Managing Counsel

About the Job

Sony Honda Mobility of America Inc, based in Culver City, CA, is a subsidiary of Sony Honda Mobility Inc headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. As a 50/50 joint venture between Sony and Honda, SHM was established in Japan on September 28th, 2022, with over 200 employees in Tokyo. Sony Honda Mobility of America, situated in Culver City, California, was established in March 2023, where our dedicated team is working on introducing the electric vehicle, AFEELA, to the market. AFEELA embodies the essence of "FEEL," central to the mobility experience, fostering an interactive relationship where people "FEEL" mobility as an intelligent entity, and mobility reciprocates by "FEELing" people and society through sensing and network IT technologies. Our mission is to move people through innovative solutions inspired by diversity.

Position Summary

Sony Honda Mobility of America (SHMA) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Managing Counsel to join our legal team at our Culver City, CA office on the Sony Pictures Studio lot. In this role, you will provide strategic legal guidance on a wide range of transactional and compliance matters, with a primary focus on advertising, marketing, data privacy, and data security.

This position will play a key role in supporting SHMA's growth and expansion across the United States by ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in advertising and marketing law, commercial contracts, and data privacy. You will also advise on issues related to artificial intelligence and automotive industry regulations. This role requires the ability to work independently, operate cross-functionally, and engage effectively with business stakeholders at all levels.

Job Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret a wide range of commercial contracts, including advertising, consulting, outsourcing, licensing, SaaS, real estate leases, and nondisclosure agreements.
• Prepare and maintain contract templates and provide compliance advice to support SHMA’s advertising and marketing activities.
• Advise on data privacy and data security matters for product development, marketing, sales, and service operations.
• Develop and implement data privacy and security policies to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Respond to data subject requests and oversee the handling of sensitive information in line with legal requirements.
• Conduct data mapping and privacy impact assessments to identify and mitigate risks.
• Provide strategic advice on legal issues related to artificial intelligence, including AI integration into SHMA products and services.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations applicable to the automotive industry.
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise on the potential impact to business operations and compliance strategies.
• Manage and resolve disputes and litigation in collaboration with external counsel when necessary.
• Provide legal support for employment-related matters, including labor law compliance and employee disputes.
• Advise senior leadership on corporate governance, legal risks, and operational challenges.
• Collaborate with internal teams including marketing, product development, and operations to align legal strategy with business objectives.

Qualifications for Position

Required

• JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• 6-12 years of legal experience in a law firm and/or in-house counsel role.
• Active member in good standing of the California State Bar or the ability to become registered as in-house counsel.
• Extensive experience with advertising and marketing law, including contract negotiation and compliance.
• Deep understanding of data privacy and security laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA).
• Strong experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Proven ability to provide strategic legal advice in a fast-paced, evolving business environment.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills with a proactive, business-focused approach.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.
• High ethical standards and sound judgment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.

Preferred

• Experience with automotive industry regulations and standards.
• Knowledge of legal issues related to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
• Experience handling a broad range of commercial transactions including licensing, outsourcing, and SaaS agreements.
• Familiarity with connected car technology and regulatory challenges in the automotive sector.
• Japanese language proficiency or experience working with Japanese business culture.

Additional Details

• Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site at SHMA's Culver City, CA office.
• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel may be required to support legal and business operations.
• Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this position.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Flexible Working Policy
• Paid parental leave
• 401k Program
• “Take What You Need” time off policy, with a minimum of 15 days off per year, and holiday breaks
• Yearly bonuses (subject to eligibility)
• Company phone (subject to eligibility)
• Company swag
• A brand new laptop and monitor
• Special discounts on Sony products
• Learning and Development quarterly stipend
• More to come!

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $180,000-$220,000. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for.  The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.   

Sony Honda Mobility of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, military status, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, medical condition, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants

Sony Honda Mobility of America provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at SHMA-Recruiting@sony-honda-mobility.com Please indicate the position you are applying for.