Senior Distribution Attorney

Description

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. We also believe in providing you with the freedom to define and realize your dreams. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career potential as you help us define tomorrow’s transportation.
 
What you’ll be able to do:
The Senior Dealer Distribution Attorney will be responsible for matters in the following areas:
Distribution Network Strategy

• Provide counsel to corporate executives regarding strategic corporate initiatives in emerging and shifting markets, including autonomous and electric vehicle distribution, telematic services, over-the-air updates, and eCommerce
• Participate in client brainstorming sessions
• Proactively identify and assess potential risks, and work with legal, policy and operational teams to develop risk mitigation approaches
• Provide counsel and draft participation agreements for eCommerce programs and pilots
• Provide guidance on dealer franchise law implications of vehicle distribution and allocation methodology
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline business processes leveraging legal tools
  
  

Dealer Franchise Law and Dealer Relations

• Draft and review dealer agreements and communications, including buy/sells, dealership facility construction and improvements, changes in dealer operators, exclusivity, site control, rights of first refusal, increasing dealer performance, relocation, notice of termination
• Provide counsel to sales and field personnel under the Ford Sales & Service Agreement and 50-state dealer franchise laws on dealer proposals and Ford initiatives
• Advise Government Affairs regarding franchise implications of upcoming regulations and executive orders and provide feedback on bills
• Manage dealer relations matters and participate in Ford Dealer Council meetings
• Help prepare content for Ford and Lincoln Dealer shows and dealer grassroots meetings
• Provide counsel in connection with dealer bankruptcies
• Provide subject matter expertise and training to business clients
• Review Dealer Policy Board Decisions and provide input
• Review pricing proposals and provide advice on dealer contests and incentives
• Assist trademark team with dealer disputes involving domain names and trademark violations
• Advise on vehicle damage disclosure claims
  
  

Global Distribution Circle

• Lead Global Distribution Circle strategic initiatives and provide counsel
• Connect legal stakeholders in automotive distribution around the world
• Facilitate regular sharing of best practices and regional updates in the legal and business environment

Requirements

Minimum requirements we seek:

• 6+ years at a major law firm or large corporation successfully managing franchise and distribution-related matters and strategic initiatives or digital media
• Member of Michigan bar at hire or within 6 months thereafter
• 6+ years of experience in the automotive or digital media industries
  
  

Our Preferred Qualifications:

• OEM experience with dealer distribution and franchise matters
• Experience managing emerging technology initiatives
• Familiarity with 50 state dealer franchise laws or digital media
• Ability to interact comfortably with executives and senior management
• Ability to manage multiple internal stakeholders and balance differing opinions and perspectives
• Strong verbal and analytical skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Highly team-oriented
• A commitment to professionalism
• Flexibility as to the types of projects assigned
• Solid business acumen
• Willingness to work outside of normal business hours
• The ability to manage several simultaneous projects under deadline pressure
  
  

What you’ll receive in return:
As part of the Ford family, you’ll enjoy excellent compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement, savings and stock investment plans, incentive compensation and much more. You’ll also experience exciting opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition.

If you have what it takes to help us redefine the future of mobility, we’d love to have you join us.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.

For information on Ford's salary and benefits, please visit:  https://corporate.ford.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en-us/documents/careers/2021-benefits-and-comp-LL5-sal-plan-1.pdf