Senior Counsel, Employee Labor & Product Litigation

At Hyundai, we've rethought our business and created cars that combine performance, quality, design and innovation into a complete package.

It's time you rethink what you expect from an employer.

At Hyundai, we understand youre not just building a career - youre building a life. We believe in our people and realize that our success is a direct result of our commitment in offering you great opportunities for your career. If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for a chance to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today.

WORK MODEL

#LI-OnSite

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead and manage strategy, handling, and supervision of investigation, settlement, arbitration, and resolution of employment and labor matters at HMA and GMA.
• In consultation with Human Resources, maintain and periodically review and revise as appropriate employment policies, programs, and materials for HMA and GMA including, but not limited to, the employee handbook and employee code of conduct.
• Responsible for strategy, handling and supervision of investigation, settlement, arbitration, trial and resolution of HMA product liability and consumer lawsuits. Determine whether to settle each matter or take it to trial. Supervise staff in the cost-effective management and resolution of claims and lawsuits.
• Responsible for coordination of defense strategy in various employment and product litigation matters, including expert retention, theories, development, and reports.
• Responsible for supervising and providing counseling and training to National and Regional Consumer Affairs staff (and dealers) on consumer and product related issues.
• Work with the Customer Satisfaction department and upper management in analyzing product liability and consumer issues and assist in providing recommendations to minimize potential class action, attorney general, and other risks.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Lead and manage investigation, settlement, arbitration, and resolution of employment matters for HMA and GMA.

• Maintain and revise employment policies, programs, and materials, including the employee handbook and code of conduct.

• Assist HR with workplace investigations and complaints submitted through the Hyundai C.A.R.E. line.

• Provide anti-harassment and discrimination training and ongoing guidance on labor and employment law developments.

• Conduct factual investigations and case evaluations for product litigation matters, including review of relevant documents, reports, statutes, and case law.

• Lead product liability and consumer dispute strategy and resolution.

• Evaluate dealership requests for defense and indemnification in product litigation.

• Review customer product defect allegations, inspection findings, and provide recommendations to Consumer Affairs.

• Supervise staff and coordinate with outside counsel on litigation strategy and management of product litigation cases.

• Prepare and oversee responses to discovery requests and coordinate final responses with outside counsel.

• Work with outside counsel, experts, engineers, and management to evaluate cases and obtain settlement authority when appropriate.

• Represent HMA at mediations, arbitrations, settlement conferences, trials, and inspections.

• Monitor employment compliance programs, policies, and procedures and provide legal guidance.

• Assist with employment and labor advice and investigations involving North American affiliates.

• Manage outside law firms and vendors, including selection, performance management, and program effectiveness.

• Support HMA departments with program improvements, customer product defect allegations, consumer matters, and potential class action risks.

• Participate in interviewing and evaluation of new hires.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

• Must be a high school graduate.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Juris Doctorate degree from a top tier ABA approved law school.
• Ten or more years of relevant legal experience.
• Six or more years of directly related experience in litigation and at least five years of experience in labor and employment litigation and counseling.
• Large law firm experience preferred.
• Supervisory experience is required.
• High level of writing and negotiating skills.
• Knowledge of broad spectrum of business and legal issues and specific knowledge of auto distributor related issues.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals of varied backgrounds and skill levels.
• Ability to research in a thorough and effective manner.
• Excellent time management and work ethic.
• Capacity to handle multiple matters simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and willingness to undertake substantial and diverse job responsibilities.
• Member California State Bar Association.

WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU

• Compensation Range: $181,900 - $246,100 annual base salary
• Monthly Hyundai/Genesis vehicle lease allowance (including insurance and maintenance)
• Holiday Pay - the company shuts down with pay between Christmas and New Years.
• Vacation and sick time off
• Healthcare insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• 401(K) company match
• Additional 401(K) Employer Enhanced Contribution program - eligible after 1 year of employment, in addition to the regular employer matching contribution
• Basic life insurance, short- and long-term disability
• Mental health, wellbeing, and employee assistance program
• Health advocate (coordinate care and services, assistance with claim and billing issues, understanding Hyundai benefits)

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Express your interest by submitting an application. Once your application is received, our recruiting team will review your application to see if you meet the basic and preferred qualifications listed on the job description. For more information on our hiring process please visit our How We Hire page.

OTHER DETAILS

• Physical requirements: Normal office duties

Our Company adheres to the equal employment opportunity guidelines set forth by federal, state and local laws. The information requested on this form is sought in good faith and will not be used to discriminate against the applicant based on race, religion or creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, marital status, sex or gender (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, or related circumstances), gender identity, gender expression, age, citizenship, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, military and veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local laws.