Litigation Counsel

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Date: Jun 17, 2025

Location: Irvine, California, US, 92602

Company: Kia America, Inc.

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.

Status

Exempt

Summary

The Litigation Counsel (the “Counsel”) is responsible for providing in-house legal advice and services relating to a variety of the Company’s claims and lawsuits, including vehicle warranty (lemon law), product liability, intellectual property, class action, and privacy. Working both independently and under supervision of senior in-house attorneys, the Counsel will manage complex litigation matters and related regulatory matters and legislative initiatives as necessary, using strategic thinking with a deep understanding of litigation processes and a proactive approach to risk management.

The Counsel will oversee outside legal counsel in strategies relating to litigation management, settlement/case resolution, and trial management.

The Counsel will also collaborate with and provide legal guidance to the various departments within the Company, including the Customer Care team to provide the best possible ownership experience for Kia customers. The position will interact with and advise team members at various managerial levels.

Major Responsibilities

1st Priority - 70%
Safeguard the Company’s legal interests by managing and providing in-house legal advice on claims and lawsuits relating to vehicle warranty (lemon law), product liability, intellectual property, class action, and privacy. This includes formulating and implementing litigation strategy, case management plans, managing discovery and overseeing outside legal counsel on litigation management, dispute and case resolution, and trial management.

2nd Priority - 15%
Provide legal guidance to internal departments, including Kia’s Customer Care team, to reduce potential litigation and risk to and to provide the best possible ownership experience to Kia customers.

3rd Priority - 10%
Provide reporting to the legal dept. and executives.

4th Priority - 5%
Other projects within the legal department as needed. 

Education/Certification

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

Overall Experience

  • 5-8 years top-tier law firm and/or in-house experience preferred
  • Prior experience in complex litigation required
  • Product liability, warranty, and/or automotive experience is a plus
  • Technical or engineering background and training is a plus

Directly Related Experience

N/A

Skills

Ability to create timely and insightful executive reports and analysis
Mastery of standard office software suites (Microsoft Office), e-discovery tools, and ability to learn other company software systems
Requires prior demonstrated managerial, organizational, and interpersonal communications (verbal and written) skills.

Competencies

Care for People
Chase Excellence, Every Day
Dare to Push Boundaries
Empower People to Act
Move Further, Together

Pay Range

$151,913 - $257,195

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.

 

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.


Nearest Major Market: Irvine California
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles
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