Product Liability Managing Counsel

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We’re looking for diverse, talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

To save time applying, Toyota does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this position at this time.

Who we’re looking for

Toyota’s Legal Department is looking for a passionate and highly motivated Product Liability (PL) Managing Counsel.

The primary responsibility of this role is handling product liability pre-litigation and litigation matters in the United States and its territories filed against Toyota entities, as well as providing advice and counsel on all aspects for product law, including advertising, product regulations, discovery and document retention issues, risk mitigation/management and business transactions.  

Reporting to the Assistant General Counsel of Product Law, the person in this role will support the department’s objective of brand protection and risk mitigation.

This position is based at our North American headquarters in Plano, Texas. The selected candidate will be expected to reside within commutable distance of this location.

What you’ll be doing

• Manage, coordinate and oversee defense of product liability litigation matters, and as needed, manage business litigation including class actions and other matters

• Work with outside counsel to provide a best-in-class defense for Toyota entities in litigated matters

• Provide strategic advice and counsel to internal business clients on strategic business initiatives and risk mitigation

• Manage litigation in an efficient and cost-effective manner that aligns with the business goals and objectives

• Communicate with management and other Toyota stakeholders on litigation and other matters

• Support and manage special projects and assignments as requested

What you bring

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school

• Admission to the Texas State Bar, or admission to another U.S. State bar

• Relevant litigation experience at a law firm or corporate law department

• Extensive experience in all aspects of trial and litigation management, including risk assessment, strategy development, discovery, motion practice, settlement evaluation, mediation, arbitration, appeals and selection and management of Outside Counsel and experts

• Demonstrated ability to manage and adapt to a busy, high-volume portfolio of active litigation, pre-litigation claims and business client requests for legal advice, including time-sensitive and high priority matters

• Strong sense of inclusion and teamwork, with demonstrated ability to support and collaborate with colleagues and business partners

• A positive attitude and dedication to excellence

• Strong customer focus and interpersonal skills

• Excellent drafting and communication skills- able to explain legal concepts to non-lawyers

• Strong analytical, organizational and process-development skills

Added bonus if you have

• Significant automotive/mobility product liability experience

• Trial experience

What We’ll Bring

During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility and respect

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement

• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount

• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable)

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family

• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute

• Paid holidays and paid time off

• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more

• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace diverse perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members’ efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong. As a company that has been one of DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity and a member of The Billion Dollar Roundtable supporting minority and woman-owned suppliers for over 10 years, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that celebrates the diversity of the communities where we live and do business.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.