About the position
The Legal Counsel - Americas is responsible for delivery of consistently high-quality legal services to all teams, in the US, Canada and Mexico. In addition, this individual works closely with department members on compliance, IP, company secretarial and risk management matters. This role requires an ability to monitor and understand developments in the automotive industry in the region and adapt to the changing legal landscape. The complexity and range of the legal issues facing automotive companies is such that the role requires a person who is adaptable and resilient.
Responsibilities
- Managing litigation matters including dealer disputes, lemon law cases and other consumer matters, product liability claims, employee claims and supplier claims
- Advising on miscellaneous commercial and business issues including approval of customer facing documents, procurement of business licenses, providing local support to Insurance, Legal Compliance and Corporate Governance functions
- Supporting Aftersales, Homologation, Regulatory Affairs and Management teams on compliance and regulatory issues including drafting documents and advising on vehicle compliance and safety issues
- Advising on, negotiating and drafting commercial agreements for the region including dealer agreements, real estate agreements, supplier agreements, finance agreements, fleet management agreements, event agreements, sponsorship and brand ambassador contracts and other day to day contracts
- Managing relationships with law firms and other legal services providers
- External affairs in the region: liaising with and assisting central public affairs function, manage relationship with Alliance for Automotive Innovation and relevant government organisations
- Managing and advising on cross-border legal issues including tariffs and non-tariff barriers
- Working closely with functions to ensure that appropriate procedures are in place to identify, manage and monitor legal risks
- Implementing and maintaining standard form documents and procedures
- Arranging and providing training for functions to assist in understanding legal and compliance risk/issues
Requirements
- 7-10 years PQE (in US Law) previously working for commercial firm with recognised expertise in the automotive industry or in-house
- Experience in Automotive/Manufacturing highly desirable
- Member in good standing of the New Jersey bar, or eligible to obtain mandatory limited licensing in New Jersey to work for INEOS Automotive
- Proven ability to influence senior management teams and provide strategic guidance and support at all levels within an organisation
- Able to manage teams of external lawyers in multiple jurisdictions
- Agile to move quickly and take decisions based on understanding of senior management processes and the needs of the business
- Ability to be flexible and operate outside comfort zones at all levels
- Excellent communication skills, professionalism and interpersonal skills
- Capability to work within a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
