Senior Counsel, Automotive Dealer Franchise and Regulatory Compliance

About the role

The role provides legal advice on a broad range of matters, effectively manages litigation and claims, identifies potential liability, collaborates with clients to develop solutions, and minimizes legal risk and costs.

Responsibilities

• Handles legal matters related to Contracts, Governance, Dealer Franchise, Employee Relations/Benefits, Advertising and Marketing, Intellectual Property, Government Relations, Data Privacy and Security, Product Liability, Lemon Law/Consumer Warranty Litigation, Product Class Actions, Contract Litigation, Employment Litigation, Corporate Vehicle Litigation, Legal Enterprise Risk Management, Warranty, Antitrust, Tax, Corporate Communications, and/or Record Retention.
• Manages, prepares, and negotiates domestic medium- to high-risk contracts of varying complexity (including vendor services agreements, sponsorship agreements, license agreements, IT hardware and software agreements, and the preparation of various forms for use by the business).
• Provides assistance and counsel to the Governance position regarding Governance overflow and governance matters relating to Subaru of America, Inc.'s (SOA's) organizational structure (including complex mergers, acquisitions, and internal restructurings, and corporate resolutions).
• Manages, prepares, and assists with various domestic and international medium- to high-risk governance issues of varying complexity (including preparing certain SOA committee and sub-committee charters, drafting and maintenance of committee minutes, assisting with Executive Committee reporting and preparation of annual Board/Shareholder reporting, licensing, etc.)
• Assists with the management of matters relating to SOA's organizational structure and governance (including state filings, corporate resolutions, bylaw amendments, etc.).
• Assists Contract position with overflow contract matters and related advice.
• Manages and prepares, reviews, and provides edits to litigation documents, deposition strategies, settlement agreements, stipulated decisions, notices to cure, notices of termination, financing agreements, facility addendums, framework agreements, and retailer policies, etc.
• Manages litigation hold memorandums, subpoena requests, e-discovery searches, and internal depositions and must have demonstrated ability to manage or perform existing and prospective retailer due diligence.
• Provides advice and counsel on all aspects of employment relations issues including but not limited to Human Resources, wage and hours, policy-related issues, unemployment, other state agency claims, labor relations, and FMLA matters.
• Aids in writing and reviewing company policies.
• Reviews and advises on consumer complaints regarding marketing. Ensures compliance with trademark, copyright, consumer protection, and advertising laws.
• Manages and provides legal advice on trademark issues, including availability, protection, enforcement, and licensing. Manages lawsuits related to trademark/other intellectual property issues.
• Serves as primary or back-up member of trade association committees. Counsels Subaru Corporation (SBR), North American Subaru, Inc. (NASI) Government Relations (GR), and SOA business teams regarding legal issues related to federal and state government policies and regulations.
• Assists more senior in-house attorney with primary responsibility for data privacy and security issues to ensure corporate compliance with applicable regulations and best practices. Serves as primary back-up to lead attorney as member of SOA incident response team. Assists as necessary with insurance coverage issues related to data privacy and security.
• Coordinates as necessary with SBR, NASI, Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), and Subaru Research & Development (SRD) on product liability matters. Independently reviews communications with customers, Field personnel, and retailers, including technical service bulletins, warranty extension communications, and related correspondence. Independently reviews communications with government agencies, customers, Field personnel, and retailers, including recall notices, service campaign announcements, technical service bulletins, warranty extension communications, and various government filings. Assists as necessary with insurance coverage issues related to product liability issues.
• Independently manages lemon law litigation, making all decisions regarding litigation strategy (including dispositive motions, discovery, expert witnesses, settlement strategy, trial, and appeal).
• Conducts e-discovery searches and coordinates depositions and vehicle inspections. Manages data gathered to respond to litigation needs. Manages settlement claim administration.
• Prepares, reviews, and provides substantive edits to briefs, memos, deposition strategies, settlement agreements, etc. Manages and provides legal advice on breach of contract cases, partnership/joint venture disputes, and antitrust matters. Prepares litigation hold memoranda, responds to subpoena requests, and coordinates e-discovery searches and internal depositions.
• Provides support and guidance to the business relating to active commercial litigation matters and dispute risk mitigation techniques.
• Develops and provides training to business team clients on assorted legal topics, as needed.
• Spots issues across multiple lines of business and identifies the requisite subject matter expert whose counsel is required.
• Provides professional and career development guidance to those in Manager, Counsel role.
• Serves as back up to other practice areas, as needed.

Requirements

Intermediate to advanced knowledge in subject areas of work concentration. Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as business judgment, agility, and problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and negotiating skills with demonstrated ability to achieve results. Ability to manage complex issues in a cross-cultural business environment. Team-oriented individual with excellent interpersonal skills, collaborative approach, and ability to provide cross-functional integration. Admission to Bar of at least one (1) state and In-House Bar of New Jersey, Upon Hire Required.

Education & Experience Requirements

Master's Degree Juris Doctorate from American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school required. 8-10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated success in an in-house legal department, law firm, or government practice required.

Work Experience

Office Location: Camden, NJ apart of the Greater Philadelphia Area (Philly). Hybrid Role: Hybrid Role - Remote work 2 days per week (after 90 days). Travel: 15% Domestic.

Compensation

The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $185,000 - $230,000 / year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Additionally, this role is bonus-eligible, with a target bonus percentage that provides an opportunity to earn even more based on your performance. (Internal Job Grade: M2_L)

Why Join Us?

In addition to competitive salary, Subaru offers an amazing benefits package that includes: Total Rewards & Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision Plans Pension, Profit Sharing, and 401K Match Offerings 15 Vacation days, 5 Floating Holidays, 5 Sick days, and 9 Company Holidays Tuition Reimbursement Program: $15,000 yearly benefit Vehicle Discount Programs Learning & Development: Professional growth and development opportunities Direct partnership with senior leadership Formal Mentorship Program LinkedIn Learning License Visit our careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs.

About Subaru

Subaru is a globally renowned automobile manufacturer known for its commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. With a rich history dating back to 1953, Subaru has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering to deliver vehicles that offer not only exceptional performance but also a unique blend of utility and adventure. Subaru's company culture is built on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for their product. They foster an inclusive environment that encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. Their team members are driven by a common goal: to create exceptional vehicles that inspire and delight their customers.