Gordon Drakes | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

I have advised on high-profile and innovative deals in the retail, food & beverage, leisure and entertainment, services, healthcare and education sectors. With over 18 years of experience, I can help clients with their strategic planning and ensure that they avoid common pitfalls and maximise the commercial opportunity, part of which involves navigating them through complex international regulatory and local law issues.

I am very proud that our team is ranked consistently in the top-tier for commercial contracts, franchising and licensing by Chambers & Partners, the Legal500 and Who's Who Legal.

  • Who's Who Franchising 2024 ranks me as a "Global Elite Thought Leader"
  • Legal 500 2024 ranks me as a Leading Individual for Franchising (the Fieldfisher franchise team is Tier 1)
  • Chambers & Partners UK ranks Fieldfisher in Tier 1 for franchising, and has done for the last 17 consecutive years.
  • Gordon is a member of the British Franchise Association's Legal Committee, and Fieldfisher has been a BFA accredited law firm since 1997.
Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Legal 500
Fieldfisher had created our entire franchise agreement and all the related documents such as the adoption agreement, nondisclosure, etc. Gordon and his team are very professional and supportive, as we are new in the field and have little experience in legal procedure and contracts, they answered our questions in-depth patiently. It is something certainly very appreciated. The team is also very responsive and organized. You can always find the key person for your questions.
Legal 500
Gordon Drakes has not only a profound knowledge of franchise law, but he is also willing to share and teach our team. It’s not easy to work with someone who has no legal background like me. Gordon supported us through the whole contract negotiation process and provided to-the-point answers, arguments, and negotiations to the counterpart. He never hesitates to support us and give us quick feedback and suggestion.
Legal 500

Highly recommended for his incredibly specialised repertoire in franchising law and is held in high esteem for his incisive handling of complex franchising and hospitality matters.

Chambers UK

Gordon is very good at franchising; he understands it inside-out.

Authored pieces

All Resources
Several packs of pills in various shapes and colors are scattered on a surface. The medication is contained in blister packs, with some capsules being half white and half blue, others in different color combinations. The image uses blue and pink lighting.
Franchising & Licensing
Insight

Franchising models in healthcare: navigating growth and regulation

13.05.2026
A recent webinar hosted by the International Bar Association Healthcare and Life Sciences Committee, with the support of the International Bar Association International Franchising Committee and the International Distribution Institute, brought together a panel of expert speakers, including Fieldfisher Partner Gordon Drakes , to examine the evolving role of franchising models in the healthcare sector and the legal and regulatory considerations accompanying their increasing adoption. 
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Image of a colorful circuit board illuminated with neon blue and pink lights, featuring prominent "5G" text symbols, representing advanced technology and high-speed telecommunications.
Franchising & Licensing
Insight

Vodafone litigation update — what franchisors need to know

12.05.2026
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A digital representation of a hand made of glowing blue pixels places a piece in a jigsaw puzzle. The background features digital data elements such as graphs and abstract world maps, suggesting a blend of technology and problem-solving themes.
Franchising & Licensing
Insight

Franchise case law update: why franchisor IP protection matters

14.01.2026
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View of the Palace of Westminster, including Big Ben, from across the River Thames in London. The image shows a cloudy sky with sunlight breaking through, creating a dramatic atmosphere. The Westminster Bridge crosses the river in the foreground.
Franchising & Licensing
Insight

2025 in review: a turning point for franchising in the UK?

23.12.2025
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Franchising & Licensing
Insight

Franchising regulation in the UK: What could 2026 bring?

22.12.2025
As the UK Government considers franchising regulation for 2026, this article explores potential legislative parameters, lessons from other jurisdictions, and practical steps for franchisors. It also highlights why regulators should seek expert insights to ensure proportionate and effective reform.
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What others say…

Legal 500
Gordon Drakes has not only a profound knowledge of franchise law, but he is also willing to share and teach our team. It’s not easy to work with someone who has no legal background like me. Gordon supported us through the whole contract negotiation process and provided to-the-point answers, arguments, and negotiations to the counterpart. He never hesitates to support us and give us quick feedback and suggestion.
Legal 500

Highly recommended for his incredibly specialised repertoire in franchising law and is held in high esteem for his incisive handling of complex franchising and hospitality matters.
Chambers UK

Gordon is very good at franchising; he understands it inside-out.