Office of the General Counsel

We work together with outside counsel to operate as a global team delivering world-class legal, tax and audit services to client groups throughout the company.

What We Do

  • Litigation and Regulatory

    Implements state-of-the-art processes and uses a hands-on approach to manage large volumes of global litigation. The in-house litigation team develops and implements short and long term strategies to navigate the company through challenging legal events. The OGC is also involved in legislative civil justice reform efforts, and the team interfaces with regulatory agencies, including EPA, NHTSA, EEOC and state attorneys general.

  • Commercial and Transactions

    Functions as a full service commercial and transactions law firm providing legal support for global distribution, marketing and customer service matters, as well as for the company’s global purchasing matters. Specialists in the OGC advise on U.S. healthcare, U.S. insolvency and creditors’ rights and U.S. antitrust matters. OGC attorneys also handle M&A transactions and advise on U.S. export and global customs matters.

  • Corporate and Securities

    Handles all of the legal work in connection with securities offerings, corporate finance, corporate compliance, executive compensation and public company work. The OGC has a dedicated team of long-service professionals who understand Ford and represent, in many instances, the best repository of institutional knowledge in the company.

  • Tax

    Works in an environment with other legal professionals whose training supports analytic thinking, creative problem solving and client orientation. The tax team is able to deliver solid and thoughtful tax planning that is integral to the company.

  • Intellectual Property

    Operates as part of Ford’s legal community and oversees a separate revenue-generating business entity called Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The intellectual property attorneys prepare patent applications, defend and prosecute infringement actions and negotiate intellectual property agreements.

  • Ford Credit Legal Office

    Supports the legal needs of Ford Motor Credit Company LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company that provides automotive financing products to and through automotive dealers throughout the world. In addition to ensuring compliance with laws relating to automotive financing, the Ford Credit Legal Office actively works to influence the regulatory environment through participation in trade associations. The Ford Credit Legal Office also supports dealership loan financing programs and facilitates funding and securitization transactions.