Department profile
Barack Ferrazzano

Transportation: Road (Automotive)

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


Barack Ferrazzano

Rankings

About

Provided by Barack Ferrazzano

Barack Ferrazzano's Motor Vehicle Group is a nationally recognized practice representing the world's leading automobile, truck, motorcycle, and powersports manufacturers and distributors, as well as captive finance companies, across the U.S. and around the world. The group serves as a trusted strategic partner to its clients — advising on the full spectrum of motor vehicle franchise law, distribution network management, dealer relations, regulatory compliance, antitrust, intellectual property, and commercial transactions, while also defending clients in high-stakes litigation in federal and state courts and administrative forums nationwide.

The group's attorneys bring unmatched depth of industry knowledge to every engagement, combining broad legal expertise with a granular understanding of the regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, and business strategies unique to the motor vehicle industry. From launching new vehicle lines and managing dealer networks to litigating complex franchise disputes and negotiating large-scale commercial transactions, the group consistently delivers practical, results-oriented counsel that helps clients solve difficult problems and achieve their long-term business objectives.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Transportation: Road (Automotive) - USA - Nationwide

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Barack Ferrazzano is a go-to automotive practice noted for its franchise and dealership-focused capabilities. The team expertly advises on disputes and transactions, as well as regulatory compliance and intellectual property concerns.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Barack Ferrazzano offers great industry knowledge, sound and experienced judgment and very effective written advocacy.

    Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA
  • Barack Ferrazzano stands out in the automotive and transportation space because of its deep industry specialization, commercial practicality and exceptional partner-level engagement.

    Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA
  • The attorneys at Barack are very easy to work with and come up with some outside-the-box ideas. They are also very knowledgeable in the warranty space.

    Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA
  • Since the law firm has a great transactional and litigation practice, it can combine the insights of each.

    Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Owen H. Smith
    Band 3Owen H. Smith

    Owen H. Smith

    Owen Smith co-chairs Barack Ferrazzano's motor vehicle group, leading the group's litigation practice. Owen regularly advises clients on matters relating to breach of contract, challenges to warranty practices and the termination of dealer agreements.

    • Owen is a trusted friend and adviser; a true professional.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA
    • Owen is incredibly knowledgeable, responsive and a true partner in our business. He helps find solutions to complex issues and situations, and is very balanced in his approach.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA
    • I appreciate Owen's ability to have strategic discussions while also being able to clearly communicate potential outcomes.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA
  • Band 3Sarah M. Bernstein
    Band 3Sarah M. Bernstein

    Sarah M. Bernstein

    Sarah Bernstein co-chairs the firm's motor vehicle group and leads the group's transactional practice. She frequently counsels vehicle manufacturers on sale and distribution, franchise and dealer networks, as well as regulatory concerns.

    • Sarah is always available, extremely responsive and delivers great work. She is a true asset to the team.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA
    • There's no one I trust to advise on car dealer transactions and business organization matters more than Sarah Bernstein.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA
    • Sarah is highly knowledgeable in commercial automotive franchise laws and regulations, and is highly skillful at understanding and addressing client concerns.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA
    • She is responsive, solution-oriented and provides prompt delivery of the request. I'm very happy to work with her.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Barack Ferrazzano (2)

USA - Nationwide

Members

Provided by Barack Ferrazzano

  • Owen H. Smith

    Head of Department

  • William J. Barrett

  • Louis S. Chronowski

  • Karyn L. Doerfler

  • Lloyd "Buddy" Ferguson

  • Ian P. Flanagan

  • Connor T. Gants

  • M. Olivia Glass

  • Nicholas W. Laird

  • David B. Lurie

  • Joseph F. Mintz

  • Brandon C. Prosansky

  • Nathan Q. Rugg

  • Victoria Rusanova Cordiak

  • Matthew F. Singer

  • Jack Snyder

  • Roger H. Stetson

  • James R. Vogler

  • Steven J. Yatvin

  • Brian Ingram

  • Zoe Brumfield-Meyers Cross

  • Jill Doherty

  • Emily Hoffman

  • Mara Easterbrook Klebaner

  • Joshua W. Mahoney

  • Kyle Davis Oakes

  • Gianna Santoro Miksanek

  • Sarah M. Bernstein

    Head of Department

    View profile of Sarah M. Bernstein
  • Maile Hitomi Solís

  • Marlow Svatek

  • Samantha T. Zuba

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