Senior Counsel, Automotive Dealer Franchise and Regulatory Compliance

Subaru of America

$185K — $230K *
Legal & Accounting
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's Degree Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school is required.
  • 10-12 years of experience in an in-house legal department, law firm, or government practice is mandatory.
  • Admission to the Bar in at least one state and the In-House Bar of New Jersey upon hire.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong business judgment.
  • Ability to navigate complex issues within a cross-cultural business environment.

Responsibilities

  • Advise on state motor vehicle franchise laws and provide strategic solutions to retailer issues.
  • Manage franchise disputes through various legal channels, including mediations and arbitrations.
  • Provide legal counsel on matters supporting Subaru's retailer network beyond franchise development.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance with product laws and guidelines from agencies like NHTSA and EPA.
  • Collaborate with government relations teams and industry associations on legislative matters.
  • Assist with additional legal matters and support cross-functional legal efforts.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Pension and 401K matching contributions.
  • 15 vacation days, 5 floating holidays, 5 sick days, and 9 company holidays.
  • Tuition reimbursement program offering $15,000 per year for education.
  • Employee vehicle discount programs.
Full Job Description
Job Description

SUMMARY

Provides legal advice and strategy on a wide range of issues related to the development, distribution, sale, and service of Subaru products and services, with a primary focus on franchise issues, risk mitigation, product regulatory compliance, and government relations. Partners with multiple business units to provide risk assessment, strategic advice, and business-oriented solutions for vehicles, fixed operations, and service plans sold by Subaru of America.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
  • FRANCHISE LAW COUNSELING: Advises retailer development team and regional / zone staff on state motor vehicle franchise laws, including those governing buy/sells, open points, relocations, terminations, non-renewal, warranty reimbursement, and market actions. Works to find strategic solutions to retailer issues.
  • FRANCHISE DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Manages franchise disputes, including administrative protests before state motor vehicle boards, mediations, arbitrations, and related litigation. Manages outside counsel and attends hearings as needed.
  • RETAILER-RELATED, NON-FRANCHISE COUNSELING: Advises business teams on legal matters that support Subaru's retailer network outside of traditional franchise development, including warranty and operational audits, marketing and certified pre-owned program support, service contract and vehicle protection products, retailer-facing policies and programs, and risk management matters involving retailer operations.
  • REGULATORY COMPLIANCE - PRODUCT: Provides legal guidance and cross-functional support to business teams to ensure compliance with product regulations, including those issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and various state regulatory agencies regarding recalls, emissions, battery management, recycled materials, and other regulations governing Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories.
  • GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: Partners with government relations colleagues, industry trade associations, and outside counsel regarding federal and state legislative and executive agency matters. Participates in industry trade association committee meetings and reviews association's draft statements, legal briefs, and submissions to government entities.
  • Assists with other legal matters as needed and provides cross-functional support to other attorneys and practice areas to help meet department and business needs.


REQUIRED SKILLS & PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • 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

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Master's Degree Juris Doctorate from American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school required. 10-12 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) [Wednesdays & Fridays]
  • Travel: 20% 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.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Subaru of America

More Legal & Accounting Jobs

Find similar Senior Counsel, Automotive Dealer Franchise and Regulatory Compliance jobs: