Description:
Summary
We are hiring for 2 positions, job titles will be commensurate with legal experience:
- Corporate Counsel: 5-8 years experience
- Associate Counsel: 3-5 years experience, and this role will be supporting the Corporate Counsel
Your primary focus will be providing 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.
Work collaboratively with a group of in-house lawyers on projects and cases which influence multiple aspects of the business. Manage and work with outside counsel, as appropriate, to assist you in your areas of responsibility. 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.
Major Responsibilities
Priority Major Responsibility %
- 1st Work closely with executives and managers in the Retail Development function 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. 30%
- 2nd Assist with the drafting of policy documents, letters, dealer agreements, and dealership performance reviews. 30%
- 3rd 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. 20%
- 4th Advise and train managers in many departments of the company related to dealer operations and legal issues. 10%
- 5th Proactively address other legal matters as needed and work collaboratively with your colleagues, as appropriate. 10%
Education/Certification
- Juris Doctor from a top-tier ABA-accredited law school preferred
- Experience from a top-tier law firm preferred
- Admitted to California State Bar
Overall Experience
- 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
- Corporate Counsel: 5-8 years top-tier law firm or in-house experience preferred
- Associate Counsel: 3-5 years top-tier law firm or in-house experience preferred
Directly Related Experience
N/A
Skills
- Mastery of standard office software (Microsoft Office) and ability to learn other company software systems
- Outstanding writing and editing skills.
- Work collaboratively and cross-functionally with other in-house counsel team members in other legal areas to identify and resolve legal issues
- Ability to create timely and insightful executive reports and analysis
- Demonstrate managerial, organizational, and interpersonal communication (verbal and written) skills.
Competencies
- CHALLENGE - Solving Complex Problems
- COLLABORATION - Building and Supporting Teams
- CUSTOMER - Serving Customers
- GLOBALITY - Showing Community and Social Responsibility
- PEOPLE - Interacting with People at Different Levels
