Automotive Attorneys - Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

With deep roots in the heart of the U.S. automotive industry, Warner provides proactive, timely and cutting-edge legal counsel to auto suppliers throughout Detroit, North America and around the globe. Our attorneys are recognized leaders in every area of global automotive and mobility law. We understand the complex relationships between parts suppliers and vehicle manufacturers, and we stay on top of the laws, regulations and critical issues that are transforming this industry. From essential contract support and intellectual property protection to preemptive counsel on distressed suppliers, warranty and recall, litigation matters and corporate transactions, Warner’s multidisciplinary full service team anticipates and quickly responds to the challenges our clients face. Our extensive industry insight and deep supply chain experience, infused with the ability to quickly solve problems will keep your organization ahead of the curve.

“Supplier First and Supplier Only” for Automotive Supply Chain Matters

If your current law firm is representing large OEMs, there might be business conflicts of interest related to your specific needs, strategies and operations. As a policy matter, we were the first firm in Michigan to take the position that we would not represent original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on supply chain disputes. Instead, we have long been focusing only on the interests of our automotive supply clients. We are deeply embedded in the industry, including with MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers (formerly known as the Original Equipment Suppliers Association or OESA) where we have served for more than a decade as antitrust counsel; as founders and leaders of MICHAuto; as members of the Women’s Automotive Alliance; and as leaders for the Automotive Hall of Fame.

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Warner represents more than 200 domestic and international automotive suppliers who do business in the United States. We have extensive cross-border and international experience with automotive supply issues. Our team regularly advises clients on contract negotiations, terms and conditions, and the complex supplier-manufacturer relationships that drive the automotive supply chain.

As a full-service corporate law firm, Warner also offers broad capabilities that support automotive suppliers with international business interests, including:

Economic Development: Drafting brownfield legislation and securing economic incentives for clients.
Environmental: Drafting solid-waste-management and cleanup legislation and representing Fortune 100 clients on CERCLA and RCRA matters.
Immigration: Serving as special immigration counsel in the sale of a U.S. company and in connection with another company’s outsourcing of functions to Asia.
Litigation: Representing suppliers and manufacturers in a wide range of disputes; recognized by Chambers USA for litigation.
Labor and Employment: Advising Fortune 100 companies on the design and administration of employee benefit plans.

Many of our clients operate both inside and outside the U.S. Examples of our experience include:

Lead outside counsel to the North American subsidiary of a German auto parts manufacturer in a $250 million dispute with an OEM and other matters.
Principal outside counsel to an automotive piston manufacturer supplying customers in North America, South America, Europe and Asia on contracts, litigation and general business matters.
Counsel to the Original Equipment Suppliers Association.
Lead litigation counsel to a national automotive finance company, responsible for commercial litigation throughout the eastern United States.
Counsel to a U.S.-based global powertrain manufacturer on general corporate matters and real estate acquisitions, development, leasing and sales.

Read Ahead of the Curve for practical legal insights affecting automotive suppliers, and listen to The Supplier Side, Warner’s podcast exploring the legal and business issues shaping the automotive supply chain. To learn how Warner can help your business, please contact us.

Warner is proud of its long-standing connection to MichAuto, Michigan’s premier automotive industry cluster. The relationship is anchored by Warner partner Thomas J. Manganello, co-chair of our Automotive Industry Group and MichAuto’s founder and chairman. Through his leadership on the MichAuto Advisory Board, Warner supports MichAuto’s mission to provide a unified voice for Michigan’s automotive, mobility and corporate communities. As an investor and sponsor, Warner works with MichAuto and the Detroit Regional Chamber to advance economic growth and industry advocacy, including through MichAuto Mobility Meetups at our regional offices. Together, we foster public-private collaboration, support electric vehicle infrastructure and help strengthen Michigan’s role in the future of mobility. For more information, visit michauto.org.

Warner’s long-standing partnership with MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers helps automotive manufacturers and suppliers navigate an evolving regulatory and economic landscape. Our attorneys participate in MEMA governance, board updates and leadership councils, combining legal experience with MEMA’s industry leadership to provide practical, proactive guidance. Warner and MEMA also co-host industry programs, including the annual Automotive Supplier Legal Trends Seminars and regional meetings with organizations such as the Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association. Our attorneys address contract negotiations, pricing disputes, warranties, EV transitions and tariffs, helping suppliers mitigate risk and support operational success. For more information, visit mema.org.

Warner is honored to support the Automotive Hall of Fame and its mission to celebrate the innovators and leaders who have shaped the global motor vehicle industry. Warner partner Thomas J. Manganello, co-chair of our Automotive Industry Group, has served on the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors since 2010. As a firm deeply rooted in Michigan’s automotive ecosystem, Warner supports the Hall of Fame’s governance and strategic direction while honoring the industry’s legacy and future. Our experience in global tier-one supply chains and mobility technology aligns with the Hall of Fame’s commitment to celebrating the innovation that continues to move the industry forward. For more information, visit automotivehalloffame.org.

Warner’s automotive attorneys have been keeping international auto suppliers ahead of the curve for decades. Read Ahead of the Curve for practical legal insights affecting automotive suppliers, and listen to The Supplier Side, Warner’s podcast exploring the legal and business issues shaping the automotive supply chain. To learn how Warner can help your business, please contact us.