Last week, Warner Norcross + Judd presented the first in a series of Automotive Executive Roundtable webinars. Warner’s supply chain attorneys addressed questions on important issues and key impacts that the industry has been facing, including ongoing force majeure challenges, expedited shipping demands, price increase threats, financially distressed customers and suppliers, and warranty recovery actions.
Throughout the discussion, one common theme emerged: whether related to force majeure claims or cost recovery strategies, understanding and reviewing your contracts is critical. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in response to recent component and material shortages, suppliers must understand what your contracts do and don’t say, and what your legal leverage may be. Understanding your contractual rights and obligations will help you better plan and strategize in the future.
Warner attorneys remain on top of pressing issues and are ready to help with contract review before you enter into a relationship. If issues do arise, we use our knowledge and expertise to support your business goals or advocate on your behalf.
According to Warner’s Homayune Ghaussi, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. “Spend a few hours with me at the outset, reviewing and understanding your contracts, to reduce the risk of spending months or years with us in litigation at the end.”
If you would like to view the recording of the webinar, please contact Lori Folkertsma at lfolkertsma@wnj.com.
Attorney Spotlight - Linda Paullin-Hebden
Linda Paullin-Hebden is the executive partner for Warner’s new Detroit and Bloomfield Hills offices. She is revered as a leader in the law among colleagues, peers and clients across Southeast Michigan.
Linda’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, investment adviser compliance and general corporate matters. She works extensively with the automotive supply industry on M&A and in supply chain and contract matters.
In recent years, Linda has represented automotive suppliers in acquisitions and divestitures, and routinely advises suppliers on supply-chain issues. In addition, Linda has represented several automotive joint ventures involving governance issues. Additionally, she was instrumental in developing a contract review retainer offering that supports our clients’ supply-chain needs at a fixed fee.
Check out Linda’s full bio and her profile on LinkedIn.
Click here for the interactive PDF of this newsletter.
