Dealership Law

DEALERSHIP LAW

Navigating legal complexities for dealerships and franchisees

Lavelle Law’s dealership group represents motor vehicle and other dealerships and franchisees on a variety of matters impacting their multi-faceted businesses. Our team of trusted lawyers is well-versed in helping dealers navigate the complexities of franchise relationships, business operations, and consumer disputes. We diligently stay up-to-date on hot-button issues and novel laws to help clients stay ahead of the curve and mitigate risk in this dynamic industry. At the end of the day, lawyers on the Lavelle Law dealership team use specialized knowledge and expertise to ensure that dealers are protected and taken care of.

Our Services

Business Torts
Contract Compliance
Dealership Acquisitions
Dealership and Franchise Litigation
Dealership Business Establishment
Dealership Buy/Sell Agreements
Dealership Employment Matters
Dealership Terminations
Franchise Organization, Structuring, and Planning
Licensing, Regulatory, and Advertising Compliance
Resolution of Dealership and Franchise Consumer Issues
Review and Negotiation of Dealership, Distribution, and Franchise Agreements
Succession Planning

OUR DEALERSHIP LAW TEAM

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Dealership Law Posts

Lavelle Law News and Events

A Guide for Dealers in Navigating Recent Amendments to the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)

By Sarah J. Reusché • January 23, 2025

Amendments to BIPA SB 2929 became effective on August 2, 2024. Codified as 740 ILCS 14/10 and 14/20, this Act introduced two pivotal changes to BIPA that dealers should be aware of: • Limiting Per-Scan Damages: The amendments clarify that a single violation under BIPA accrues per type of violation, rather than per scan. This significantly reduces the financial exposure for dealerships. • Electronic Consent: The amendments formalize electronic signatures as a valid means of securing biometric consent, streamlining compliance processes for businesses.

Defenses for Dealerships in Response to Consumer Actions

Protecting Your Dealership: Defending Against Consumer Actions

By Sarah J. Reusche • October 11, 2024

In Illinois, consumer actions against new and used vehicle dealerships are often brought under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (the “Act”) codified as 815 ILCS 505. Section 10a of the Act allows individuals to file a lawsuit if they suffer actual damages from unfair or deceptive acts or practices from a new or used vehicle dealership. Section 2 of the Act details the prohibitions against “unfair or deceptive acts or practices.” Many of these actions include but are not limited to: Misrepresentation: Providing false or misleading information about a vehicle’s condition, history, or features. Omission of Material Facts: Failing to disclose important information that could affect a consumer’s decision to purchase a vehicle. Deceptive Advertising: Engaging in false advertising or using bait-and-switch tactics to lure customers. Unfair Practices: Conduct considered unethical, oppressive, or causes substantial injury to consumers.

Direct-to-consumer automobile sales are here to stay in Illinois.

Illinois Appellate Court Affirms Direct-To-Consumer Auto Sales

By Sarah J. Reusche • September 9, 2024

On August 23, 2024, the appellate court in Illinois’ First Appellate district concluded that neither the Illinois Vehicle Code nor the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act prohibits manufacturers from obtaining dealer licenses to sell directly to consumers.