Business-oriented representation of motor vehicle manufacturers and distributors
Randy Oyler represents automotive, truck and powersports manufacturers and distributors, from exciting startups to iconic brands, and provides counseling, transactional and litigation services for vehicle distribution and dealer-related matters. Randy also serves as outside general counsel for automotive industry clients and facilitates the provision of a broad array of industry-related legal services by the firm’s multidisciplinary Automotive Industry team.
Randy approaches his practice as a businessperson first. He has a deep understanding of the automotive industry and its regulatory environment. Thinking strategically about ever-changing and cutting-edge issues, Randy looks to anticipate business and legal developments in the industry, and he focuses on delivering legal advice that is strategic, practical and cost-efficient.
Randy leads the firm’s Automotive Industry team.
Experience in Action
- Assisting clients on regulatory compliance and licensing. Randy helps clients address licensing requirements, working with traditional motor vehicle manufacturers and distributors as well as clients who sell non-traditional but regulated products.
- Advising clients on the development and implementation of distribution systems. Randy assists new companies in determining their initial distribution strategies and advises legacy companies on the consolidation of existing dealer networks and creation of new networks, the development of new approaches for distributing existing vehicles lines, and the launch of new brands and products. His experience extends from the traditional dealer sales model to direct sales and other novel distribution methods.
- Representing clients on dealer network matters. Randy helps clients address dealer matters both system-wide and on an individual market or dealer basis. He advises on preparing new dealer agreements standards, policies and programs, developing and implementing market representation strategies, addressing network-wide operational matters and resolving individual market and dealer-level issues.
- Negotiating and documenting a wide variety of complex vehicle distribution related transactions. Randy has deep experience in commercial contracting matters involving automotive distribution. He has worked on purchase and sale agreements, logistics contracts, data arrangements and vehicle maintenance and service contracts.
- Litigating dealership matters in more than 25 states. Randy has extensive litigation experience, having appeared before numerous federal and state trial and appellate courts and state administrative agencies. He has successfully argued several cases before state supreme courts challenging the constitutionality of state dealer statutes.
Capabilities
Professional Recognitions
- Best Lawyers in America® (2016-present: Franchise Law)
- Thomson Reuters "Stand-Out Lawyer" (2024)
Professional & Civic Activities
- The University of Chicago Legal Forum, developments editor
- American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising
News & Insights
Education
- The University of Chicago Law School (J.D., 1992)
- Wheaton College (B.A., summa cum laude, 1989)
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. Supreme Court