Robards & Stearns represents hundreds of automobile dealers in the state in legal and regulatory matters. We understand the unique issues that face automobile dealers on a daily basis. Having significant experience in regulatory compliance, we seek to protect our clients from licensing violations and the legal issues that arise in the day to day operations of an automobile dealership. But, we also have the litigation experience to handle lawsuits which are likely to arise in the industry whether it be from consumers, customers, employees, vendors, lenders, other dealers or a franchisor.

On the front end, we counsel dealer clients acting as general counsel responding to the day to day needs of dealerships (contract, employment, ADA issues, etc.); providing Safe Harbor Advertising reviews, Red Flag Rules compliance, consultation and guidance regarding safeguarding information laws and privacy issues; addressing insurance considerations; and making in-house presentations and/or presentations to dealer groups/associations.

Our litigation attorneys have significant experience defending dealers in all aspects of civil litigation (trial court and private arbitrations). Our attorneys also defend dealers in administrative claims filed by the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Bureau of Automotive Repair, and in Labor Commission conferences and hearings. Sometimes a lawsuit is defended by counsel selected by the client’s insurance carrier and in those instances we can monitor defense counsel on behalf of our client. There are also times when the dealer has to bring a lawsuit to protect its interests and our attorneys zealously prosecute those claims.

Areas of Focus

• Advise on regulatory compliance
• Advertising review
• Counseling on risk management
• Contract and policy/procedure drafting and examination
• Evaluation of privacy policies and safeguarding non-public information
• Assessment of employment issues
• Resolution and litigation of consumer, vendor, surety and lender complaints
• Defense for DMV, BAR and Labor Commission claims