Time for a Self-Audit: How Dealers Can Reduce the Risk of Employee Lawsuits
Personnel lawsuits have become big business for plaintiffs’ attorneys—and a costly hazard for automotive dealers. From wrongful termination to discrimination claims, litigation can quickly escalate, especially when federal agencies like the EEOC become involved. For dealers, the best defense is proactive hiring and tracking systems. Now is the time to conduct a self-audit of your […]
Avoiding Pitfalls in Supplier Agreements
At Charapp & Weiss, we regularly counsel dealers on the hidden risks in supplier agreements—and for good reason. In today’s highly competitive retail automotive environment, dealerships must leverage their buying power wisely. Yet many dealers sign form contracts without fully understanding the legal obligations embedded in the fine print—terms that could cost significantly more than […]
Succession Planning & Selling Your Dealership
At Charapp & Weiss, LLP, we know that dealership owners face a critical question: what happens if I’m no longer here to run the business? Whether you’re building a long-term legacy or preparing for a sale, planning ahead is not just smart—it’s essential. Recent changes in manufacturer agreements and increasing attention from lenders make it […]
Staying Compliant and Secure: What Dealerships Need to Know About Privacy, Cybersecurity & AI
In the fast-evolving world of automotive retail, dealerships face increasing pressure to meet regulatory expectations and protect sensitive data. As vehicles become more connected and reliant on artificial intelligence (AI), the risks tied to data breaches and cybersecurity failures grow more serious—and more costly. For dealerships, the message is clear: compliance is not a one-and-done […]
How Sharp Is Your Dealership’s Compliance Game? Take the 2025 Quiz—or Better Yet, Beat It
On June 23, 2025, Barrie Charapp Beaty published “Barrie: A 2025 Compliance Quiz” on the VADA blog—a thought-provoking exercise aimed squarely at dealership leadership and compliance teams. We at Charapp & Weiss believe that this quiz isn’t just a test—it’s a lens revealing where gaps in your dealership’s policies, training, and practices could leave you […]
About Those Used Vehicles…
A recent article from Virginia Auto Dealer Magazine, “About Those Used Vehicles…”, by Barrie Charapp Beaty, offers an important warning: what may seem like routine shortcuts in used vehicle sales can quickly become legal trouble. At Charapp & Weiss, we’ve long counseled dealers that proper inspections, clear disclosures, and legally compliant warranty practices are non-negotiable […]
Digital Compliance and Consumer Fairness: What Dealers Must Know Now
At Charapp & Weiss, LLP, we help auto dealers navigate the complex intersection of technology, consumer protection, and regulatory compliance. As digital engagement expands and enforcement grows more aggressive, two key areas have become flashpoints for legal exposure: online data privacy and interactions with non-English speaking consumers. A Wake-Up Call from the Ninth Circuit In […]
Back to Basics: Ethics & Complaint Handling for Auto Dealers
As economic pressures increase, so do customer complaints. Often, these complaints reflect more than just consumer frustration—they expose weaknesses in compliance, training, or internal policies. A recent blog post by Barrie Charapp Beaty of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA), “Back to the Basics”, serves as a timely reminder for dealers to refocus on core […]
TILA Myths and Internet Misinformation: What Auto Dealers Need to Know
The internet offers a wealth of information—but not all of it is law. Social media “legal experts” are increasingly misinforming consumers about laws like the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), and—without fully understanding their own content—dealers are finding “legal notices” landing in their inboxes. At Charapp & Weiss, LLP, we recognize the risk this poses […]
Franchisors Are Getting Bolder—Dealers Must Get Smarter
For years, automobile dealers have endured intensifying pressure from manufacturers. From burdensome facility mandates to predatory incentive programs and punitive audits, today’s franchisors are more aggressive than ever. Yet despite these escalating tactics, too many dealers remain passive and reluctant to assert their rights under state franchise laws. At Charapp & Weiss, LLP, we believe […]