Philip Zeidman Franchising Internship
The Philip Zeidman Franchising Internship Program
The International Franchise Association (IFA) Foundation is seeking qualified applicants for the 2025 Philip Zeidman Franchising Internship Program to work in the IFA’s Washington, DC office throughout the summer of 2025.
The Zeidman Internship Program is an annual summer intern program funded by DLA Piper LLP (US) to support IFA’s mission to protect, enhance, and promote franchising. The program was established to continue renowned franchise attorney Philip Zeidman’s legacy of service and support of the franchising community. Philip Zeidman is a retired partner at DLA Piper. The internship program is designed to educate an annual cohort of young professionals about franchising and will prepare them for a future career related to franchising, entrepreneurship, communications, and/or law.
The program is available to two students per summer, and participating interns will have the opportunity to:
- Engage in at least one educational session hosted by DLA Piper;
- Conduct a research project focused on international franchise law under the direction of IFA and DLA Piper;
- Participate in additional enrichment and educational opportunities, trainings, and workshops conducted by the IFA and, if appropriate, DLA Piper as part of its summer associate program;
- Gain hands-on professional experience in the franchise industry, seeing the intersection of law, government relations, communications, member engagement, and programming in support of franchising;
- Participate in major IFA events, including the annual Legal Symposium (May 5-7, 2025) and the IFA Annual Convention (February 17-20, 2025). While not required, students will receive a travel stipend if they choose to attend and will have the opportunity to meet IFA members and help staff portions of each major IFA event;
- Network with established franchise professionals to explore career paths in franchising; and
- Be featured in IFA’s marketing and recognized for their interest in pursuing a career in franchising.
Applicants should be rising juniors or seniors at an accredited college or university or enrolled at an accredited law school. Candidates with a major or primary focus in franchising, business, finance, marketing, or law will be prioritized.
Preferred skills:
· Strong interpersonal skills, writing skills and the ability to work effectively with a team.
· Demonstrated understanding of and interest in franchising as well as advocacy and public policy.
· A strong desire to learn and a passion for producing high-quality work products.
· Self-motivated and independent – ability to take an assignment and work independently to complete it on a deadline and with a high degree of accuracy.