Buckley Law P.C. has a specialty niche representing motor vehicle dealers which started over 30 years ago. Included in our client base are several local and regional multi-franchise dealer groups, and a national multi-franchise dealer group operating in four states (which is one of the largest minority owned dealer groupsinthe country). We have also served as local counsel for outside dealer groups making an acquisition or needing other assistance in Oregon.
Together, our attorneys work as an effective team to meet the wide variety of needs of our dealer clients. Our goal is to represent clients for the duration of their careers, and to that end we provide high quality, prompt representation at fair rates. We derive great satisfaction from helping a dealer start with one franchise, and then representing and advising that dealer over the years while he or she grows the business or expands to multiple franchises. Our attorneys are also members of the National Association of Dealer Counsel, which is the leading organization for attorneys specializing in the motor vehicle dealer market.
Our practice group becomes highly involved when clients buy and sell dealerships and related real property (with long term leases being an alternative to site ownership). We frequently help dealers solve day to day consumer and human resource issues before they turn into litigation or arbitration, although we have skilled civil litigation attorneys that can assist our clients in the event of a lawsuit. Our attorneys have also developed expertise with such dealer matters as opening new franchises where supported by the growth of a particular area (referred to as “Open Points”); resolving disputes with manufacturers (from the dealer perspective); advocating for or against the establishment of Open Points under applicable law; defending potential dealer terminations; and assisting with financings (including real property loans, working capital loans, andinventory flooring loans).
We have dealt with most major brands –including Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volvo – and in many cases with their related financing companies. In fact, our practice group has worked closely enough with some manufacturers that we receive referrals from factory personnel, and we were engaged to provide services for Toyota Motors Sales, U.S.A. on an isolated matter. It is a gratifying niche based on relationships developed over a period of years, first and foremost with wonderful clients; but also with dealer, manufacturer and lender counsel around the country; and factory personnel. We also enjoy strong working relationships with accountants and business brokers who specialize in this industry.
