We know your business
Our lawyers have been delivering sophisticated legal counsel to motor vehicle dealerships, automotive advertising and lead generation technology companies for over 40 years.
Scali Rasmussen is the only California law firm with a Labor & Employment practice in which all of its attorneys know the retail automotive industry inside and out, while also advising and defending clients in other sectors. Our team, including former in-house counsel to both family-run and national auto groups, delivers strategic, efficient advice grounded in industry experience.
Nationally recognized in automotive law, we represent dealers, manufacturers, and emerging mobility companies. Our clients span the entire automotive ecosystem. From Fortune 500 dealer groups to family-owned dealerships, from mobility startups to established national brands, we are trusted by the businesses that drive the industry forward.
We also serve the companies that support them, including lenders, insurers, marketing firms, and trade associations, ensuring every link in the chain is protected.
Regulatory
- Regulatory & Compliance
- Privacy & Data Security
- Asset Management
- Guidance on dealer licensing, renewals, compliance, and defense in licensing actions
- Representing dealers in audits and investigations by state and federal agencies
- Counsel on FTC guidelines and California advertising laws for compliant dealer marketing
- Global Business & U.S. Expansion
- Financial Services Compliance
- ADA Compliance
- Covid 19 Health and Safety Compliance
- Sales/F&I Training
Transactional & Strategic Counseling
- Outside General Counsel
- Partnering with dealers on franchise agreements, compliance, and manufacturer obligations.
- Supporting dealerships in ownership transitions with counsel that ensures smooth, successful transactions
- Dealer Financial Services & Valuations
- Commercial Lease Negotiations & Review
- Business Formation & Entity Selection
- Strengthening governance structures to protect family wealth and ensure smooth decision-making
- Guiding dealers through complex transactions with strategic counsel from start to finish
- Vendor Agreement Drafting, Review
- Guidance on dealer licensing, renewals, compliance, and defense in licensing actions
- Outsourcing & Strategic Partnerships
- Board of Directors and Capital Structure Advising
- OFAC Counseling ( Office of Foreign Assets Control)
- Business Succession
Litigation
- Litigation & Trials
- Franchise Litigation
- Consumer Litigation
- Class and Representative Action Defense
- Ownership & Financial Disputes
- Antitrust
- Employment, Wage & Hour, PAGA Litigation
- Wrongful Termination & Retaliation Claims
- Trade Secret Protection & Retaliation Claims
- Arbitration & Mediation
- White Collar Criminal Defense & Government Investigations
- Wholesale Flooring Disputes & Workouts
- Unemployment & Disability Benefits Litigation
- EEOC & DFEH Investigations & Responses
- Employment Litigation
- Real Estate Litigation
- Business & Commercial Litigation
Tax & Compliance
- Italy Practice
- Private Wealth
- Payroll Tax Audits & Compliance
- CDTFA Investigations & Disputes
Labor & Employment
Real Estate
Driven to Succeed
We have guided dealerships through complex litigation, regulatory compliance, and major transactions. The examples below highlight our practical, industry-focused approach to solving problems.
Each matter reflects our commitment to protecting dealerships and helping them thrive in a changing market
Representative matters
- Drafting of various commercial agreements such as: invoices, vehicle customization agreements, and warranty to ensure regulatory compliance with California governmental agencies.
- Oversaw and steered homologation process with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration for sale to general public.
- Concurrent sale of real estate under the Ferrari dealership.
- Sale of a Ferrari dealership for $26 million.
- Sale of the Chevy, Ford, and Hyundai real estate parcels for $31 million.
- Stock sale of Hyundai dealership.
- Bundled asset sale of a Chevrolet and Ford dealership in the amount of $20 million.
- Lease of real estate for the Ford dealership with a monthly base rental value of $130 thousand.
- Asset sale of a Ford dealership.
- Asset sale of a Toyota dealership in the amount of $49 million.
- Concurrent sale of real estate under the Ford dealership.
- Asset sale of a Ford dealership.
A depth of expertise
