Corporate Counsel - Franchise
About The Position
Your primary focus will be providing legal advice to the company to improve all aspects of the performance and operation of Kia’s dealer network in the United States. In particular, you will develop policies and provide advice related to dealer establishment and transfer, dealer termination and wind-down, and dealership operations, including sales operations, distribution, service operations, dealership facility improvement and branding, and marketing. In this position, you will work collaboratively with a group of in-house lawyers on projects and cases which influence multiple aspects of the business. You will also manage and work with outside counsel, as appropriate, to assist you in your areas of responsibility and collaborate with and interact with the company’s business leaders. As an integral part of the team, you will proactively assess legal risks and advise on decisions that will advance the company’s business.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor from a top-tier ABA-accredited law school preferred
- Experience from a top-tier law firm preferred
- Admitted to California State Bar
- 7-10 years top-tier law firm or in-house experience preferred
- Demonstrate managerial, organizational, and excellent interpersonal communication (verbal and written) skills, particularly in high-pressure situations
- Ability to create timely and insightful executive reports and analysis; outstanding writing and editing skills
- Mastery of standard office software (Microsoft Office) and ability to learn other company software systems as needed and as technology develops
- Work collaboratively and cross-functionally with other in-house counsel team members in other legal areas to identify and resolve legal issues
Nice To Haves
- Experience in automotive industry is helpful
- Direct experience in dealer franchise law is helpful but not required; Kia may provide substantive business and legal training for the appropriate candidate
- Both transactional and litigation background is helpful
Responsibilities
- Work closely with executives and managers to achieve objectives related to the dealer network. This includes providing advice on dealer franchise law, and review and development of company policies related to network planning, dealer sales performance, dealer financial performance, dealer establishment, dealership transfers, dealership facility requirements, sales incentives, marketing, service and warranty operations, distribution, and customer service.
- Assist with the drafting of policy documents, letters, dealer agreements, and dealership performance reviews.
- Manage litigation, including risk assessment, case strategy, settlement, budgeting, discovery and other case management activities. This includes claims and defenses related to dealer add points, protests, terminations, bankruptcies, audits, etc.
- Proactively address other legal matters as needed and work collaboratively with your colleagues, as appropriate.
- Advise and train managers in many departments of the company related to dealer operations and legal issues.
Benefits
- premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents
- 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral
- paid time off
- company lease and purchase programs
- company-wide holiday shutdown
- paid volunteer hours
- premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
