ABOUT OUR FIRM
FOUNDED IN 1987
Originally founded in 1987, the firm has focused its practice primarily on motor vehicle franchise law, and the representation of automobile, truck, and motorcycle dealers throughout the country. Over the years, the size of the firm has grown to reflect the ever increasing number of issues facing dealers as manufacturers impose their ever-evolving dealer network initiatives. The firm practiced under the name Myers & Fuller until January of 2010, when the name was changed to Bass Sox Mercer.
Bass Sox Mercer has experience in all aspects of manufacturer/dealer relations, having represented clients in over 40 states, the territory of Puerto Rico and Canada in disputes concerning every day and extra-ordinary issues, including termination, inventory mal-allocation, addition or relocation of competing dealerships, transfer turndowns, market realignments, internet sales, ownership, site control, exclusivity, warranty and incentive charge backs, and other commercial disputes arising between a dealer and its supplier. Additionally, the firm provides representation to motor vehicle dealers purchasing or selling dealerships (including assistance in locating potential purchasers or sellers), and to motor vehicle dealers facing potentially costly environmental cleanup efforts as they attempt to navigate complex environmental regulations and negotiate with both state and federal regulators. The firm regularly counsels dealers on matters relating to dealership personnel, floorplan and retail credit relationships, finance and insurance, and other regularly recurring issues. Bass Sox Mercer attorneys defend dealers against class action and other consumer lawsuits. The firm also conducts finance and insurance and other compliance audits for dealers in order to guard against adverse actions by plaintiffs’ attorneys and federal and state regulators.
The firm has played a major role in representing state motor vehicle dealer associations before state legislatures and has drafted numerous state statutes regulating the franchise relationship between manufacturers and dealers. Bass Sox Mercer has also been very involved with representing dealers’ interests in the GM and Chrysler bankruptcy and reinstatement arbitration proceedings.
Members of the firm frequently speak at seminars and conventions throughout the country on the topic of manufacturer/dealer relations and the laws regulating motor vehicle franchises. Members of the firm have addressed the Automotive World Congress, the NADA Convention, the JD Powers Blue-ribbon Roundtable, the E-Automotive Conference, the AICPA Convention, and seminars for numerous state associations and Dealer 20 groups. The firm has assisted the National Council of Motorcycle Dealer Associations.
In addition to motor vehicle franchise law, the firm’s practice includes representing clients in insurance regulatory matters, insurance coverage evaluations and disputes, environmental regulation and all types of commercial litigation and appeals before both state and federal courts. Our attorneys have extensive experience in addressing State and Federal agencies and officials in regards to regulatory matters involving insurance, risk management, environmental, health care and other matters.
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