOI and purchase and sale agreement negotiations, drafting management and technical services agreements, and conducting due diligence for complex real estate and development projects.
From startups to established enterprises, Jeff provides Dallas businesses with the legal infrastructure necessary for stability and scalability.
Complex Contract Negotiation & Commercial Agreements
Strong contracts are essential to protecting business interests. Jeff negotiates and drafts a wide range of agreements for companies of all sizes, including:
- Purchase and sale agreements (single properties, multiple properties and entire portfolios)
- Construction and contractor agreements
- Financing agreements
- Commercial lease agreements
- Management agreements
- Franchise agreements
- Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements
- Employment agreements and executive compensation arrangements
He has negotiated agreements for brand owners and management companies, franchisors and franchisees, of international hotel companies, continental and national hotel management companies and regional major casual dining brands. His work also includes drafting industry-first white label agreements and multistate lease documentation.
For Dallas companies entering new markets or expanding operations, Jeff ensures contracts are clear, enforceable, and aligned with strategic goals.
Employer-Side Employment & Labor Law Representation
Jeff represents employers in Dallas and across Texas, California, New York and other jurisdictions in all aspects of labor and employment law. His services focus on compliance, risk mitigation, and strong defense when disputes arise.
Employer-side services include:
- Employment law compliance and HR audits
- Employee handbook drafting and policy development
- Workforce reductions (RIFs) and terminations
- Compensation and benefits guidance
- Non-compete and restrictive covenant disputes
- Labor and employment litigation defense
- Collective bargaining and union negotiations
- NLRB matters and labor board representation
He advises companies on payroll practices, workplace safety, union issues, executive compensation, and human resources best practices. Jeff also provides anti-harassment and diversity training for management teams and employees, helping businesses reduce exposure and strengthen workplace culture.
Importantly, Jeff represents businesses and management only—not individual employees.
Real Estate, Development & Franchising
Jeff’s practice includes extensive work in real estate development and franchising. He performs due diligence for transactions involving raw land (greenfield development) and existing assets, and he negotiates complex agreements tied to hospitality and retail projects.
His experience includes:
- Advising hotel brands and developers
- Drafting and negotiating franchise agreements
- Drafting and updating Franchise Disclosure Documents
- Assisting franchisors and franchisees
- Handling lease defaults, easement disputes, and evictions
- Addressing construction-related disputes
For Dallas developers and franchise operators, Jeff provides integrated legal guidance that addresses both operational and regulatory concerns.
Litigation, Crisis Management & Mediation
When disputes escalate, Jeff represents businesses in commercial litigation, breach of contract claims, non-compete enforcement, labor and employment disputes, eminent domain matters, and construction defect cases.
In addition to litigation, Jeff is a trained mediator in Texas. He previously served as a mediator in Maryland, where he developed a reputation for helping resolve complex and highly contentious disputes. His experience as both a litigator and neutral third party allows him to guide Dallas businesses toward efficient, strategic resolutions whenever possible.
Regulatory Compliance & Emerging Industries
Jeff has advised companies on regulatory compliance in heavily regulated sectors, including cannabis, hemp, and CBD businesses operating in Texas. His work includes permitting, disclosure statements, investment documentation, intellectual property coordination, and cross-marketing considerations.
He also provides counsel on cybersecurity, data privacy, insurance coverage disputes, and federal and state employment regulations.
Education & Professional Background
Jeff earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and his B.A. in Journalism from New York University. He is admitted to practice in Texas, New York, Connecticut, and Maryland.
He is actively involved in the Dallas business community, including service with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s North Texas Chapter and the Greater Irving Chamber of Commerce.
Dedicated Representation for Dallas & Texas Businesses
Jeff M. Schagren provides experienced legal counsel to businesses throughout Dallas and across Texas. Whether assisting with startup formation, negotiating complex commercial agreements, advising on labor relations, or defending a company in litigation, his focus remains consistent: practical, effective legal solutions that protect the business.
Companies seeking a Dallas business attorney or employer-side employment lawyer can schedule a consultation to discuss their legal needs and develop a strategic plan aligned with their goals.