Senior Counsel, Litigation

Hyundai Capital America • Irvine, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Counsel, Litigation independently manages a portfolio of complex litigation and pre-litigation matters under the direction of the Senior Counsel, Consumer Advisory and Litigation. The role develops case strategies, directs outside counsel, coordinates discovery, negotiates resolutions, prepares settlement recommendations, monitors litigation data and budgets, and advises business partners on litigation risk. It also identifies litigation trends and recommends practical risk-mitigation and process improvements to the Litigation Lead and relevant stakeholders.

The position manages consumer litigation and pre-litigation matters; conducts legal and factual research; coordinates discovery and matter deadlines; oversees outside counsel, invoices, and budgets; and maintains accurate case records and litigation-system information. It prepares portfolio reports, metrics, budget updates, and matter summaries, monitors legal spend and trends, and escalates significant developments. The role also recommends process, control, training, or policy improvements to help reduce litigation exposure.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible civil litigation experience as outside and/or in-house counsel, including independently managing complex matters, developing case strategy, overseeing discovery, negotiating resolutions, and preparing settlement or case-disposition recommendations.
• Experience retaining and directing outside counsel and overseeing litigation budgets and legal spend.
• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
• Advanced knowledge of civil litigation and applicable consumer finance, consumer protection, privacy, and information-security laws and regulations.
• Strong legal research, analysis, issue-spotting, risk assessment, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to independently evaluate complex matters and develop practical litigation and resolution strategies.
• Sound judgment in balancing legal risk, business priorities, cost, and operational considerations.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex legal issues, direct outside counsel, and influence business partners.
• Strong organization and technology skills, with the ability to manage multiple matters, budgets, deadlines, and litigation reporting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in consumer finance, financial services, consumer protection, or another regulated industry; auto finance experience preferred.
• Experience advising on federal and state consumer-finance and consumer-protection laws and regulations, including TILA, GLBA, FCRA, FACTA, SCRA, FDCPA, TCPA, UDAP, privacy, and information-security requirements, and applying them in an auto finance or other regulated consumer financial services environment.
• Admission to the California State Bar.

Responsibilities

• Independently assess and manage a portfolio of complex consumer litigation and pre-litigation matters under the direction of the Senior Counsel – Consumer Advisory and Litigation Lead.
• Develop and execute case strategies based on facts, legal requirements, business considerations, and potential exposure.
• Retain, direct, and evaluate outside counsel; review legal invoices and matter budgets for accuracy, reasonableness, and adherence to expectations.
• Conduct legal and factual research and analyze pleadings, claims, case law, statutes, regulations, and other relevant materials.
• Lead and coordinate discovery activities with outside counsel and business partners, including document collection, responses, and deadlines.
• Engage in direct negotiations and other early-resolution efforts, as appropriate.
• Develop case resolution and settlement proposals and recommend them to the Litigation Lead and appropriate management for review and approval.
• Maintain accurate and timely matter records, documentation, status updates, and case-management data.
• Provide functional guidance to litigation support staff regarding assigned matters and litigation processes.
• Prepare and deliver litigation reports, metrics, budget updates, and matter summaries.
• Maintain accurate and current information in litigation and matter-management systems.
• Monitor matter activity, deadlines, legal spend, and portfolio trends; escalate significant developments to the Litigation Lead.
• Identify recurring claims, emerging litigation trends, and potential legal or operational risks.
• Provide practical recommendations to the Litigation Lead, Legal and Compliance partners, and relevant business stakeholders.
• Support development and implementation of process, control, training, or policy improvements intended to reduce litigation exposure.

Benefits

• Hybrid flexibility – 4 days in office, 1 day remote
• Monthly vehicle allowance plus vehicle purchase and lease discounts
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer-funded HSA contributions
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting from day one
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Wellbeing benefits, including fitness and health resources
• Leadership programs and career development supporting continuous learning
• Paid Volunteer Time Off and a company charitable donation in the employee’s honor

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree