About the Role
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Provide legal advice and counsel on all legal issues affecting manufacturer/dealer relationship, including management of dealer franchise litigation.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
Provide ongoing legal advice and counsel to HMA/GMA Business Departments and Regions on legal issues affecting the manufacturer/dealer relationship, including interpretation of HMA’s/GMA’s dealer agreement and issues relating to dealer franchise law, distribution, warranty, incentive and pricing issues.
Draft and/or review documents relating to market representation actions and dealer transactions with HMA/GMA, including letters of intent, relocation commitment letters, notices, asset purchase agreements, dealer appointment notices to state agencies, etc.
Draft and/or review documents relating to the HMA/GMA Dealer Sales and Service Agreement.
Manage manufacturer/dealer litigation across the country. Management includes supervising the matter, formulating case strategies and tactics, marshaling the company resources for prosecution of the case, and the handling of discovery.
Maintain current knowledge of and provide regular updates to HMA/GMA Business Departments and Regions on recent developments in state dealer franchise laws, federal regulations and case law.
Assist HMA/GMA Business Departments with the development of dealer/manufacturer policies and procedures, including forms for letters, contracts and agreements with dealers; review and provide training to HMA/GMA Business Departments and Regions on franchise law, best practices, and the use of dealer contact reports.
Assist Audit and Finance on legal issues relating to dealer incentive and warranty audit matters; manage related dealer responses.
Conduct, as needed, research into various state law franchise affairs. Prepare memoranda regarding the same.
High level of independent judgment needed for problem solving and identification of critical issues affecting HMA/GMA’s dealer body.
Support various HMA/GMA departments through obtaining feedback and suggestions for program improvements, and considering what changes are feasible and appropriate.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
Bachelor’s degree required.
Juris Doctorate required.
Eight or more years of professional experience, preferably with at least three years in automotive franchise law/affairs.
Strong analytical skills, strong drafting and negotiation skills, strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to analyze and provide review and commentary on business risk within compressed time frames.
An understanding of 50-state franchise laws.
A strong understanding of automotive dealer operations and networks.
Excellent people skills.
Team-oriented and willing to work collectively.
Strong work ethic essential.
Self-motivated and innovative.
Licensed California attorney or ability to be licensed in California.