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Bill Benson

Bill Benson

Of Counsel

One Financial Center
Suite 3500
Boston, MA 02111
T 617.217.4650
bill.benson@nelsonmullins.com
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Bill is an experienced and highly effective counselor and litigator in the automotive sector, especially in connection with manufacturers’ rights and obligations with respect to its franchised dealer relationships. With deep knowledge of state motor vehicle dealer laws, including laws applicable to manufacturers and dealers of automobiles, motorcycles, power sports, power equipment and similar products,...

Bill is an experienced and highly effective counselor and litigator in the automotive sector, especially in connection with manufacturers’ rights and obligations with respect to its franchised dealer relationships. With deep knowledge of state motor vehicle dealer laws, including laws applicable to manufacturers and dealers of automobiles, motorcycles, power sports, power equipment and similar products, Bill advises clients on a wide range of existing and proposed programs and market initiatives, and provides guidance on how to structure programs. Some of the many issues on which Bill advises and litigates on behalf of his clients include vehicle allocations, dealership transfers, exclusive use agreements, rights of first refusal, incentive programs, and warranty reimbursement, among others.

Bill is a practical and results-driven counselor and litigator who has represented clients in courts and before administrative agencies throughout the U.S. He understands that in the motor vehicle industry, manufacturers must balance their desire for market representation and promotion of brand image with state dealer laws that restrict their ability to establish, relocate, and terminate dealers. And as the industry continues to develop technology for electric and autonomous vehicles, Bill provides valuable guidance to manufacturers who seek the opportunity to introduce this technology and mode of transportation to consumers, but at the same time, comply with federal and state laws.

Bill aims to deliver services and provide guidance on business options and legal risks that clients may not have fully appreciated. He tailors how he delivers those services to the needs of his clients, which allows for increased efficiency that will enable clients to make informed business decisions.

Bill Benson

Bill advises clients on a wide range of existing and proposed programs and market initiatives, and provides guidance on how to structure programs. Some of the many issues on which Bill advises and litigates on behalf of his clients include vehicle allocations, dealership transfers, exclusive use agreements, rights of first refusal, incentive programs, and warranty reimbursement, among others.

Bill is a practical and results-driven counselor and litigator who has represented clients in courts and before administrative agencies throughout the U.S. He understands that in the motor vehicle industry, manufacturers must balance their desire for market representation and promotion of brand image with state dealer laws that restrict their ability to establish, relocate, and terminate dealers. And as the industry continues to develop technology for electric and autonomous vehicles, Bill provides valuable guidance to manufacturers who seek the opportunity to introduce this technology and mode of transportation to consumers, but at the same time, comply with federal and state laws.

Bill aims to deliver services and provide guidance on business options and legal risks that clients may not have fully appreciated. He tailors how he delivers those services to the needs of his clients, which allows for increased efficiency that will enable clients to make informed business decisions.

Experience

The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Previous Professional Experience 

  • Senior Counsel, Boston-based national business firm (2015–2025)
  • Litigation Associate, Boston-based litigation boutique firm (2008–2015)
  • Litigation Associate, Boston-based international business firm (2000-2008)

Representative Matters 

  • Represented automotive manufacturer in administrative proceeding involving termination of dealer for the submission of fraudulent warranty claims. A few days before trial, dealer agreed to a voluntary termination.
  • Represented large manufacturing client in contract dispute with former distributor. After the trial court granted injunctive relief, the case was resolved on favorable terms.
  • Represented automotive manufacturer in dispute involving an exclusive use agreement, which was litigated in several forums. After receiving severable favorable rulings, the dealer agreed to make a monetary payment to our client and agreed to an extension of the exclusive use agreement.
  • Represented automotive manufacturer in breach of warranty dispute involving alleged vehicle defect. Obtained summary judgment in favor of client on all claims.
  • Represented numerous automotive clients in disputes involving allocation, warranty reimbursement, and the establishment, relocation, and transfer of dealerships.
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Previous Professional Experience 

  • Senior Counsel, Boston-based national business firm (2015–2025)
  • Litigation Associate, Boston-based litigation boutique firm (2008–2015)
  • Litigation Associate, Boston-based international business firm (2000-2008)

Representative Matters 

  • Represented automotive manufacturer in administrative proceeding involving termination of dealer for the submission of fraudulent warranty claims. A few days before trial, dealer agreed to a voluntary termination.
  • Represented large manufacturing client in contract dispute with former distributor. After the trial court granted injunctive relief, the case was resolved on favorable terms.
  • Represented automotive manufacturer in dispute involving an exclusive use agreement, which was litigated in several forums. After receiving severable favorable rulings, the dealer agreed to make a monetary payment to our client and agreed to an extension of the exclusive use agreement.
  • Represented automotive manufacturer in breach of warranty dispute involving alleged vehicle defect. Obtained summary judgment in favor of client on all claims.
  • Represented numerous automotive clients in disputes involving allocation, warranty reimbursement, and the establishment, relocation, and transfer of dealerships.

Media

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Recognitions

The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.

  • Massachusetts Super Lawyers for Business Litigation (2013-2024)
  • Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Stars for Business Litigation (2009-2011)

Bill is an experienced and highly effective counselor and litigator in the automotive sector, especially in connection with manufacturers’ rights and obligations with respect to its franchised dealer relationships. With deep knowledge of state motor vehicle dealer laws, including laws applicable to manufacturers and dealers of automobiles, motorcycles, power sports, power equipment and similar products,... Bill advises clients on a wide range of existing and proposed programs and market initiatives, and provides guidance on how to structure programs. Some of the many issues on which Bill advises and litigates on behalf of his clients include vehicle allocations, dealership transfers, exclusive use agreements, rights of first refusal, incentive programs, and warranty reimbursement, among others.

Bill is a practical and results-driven counselor and litigator who has represented clients in courts and before administrative agencies throughout the U.S. He understands that in the motor vehicle industry, manufacturers must balance their desire for market representation and promotion of brand image with state dealer laws that restrict their ability to establish, relocate, and terminate dealers. And as the industry continues to develop technology for electric and autonomous vehicles, Bill provides valuable guidance to manufacturers who seek the opportunity to introduce this technology and mode of transportation to consumers, but at the same time, comply with federal and state laws.

Bill aims to deliver services and provide guidance on business options and legal risks that clients may not have fully appreciated. He tailors how he delivers those services to the needs of his clients, which allows for increased efficiency that will enable clients to make informed business decisions.

Experience

The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Previous Professional Experience 

  • Senior Counsel, Boston-based national business firm (2015–2025)
  • Litigation Associate, Boston-based litigation boutique firm (2008–2015)
  • Litigation Associate, Boston-based international business firm (2000-2008)

Representative Matters 

  • Represented automotive manufacturer in administrative proceeding involving termination of dealer for the submission of fraudulent warranty claims. A few days before trial, dealer agreed to a voluntary termination.
  • Represented large manufacturing client in contract dispute with former distributor. After the trial court granted injunctive relief, the case was resolved on favorable terms.
  • Represented automotive manufacturer in dispute involving an exclusive use agreement, which was litigated in several forums. After receiving severable favorable rulings, the dealer agreed to make a monetary payment to our client and agreed to an extension of the exclusive use agreement.
  • Represented automotive manufacturer in breach of warranty dispute involving alleged vehicle defect. Obtained summary judgment in favor of client on all claims.
  • Represented numerous automotive clients in disputes involving allocation, warranty reimbursement, and the establishment, relocation, and transfer of dealerships.

Education

  • Georgetown University Law Center, JD
  • Union College, MAT
  • Tufts University, BA

Admissions

  • Massachusetts
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
  • Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
  • The Massachusetts Appeals Court

Practice Areas

Industries

The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.

  • Massachusetts Super Lawyers for Business Litigation (2013-2024)
  • Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Stars for Business Litigation (2009-2011)