Sr. Staff Counsel – Early Resolution Program​

Job Description 

Join our Legal team, where we partner with internal clients and outside counsel to effectively manage complex, high-volume warranty litigation. Be a part of a team filled with collaborative, resourceful and determined lawyers who play a vital role in our national warranty litigation activities. This position is primarily responsible for managing automotive warranty litigation matters nationwide, including oversight of a national warranty litigation docket, in coordination with outside counsel. Successful candidates are those who thrive in a fast-paced environment, deliver as a way of life and are inspired to make a positive impact. We offer a team-oriented environment where lawyers have the chance to grow and develop their litigation and strategic risk-management skills. 

Job Responsibilities  

• Manage a national, high-volume warranty litigation docket, including case assessment, strategy development, investigation, and oversight of key milestones through resolution including trial.   

• Lead case management best practices and drive consistent national approaches to pleadings, motion practice, settlement positioning, and reporting 

• Manage and continuously improve the Warranty Early Resolution Program, including criteria, workflows, and metrics to resolve claims efficiently and reduce risk/exposure and defense spend 

• Partner with internal subject matter experts (e.g., Customer Care, Engineering, Quality, and Field teams) to obtain background information, technical facts, and relevant data needed to defend and resolve matters 

• Oversee and coordinate with national discovery and trial counsel to manage the discovery process (including document preservation/collection, written discovery, depositions, and expert discovery) efficiently and defensibly 

• Develop and implement national strategies designed to effectively and efficiently manage risk/exposure and cost of defense, including counsel guidelines, vendor management, and litigation budgeting 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications 

• A Juris Doctor degree with a strong academic background  

• A minimum of 10 + years of experience including Litigation 

• Admitted to practice law in at least one state and the ability to be licensed in Michigan 

• Solid understanding and experience in automotive warranty litigation matters is preferred however experience in other forms of high-volume litigation would also be accepted, including breach of warranty and lemon law, and demonstrated ability to manage a high-volume docket and outside counsel 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Undergraduate degree or experience in engineering or technical field or interest in automobile mechanics  

• Experience developing litigation strategy, including early resolution approaches and cost-containment initiatives 

• The ideal candidate will possess the ability to handle a high volume of cases while also having the ability to demonstrate leadership to develop strategies to manage litigation using creative, and cost-effective strategies.  

• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse cross-functional teams  

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to critical deadlines  

• Effective oral and written communication skills  

• Strong sense of inclusion and teamwork