Department profile
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Transportation: Road (Automotive)

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Our experienced team can help you manage your business challenges

  • Our team has experience in legal issues related to motor vehicle manufacturers and distributors, representing major automotive and motorcycle manufacturers and distributors who do business in the U.S., motor sports, watercraft, and agricultural equipment clients
  • Members practice exclusively in this area, spending 100% of their time representing motor vehicle companies
  • Members speak to regulators, industry, and legal groups on issues of importance to our clients
  • Team includes several former in-house counsel for major domestic and international motor vehicle manufacturers
  • Broad experience representing industry clients in jurisdictions throughout the country
  • Track record of providing economical representation in complex matters
  • Known for responsive, cost-effective, and client-focused service
  • Known for efficiency and consistency in legal representation due to deep knowledge of issues related to the motor vehicle industry
  • Our team offers a nationwide, coast-to-coast footprint, with experience handling issues in nearly every state in the United States

Our clients include

  • Major motor vehicle manufacturers and distributors (domestic and foreign-based)
  • Start-up companies
  • Wholesale sellers of a broad spectrum of motor vehicle types:  automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, side by sides, recreational vehicles, buses, aircraft, heavy truck, farm equipment, emergency response vehicles, mobility companies, and others

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Transportation: Road (Automotive) - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP is a resourceful automotive group, noted particularly for its comprehensive franchise and dealership-focused capabilities. The team is experienced in advising on commercial expansion and disputes, as well as handling bankruptcy proceedings and regulatory compliance. The firm also acts in product liability lawsuits and investigations.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough defended FCA US in a lawsuit against two dealers that alleged the client had no good cause under a Florida statute to install a new dealer.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Nelson Mullins has the most subject matter experts in the most unique and specialized aspects of automotive law.

    Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA

  • In addition to a deep knowledge base, many of the Nelson Mullins practitioners have worked both in-house at a auto/equipment manufacturer and in a law firm setting, which makes them well suited to understand the issues faced by the in-house legal team and advise on the same.

    Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA

  • The firm probably has the highest level of industry-specific expertise in this industry. It also has great relationships with our clients.

    Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA

  • The auto group is second to none in terms of talent and breadth of knowledge.

    Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Steven McKelvey, Jr.
    Steven McKelvey, Jr.

    Steven McKelvey, Jr.

    Steven McKelvey, Jr. regularly advises on issues relating to franchising and dealerships, including commercial litigation, ownership transfers and licensing.

    • Steven has total control of the subject matter and is a highly skilled problem solver and a gifted communicator.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA

    • He has tremendous industry knowledge.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA

    • Steve has a very nice way of communicating to me and to the business client. He is well respected in the industry

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    • Steven McKelvey, Jr. is possibly our most trusted and valued outside attorney; and he is one of the kindest, most generous, most lovely human beings around.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA
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  • J. Keith Russell
    J. Keith Russell

    J. Keith Russell

    Keith Russell heads BakerHostetler's distribution and franchise practice and has noted expertise representing manufacturers and distributors of automotive equipment in disputes and agreements with dealers.

    • He is great to work with. Keith is intelligent, responsive and very thorough.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA

    • An exceptional individual with broad knowledge and resources made available to our company, Keith delivers exemplary client service, at the highest level, every time.

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    • Keith consistently delivers thorough, thoughtful responses and provides fair, practical direction across our legal matters.

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    • Keith always puts his clients first. He is always very responsive and considers not only the legal issues, but the business ones as well.

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    • Keith Russel is a terrific attorney and adviser.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA
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  • Richard Otera
    Richard Otera

    Richard Otera

    Richard Otera is sought after by a host of automotive manufacturers for his expertise in new vehicle rollouts, as well as disputes with dealers.

    • Richard Otera has extensive experience in the automotive and equipment manufacturer/dealer relationship space, which makes his insights invaluable.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA

    • Rich is patient with stupid questions and fluent in the needs of our business. I appreciate his skill, his ability to pivot, his thick skin and his willingness to educate.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA

    • Rich was in-house for a number of years; that's a valuable perspective.

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    • He is the pinnacle of what a franchise attorney should be. Richard knows how it is to be on the inside of a company, and the business pressures, and provides thoughtful advice. He's just a fun guy to work with too.

      Transportation: Road (Automotive) respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP (3)

USA - Nationwide

Members

Provided by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

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