Education: 1997: J.D., Yale Law School; 1993: B.A. (History), Yale University.

Career in Brief: 2001–Present: AutoNation, Inc. (2008–present: Chief Litigation Counsel; 2004–2008: Senior Litigation Counsel; 2001–2004: Litigation Counsel); 1997–2001: Steel Hector & Davis LLP, Associate.

Location of Company HQ: Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Primary Industry Sector: Automotive retail.

Revenues in the Last Financial Year: $17.5 billion.

Number of Employees Worldwide: 22,000.

Law Department Locations: Fort Lauderdale, FL.

What is the total number of attorneys in the company worldwide, and how many focus on litigation? We have eight in-house attorneys, with three handling litigation.

Where does litigation fall within the organizational structure? Because our in-house legal department is small, the attorneys in the department oversee multiple areas of law and their roles may overlap. All of the litigation attorneys also manage other legal practice areas. In that sense, we have a somewhat fluid organizational structure in which teams develop around projects and each attorney has a multi-disciplinary legal practice.

How typical or unique is the scope of responsibilities for the company's litigation attorneys? Our litigation responsibilities are typical in the sense that we oversee many routine consumer, tort, employment and commercial litigation matters. What may be unique is the extent to which our litigation attorneys all have significant duties beyond litigation and are involved in project development, legal compliance, training and business ethics. For example, in addition to managing litigation, I oversee franchise law and licensing for the company and spend a significant portion of my time providing operations advice.

What is keeping your department's attorneys the busiest at the moment? Complex class action litigation always requires a huge investment of time and energy. Additionally, we have been very focused on legal compliance in light of industry changes in consumer finance and ongoing developments in technology and communication. Last year, the legal department was heavily engaged in navigating contractual and state licensing issues in connection with the rebranding of most of our dealerships across the country as "AutoNation" dealerships.

What types of issues will cause you to turn to outside counsel? Over the years we have developed a strong network of outside counsel in each of the markets where we operate. We use outside counsel for virtually all of our litigation matters, from small consumer matters to high-exposure class actions.

What types of issues will cause you to push for alternative fee arrangements with outside counsel? We often use flat rates for smaller routine matters. Beyond that, we conduct a case-by-case assessment. We negotiate blended rates, contingency fees or capped fees for certain cases when they are the best fit for our budgetary goals.

What three things does a law firm need to do to impress you? Demonstrate a solid understanding of automotive retail and an ability to quickly understand and align with AutoNation's priorities and goals. Be hands-on, efficient and responsive to our needs. Envision the end game in litigation early on and develop a clear plan to resolve the case in a cost-effective way.

Can you describe the career path that led you to become an in-house litigation counsel? I began in private practice at a large law firm doing commercial litigation work. I became interested in the idea of going in-house to handle a greater volume of matters in a more strategic way, take on more significant risk management and compliance responsibilities and interact more closely with a client. AutoNation provided me with that opportunity early in my career, and my role in the company has expanded over the years.

If not an attorney, what would you wish to be? A consultant and a writer. I like research, sorting through problems, finding solutions and trying to concisely express my ideas. Or if I were to start again entirely from scratch, I think I would enjoy being a documentary filmmaker.

What one piece of advice would you give to prospective in-house litigation counsel? Study the details of how the business works and stay apprised of the general strategic goals and culture of the company. That information is vital to providing the most targeted and effective advice, and will afford you opportunities to grow and expand your role.