Charles Gallaer

Associate
Charles is an Attorney in the Automotive group.
Charles Gallaer, Attorney, Arent Fox

The automotive group has been recognized by Chambers USA as a leader in the category Transportation: Road (Carriage/Commercial).  Charles has extensive experience in matters involving vehicle manufacturers and dealers.

Client Work

Some of Charles’s work on behalf of his clients includes the following:

  • Representing the purchaser of an eleven-dealership automotive group, which included negotiating and drafting asset purchase agreements, real property leases, corporate governance documents, performing due diligence and attending the closing.
  • Representing the seller of a twelve-dealership automotive group, including negotiating and drafting asset purchase agreements, membership purchase agreements, corporate governance documents, and real property contracts.
  • Representing dealerships under notices of default for failure to meet their respective franchisor’s performance standards.
  • Assisting clients in navigating complex state and federal regulations, including the Safeguards Rule, the Red Flags Rule, and state and federal advertising guidelines.

 

Previous Work

Prior to attending law school, Charles worked for Ford Motor Company as a Zone Manager in State College/Western Pennsylvania; Rochester, New York; and Buffalo, New York. As Zone Manager, he was responsible for vehicle sales, market representation actions, and dealership profitability within his assigned territories. Charles left Ford to become the General Manager of a Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Virginia. He experienced firsthand the challenges dealers face each day, including those involving employees, consumers, regulatory agencies, manufacturers, and vendors. He brings a unique perspective gained from experience both from a manufacturer's/OEM perspective and a dealer's perspective.

Professional Activities

Charles is a member of the National Association of Dealer Counsel.

Life Beyond the Law

Charles enjoys spending time with his family, photography, and visiting new places.