Associate Counsel

Company: Kia Motors America
Location: Irvine
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

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.SummaryThe Associate Counsel is responsible for providing in-house legal advice and services relating to vehicle warranty (lemon law) claims and for advising and collaborating with the company's consumer affairs team to provide the best possible ownership experience for Kia customers. The Associate Counsel will assist senior attorneys to handle certain product liability matters and will assist with related regulatory matters and legislative initiatives when necessary. You will collaborate with an experienced group of in-house lawyers and paralegals and will coordinate directly with Kia's outside legal counsel and parent company. As an integral part of the team, the Associate Counsel will proactively assess legal risks and provide advice that will provide substantial benefits to the organization.Together with other legal department team members, you will handle a variety of internal matters and general litigation when needed. The position will interact with and advise team members at all levels and will gain a broad understanding of the automotive industry. You must have the ability to adjust to changing circumstances and willingness to cross-train in other practice areas.Major Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and services relating to vehicle warranty (lemon law) claims and collaborate with Kia's consumer affairs team to provide the best possible ownership experience to Kia customers.
• Assist senior attorneys with product liability, regulatory, and legislative matters.
• Handle general internal advice and litigation in non-warranty areas as needed.Education/Certification

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admitted to California State BarOverall Experience
  • 5-7 years top-tier law firm or in-house experience preferred
  • Experience in automotive warranty, product liability, and e-discovery areas preferred
  • Technical or engineering background or training preferredSkills
    • Ability to create timely and insightful executive reports and analysis
    • Demonstrate managerial, organizational, and interpersonal communication (verbal and written) skills.
    • Mastery of standard office software (Microsoft Office) and ability to learn other company software systems
    • Care for People
    • Empower People to Act
    • Chase Excellence, Every Day
    • Move Further, Together
    • Dare to Push BoundariesPay Range$146,776 - $205,403Pay 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.KUS 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.
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Keywords: Kia Motors America, Lancaster , Associate Counsel, Legal , Irvine, California