Senior Automotive Counsel - Dealer Network & Policy

KIA Motors Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 177,401 - 257,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Lease program

Holiday shutdown

Volunteer hours

Campus amenities

Job summary

Kia Motors Group in Irvine, CA is seeking a seasoned in-house counsel to advise on dealer network operations across the United States. You will lead policy development for dealer establishment, transfers, terminations, and branding, while coordinating with outside counsel.

The role demands strong drafting, risk assessment, and cross-functional collaboration across business leaders and legal teams. Qualified candidates will hold a JD from a top ABA-accredited school, California bar admission, and

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from a top-tier ABA-accredited law school preferred.
• Experience from a top-tier law firm preferred.
• Admitted to California State Bar.
• 7–10 years top-tier law firm or in-house experience preferred.
• Experience in automotive industry is helpful; dealer franchise law helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to improve dealer network operations in the United States.
• Develop policies related to dealer establishment and transfer, dealer termination and wind-down, and dealership operations including branding and marketing.
• Collaborate with in-house lawyers and outside counsel on projects and cases.
• Manage litigation, risk assessment, case strategy, settlements, budgeting, discovery, and other case-management activities.
• Advise and train managers in various departments on dealer operations and legal issues.

Skills

Managerial skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Microsoft Office

Cross-functional collaboration

Executive reporting

Care for People

Risk assessment

Education

Juris Doctor from a top-tier ABA-accredited law school

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management software

Job description

Kia Motors Group in Irvine, CA is seeking a seasoned in-house counsel to advise on dealer network operations across the United States. You will lead policy development for dealer establishment, transfers, terminations, and branding, while coordinating with outside counsel.

The role demands strong drafting, risk assessment, and cross-functional collaboration across business leaders and legal teams. Qualified candidates will hold a JD from a top ABA-accredited school, California bar admission, and