Outsourcing legal remedies: Lear Corporation depends on Bodman

One of the world’s largest suppliers of automotive seating and electrical and electronic components, Lear Corporation depends on a vast network of suppliers to deliver materials at agreed-upon prices and payment terms. But in the face of huge increases in the costs of steel and other commodities and other issues confronting the automotive industry, suppliers sometimes refuse to perform their supply contracts.

“Many of them are simply saying, ‘We won’t supply you unless you give us a price increase or some other concession,’” explains Bodman’s Tom Tallerico. In Lear’s case, when suppliers threaten to stop shipment of critical supplies, the company turns to Bodman for support.

“Our litigation team has enormous experience dealing with suppliers that are threatening production,” says Tallerico. “We are experts in this area of law and have achieved successful outcomes for Lear both in and outside of court.”

For its financially distressed suppliers, Lear relies on Bodman’s Debtor-Creditor Rights and Bankruptcy Practice Group to advise regarding the best strategy. In fact, when it comes to just about any operational and legal issue, Lear depends on Bodman. The trusting relationship has developed over 20 years, and the firm now handles a significant portion of Lear’s legal work in the U.S., including all of its employment and real estate matters.

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