Legal compliance

Dealerships are subject to a wide array of state and federal regulation relating to their advertising and customer sales. Special consumer regulations apply to certain categories of sales, such as motor vehicle sales, as well as offering consumer financing. Wisconsin laws vary from other states in critical ways. Dealers can limit their risk of costly litigation or legal compliance violations by implementing effective compliance practices and regularly consulting with experienced attorneys.

Check out our monthly flat-fee legal services programs: Essentials, Standard, or Full-Size/Digital.

Wisconsin Dealer Law is committed to developing the right legal services solutions at the right price for your organization!

employment + Human resources

Dealerships are often significant employers in their communities, and are subject to a variety of federal, state, and local laws, including laws directed specifically at certain industries or dealership employees. Periodic reviews of employment practices and a robust compliance program are important in managing dealership human resources.

buying + Selling DEALERSHIPS + Succession planning

The lifecycle of every dealership progresses from business acquisition to eventual owner succession, sale, or wind down. In addition to advising on legal issues connected with these various life stages of the dealership, consultation on appropriate additional professionals to engage is important in effectively navigating from stage to stage.

corporate governance + vendor relationships

Dealership ownership is structured in a variety of ways, often influenced by generational family and other business relationships, as well as provisions of the dealer agreement and applicable dealership laws. Dealerships also negotiate and maintain many vendor contract relationships, including special attention to inventory financing, or floor planning. 

Franchise relations

Dealer or franchise agreements are the lifeblood of dealerships. It is critical to understand the rights and obligations of these agreements, as well as state law protections limiting overreach by manufacturers and other dealership grantors. Knowing these rights and obligations is central to mutually productive dealership relationships, as well as protecting your rights through litigation, when needed.

Regulatory enforcement + Licensing

Most dealerships are governed by some form of state licensing and subject to agency audits or investigations. Understanding and period review of licensing requirements, and periodic review of business practices, can help avoid costly compliance violations and enforcement actions, and are key to effectively responding to agency inquiries or actions.

CUSTOMER DISPUTES

Quality customer service and relationships are a hallmark of dealership operations. Assessing customer disputes and effectively managing customer dissatisfaction and possible litigation is a critical risk management task.

Litigation + risk management

Despite every effort to manage the variety of business relationships touching a dealership, managing potential litigation and active litigation is a fact of life for all businesses. Many disputes involving dealerships implicate state or federal laws, and legal theories and strategies, unique to dealerships. Familiarity with applicable laws and the variety of litigation dealerships face is key to assessing litigation risks and properly managing active litigation.

With our flat fee program, you can focus on your business and leave the everyday legal matters to us. Choose one of three monthly packages right-sized for you. We offer a 25% off discount for up to six months of service when prepaid.