Corporate Counsel - Franchise

Kia America; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 177,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

Kia America is seeking an experienced in-house counsel to provide strategic legal guidance for its U.S. dealer network. You will shape policies on franchise establishment, transfers, terminations, and branding, partnering with executives and outside counsel as needed.

The role includes drafting policy documents, managing litigation, and advising managers across departments to mitigate risk and support business goals. California bar admission and 7–10 years of relevant experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• JD from a top-tier ABA-accredited law school preferred.
• Admitted to California State Bar.
• Experience from a top-tier law firm preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to improve dealer network operations, including establishing policies and reviewing network planning and sales performance.
• Draft policy documents, letters, and dealership agreements.
• Manage litigation, including risk assessment, case strategy, settlements, and discovery.
• Address other legal matters proactively and collaborate with colleagues.
• Advise and train managers across departments on dealer operations and legal issues.

Skills

Managerial

Interpersonal communication

Executive collaboration

Written communication

Policy development

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Admitted to California State Bar

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Kia, we' re creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day.

Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.

Status

Exempt

General Summary

Your primary focus will be providing legal 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.

In this position, you will work collaboratively with a group of in-house lawyers on projects and cases which influence multiple aspects of the business. You will also manage and work with outside counsel, as appropriate, to assist you in your areas of responsibility and 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.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

1st Priority - 30%

Work closely with executives and managers 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.

2nd Priority - 30%

Assist with the drafting of policy documents, letters, dealer agreements, and dealership performance reviews.

3rd Priority - 20%

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.

4th Priority - 10%

Proactively address other legal matters as needed and work collaboratively with your colleagues, as appropriate.

5th Priority - 10%

Advise and train managers in many departments of the company related to dealer operations and legal issues.

Qualifications/Education

• Juris Doctor from a top-tier ABA-accredited law school preferred
• Experience from a top-tier law firm preferred
• Admitted to California State Bar

Job Requirement

• 7-10 years top-tier law firm or in-house experience preferred
• 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

Specialized Skills And Knowledge Required

• Demonstrate managerial, organizational, and excellent interpersonal communication (verbal and written) skills, particularly in high-pressure situations
• Ability to create timely and insightful executive reports and analysis; outstanding writing and editing skills
• Mastery of standard office software (Microsoft Office) and ability to learn other company software systems as needed and as technology develops
• Work collaboratively and cross-functionally with other in-house counsel team members in other legal areas to identify and resolve legal issues

Competencies

• Care for People
• Chase Excellence Every Day
• Dare to Push Boundaries
• Empower People to Act
• Move Further Together

Pay Range

$177,401 - $257,195

Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.

Equal Employment Opportunities

KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.

Disclaimer: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.