Carl J. Chiappa

Carl Chiappa's first client was British Leyland Motors Inc., the U.S. distributor of legendary, but now defunct, MG and Triumph sport cars. Carl went on to spend his entire career (more than 35 years) representing motor vehicle manufacturers in a wide range of business matters and lawsuits across the country.

Today, Carl is ranked Tier 1 by Chambers in their Nationwide Road Transportation category and is widely regarded as a leading lawyer in motor vehicle franchise law.

Carl believes that understanding a client's business and its business goals, and a commitment to "problem solving" and not just "issue spotting," are the keys to effective lawyering. Since state regulation of the distribution of motor vehicles is complex and comprehensive, clients often call upon Carl to assist on both short- and long-term business strategies as well as for trial and appellate advocacy.

Carl's experience includes the creation and restructuring of dealer networks, the drafting of new dealer agreements, brand withdrawals, incentive programs, product allocation matters, add-points and APR/AOR modifications, and the development and enforcement of dealer performance standards. He is also regularly called upon to give advice on antitrust matters, especially those involving the Robinson-Patman Act.

Carl has also litigated disputes across the country relating to dealer terminations, ownership transfers, add-points, warranty reimbursement, price discrimination, and incentive programs. He was the lawyer principally responsible for the defense of two nationwide dealer reorganization programs, and has litigated issues involving the re-introduction of a previously withdrawn line-make, as well as nationwide dealer improvement initiatives. Carl headed the team that successfully challenged the KY Motor Vehicle Commission on due process grounds. He has also represented automobile manufacturers in actions involving the RICO Act, arising from dealer fraud.