Litigation Counsel - Warranty

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.StatusExemptSummaryThe Litigation Counsel is responsible for managing the Legal warranty litigation team in providing in-house legal advice and services relating to vehicle warranty (lemon law) claims and lawsuits, and providing legal guidance to the company’s Customer Care team to provide the best possible ownership experience for Kia customers. The Litigation Counsel will supervise the in-house Legal warranty litigation team, including Warranty Associate Counsel and paralegals.  The Litigation Counsel will oversee outside legal counsel in strategies relating to warranty case/litigation management, settlement/case resolution, and trial management.  Under supervision of senior in-house attorneys, the Litigation Counsel will also manage and handle certain product liability matters and related regulatory matters and legislative initiatives as necessary. Together with other legal department team members, the Litigation Counsel will manage a variety of internal matters and general litigation as needed. The position will interact with and advise team members at various managerial levels. Major Responsibilities1st Priority - 40%Manage and provide in-house legal advice relating to vehicle warranty (lemon law) claims and lawsuits, and provide legal guidance to Kia’s Customer Care team to provide the best possible ownership experience to Kia customers2nd Priority - 30%Oversee the in-house warranty litigation team in providing legal services relating to warranty (lemon law) claims and lawsuits.3rd Priority - 20%Oversee outside legal counsel case/litigation management, case settlement/resolution, and trial management.4th Priority - 10%Manage and handle certain product liability matters and related regulatory matters and legislative initiatives as necessary. Education/CertificationJuris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school Admitted to California State Bar Overall Experience7-10 years top-tier law firm and/or in-house experience preferredExperience in automotive warranty, product liability, and e-discovery areas preferredTechnical or engineering background or training preferredDirectly Related Experience:Experience in managing and resolving warranty claims/litigationExperience in settling warranty claims/litigation         Directly Related ExperienceDirectly Related Experience:Experience in managing and resolving warranty claims/litigationExperience in settling warranty claims/litigationSkillsDemonstrate managerial, organizational, and interpersonal communication (verbal and written) skills.Demonstrated experience in leading and managing highly skilled attorneys and paralegal professionals through a time-sensitive schedule and work flowCompetenciesCare for PeopleChase Excellence, Every DayDare to Push BoundariesEmpower People to ActMove Further, TogetherPay Range$161,328  -  $225,971Pay 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 OpportunitiesKUS 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.