Associate Counsel

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 to match 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.

Status

Exempt

General Summary

The position will require you to be onsite, 5-days a week, at our headquarters in Irvine, CA . The 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 Customer Care 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1st Priority - 70%

Provide legal advice and services relating to vehicle warranty (lemon law) claims and collaborate with Kia’s Customer Care team to provide the best possible ownership experience to Kia customers.

2nd Priority - 15%

Assist senior attorneys with product liability, regulatory, and legislative matters.

3rd Priority - 15%

Handle general internal advice and litigation in non-warranty areas as needed.

Qualifications / Education

Education :

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admitted to California State Bar

Job Requirement

Overall Related Experience :

Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required :

Competencies

Pay Range

$151,913 ~ $212,591

Pay 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.

Benefits

Equal Employment Opportunities

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. 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.