Benjamin A. Levin, Founder and Co-Managing Partner, is a respected corporate attorney with decades of law firm leadership and counsel to privately held companies, including niche experience in food manufacturing, processing, and distribution.
“Integrity — it’s the most important word you can be known for. Integrity builds trust, and trust is the bedrock of a long lasting attorney-client relationship.”
George Washington University Law School, J.D., with honors, 1977
State University of New York, M.Ed., 1974
American University, B.A., 1972
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
District of Columbia
Benjamin A. Levin, Founder and Co-Managing Partner, is a respected corporate attorney with decades of law firm leadership and counsel to privately held companies, including niche experience in food manufacturing, processing, and distribution.
Ben founded Hyland Levin Shapiro with a clear vision: build a firm grounded in thoughtful legal counsel, strong client relationships, and uncompromising integrity. Since day one, he has led the firm through growth, transition, and economic shifts while continuing to serve as a trusted advisor to sophisticated business owners. His leadership is not symbolic; it is daily, deliberate, and rooted in responsibility to clients and colleagues alike.
At the center of Ben’s practice is his work as outside general counsel to major private companies, with particular experience in the food manufacturing, processing, and distribution space. They rely on him not only for transactions, but for steady guidance from someone who understands how every part of the operation fits together. From supply and processing agreements to distribution structures, licensing arrangements, and the terms that govern day-to-day sales, Ben works at the core of the business. He understands the operational realities behind the contracts: margins, logistics, transportation, storage, production timelines. That practical depth keeps problems manageable and the business moving forward.
His experience in franchise and distribution law further strengthens that work. Over decades, he has advised franchisors and distributors on structuring systems, protecting brands, navigating regulatory frameworks, and managing termination and supplier disputes. The throughline is consistent: clear contracts, disciplined analysis, and guidance that reflects both the letter of the law and the business consequences of a decision.
In addition to his corporate practice, Ben serves as an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association, often handling franchise, supplier, and distribution disputes. Having spent years drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, he approaches contract interpretation and termination disputes with a practical understanding that business parties recognize and respect.
Beyond his legal practice and firm leadership, Ben has long been active in the South Jersey community. He previously served on the board of the Boys & Girls Club and continues to lead its annual charity golf outing, an event he has helped grow into a meaningful and successful fundraiser over more than a decade. He has also been deeply involved in professional organizations within the legal and business communities throughout his career.
Family remains central to Ben’s life. He is the father of four children and grandfather to four grandchildren, with family spread across the country. Time with them — whether traveling to visit or gathering together — grounds his perspective and reinforces the values that shape both his practice and his leadership.
Represented major equipment suppliers and service providers in the sale of their businesses ($125– 150,000,000)
Outside US General Counsel to international food improvers manufacturers
Outside General Counsel to global food services company
Representation of numerous mid-size businesses from inception to ultimate liquidity events
Franchise Counsel to national franchise systems
Boys & Girls Club of Camden County (Former Board Member)
Congregation Beth El, Former Vice President and Executive Committee Member
New Jersey State Bar Association, Franchise Law Committee, Founding Chair
American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising, Governing Committee
Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey, Former Board Member
Certified as Neutral Arbitrator, American Arbirators Association’s National Registry of Commercial Arbitrators, 2013–present
The Best Lawyers in America®, 2020–2025
New Jersey Super Lawyers, 2019, 2025–2026
International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers, 2004–2023
Martindale Hubbell AV® Preeminent, 1986–2026
U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers®, 2008–2023
A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolades are based can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
“New Jersey, in COVENANTS AGAINST COMPETITION IN FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS,” (Michael R. Gray & Natalma M. McKnew eds.), Co-author, ABA Forum on Franchising, 4th ed. 2023
“Importance of Due Diligence in Franchise System Acquisitions,” Co-author, The Legal Intelligencer, March, 2002
“Franchisor Encroachment and the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing,” 201 New Jersey Lawyer 26 February 2000
“Overview of Franchise Laws and Regulations,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2014 Franchising Seminar, August 2014
“Franchise and Distribution Relationships,” 2011 Business Law Symposium, NJICLE Seminar, April 2011
“Advanced Disclosure Issues: Pushing the Envelope,” The American Bar Association 33rd Annual Forum on Franchising, San Diego, October 13-15, 2010
“Franchise and Distribution Law Developments,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute Seminar, April 2007
“The Impact of the Uniform Commercial Code on Franchising,” 29th Annual Forum on Franchising, October 2006
“Understanding Franchise and Distribution Law Issues,” NJ ICLE Seminar, June 2005
“Proposed Changes to the FTC Franchise Rule,” International Franchise Association Franchise Development Series, April 2005
“Financing a Franchise,” 37th Annual International Franchise Association’s Legal Symposium, May 2004
