Robert Weiss’ over thirty years of experience advising automotive OEMs and their suppliers as outside counsel and, most recently, as General Counsel of Joyson Safety Systems, a multinational Tier 1 supplier, gives him a dual perspective and a breadth of experience in all aspects of automotive supply chain representation. Bob has advised his clients on a wide range of complex and, at times, unique legal matters. Complementing his extensive experience in the automotive industry, as General Counsel of Development Specialists, Inc ( “DSI”) – a Chicago-based national management consulting and financial advisory services firm – he broadened his experience by interfacing with his colleagues and clients on assignments involving a variety of industries outside of the automotive industry.
As outside counsel, Bob headed the commercial, restructuring, and bankruptcy practice of a large midwestern law firm. In that role, Bob, along with his colleagues, pioneered the development and refinement of supply chain protection in the automotive, manufacturing, and related industries, helping establish the protocol and refine processes used in dealing with critical, single-source suppliers in the "just-in-time inventory" context, which has since become the industry standard. In commercial matters, Bob has represented manufacturers in complex commercial transactions, the structuring and negotiating of complex commercial supply contracts, sensitive internal investigations, and commercial litigation.
Additionally, as the practice lead, Bob oversaw and actively represented clients in the events leading up to the 2009 financial crisis and was the lead lawyer of one of three law firms retained to represent General Motors Corporation in its Chapter 11 case. During that time, Bob also represented the largest vendor in the Chrysler Chapter 11 and participated actively on the Unsecured Creditors committee on its behalf. Bob has also overseen and has extensive experience with multiple restructurings of companies through pre-packaged arrangements, out-of-court restructurings, and Chapter 11 proceedings.
Admitted to practice in Michigan.Education & Credentials
Education
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
J.D.- Order of the Coif
Yeshiva University
B.A.Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers
- Banking and Finance, 2009-2011
- DBusiness Magazine
- "Top Lawyers," Banking and Finance, 2010, 2011
- Lawdragon, Recognized as a Finalist, 2010
- Michigan Super Lawyers®
- Banking and Finance, 2007-2011
- The Best Lawyers in America®
- Banking and Finance, 1995-2011
- "Lawyer of the Year," Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights, 2010
Prominent Assignments
In-House
- Oversaw final negotiations, closing, and financing in a large complex acquisition of international automotive parts supplier.
- Oversaw consolidation and integration of two multi-billion-dollar companies with over 70,000 employees, $7 billion in revenue, and multiple legal staffs.
- Responsible for corporate governance of complex worldwide corporate structure.
Outside Counsel
- Led a team of lawyers of one of the three legal firms representing General Motors in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Professional Involvement
- State Bar of Michigan
Publications/Presentations
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Author, “Tesla's Trajectory – A Matter of Significant Debate ,” EV Newsletter Vol. 2 No. 9, Dickinson Wright EV Newsletter, October 2024
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Author, “EV Newsletter Vol. 2 No. 8," Dickinson Wright EV Newsletter, October 2024
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Author & Editor, “EV Newsletter Vol. 2 No. 7," Dickinson Wright EV Newsletter, September 2024
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Author, “EV Newsletter Vol. 2 No. 6," Dickinson Wright Client Alert, June, 2024
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Author, “EV Newsletter Vol. 2 No. 5," Dickinson Wright EV Newsletter, April 2024
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Author, "EV Newsletter Vol. 2 No. 4" Dickinson Wright EV Newsletter, April 2024
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Author, “EV Newsletter Vol. 2 No. 3," Dickinson Wright EV Newsletter, March 2024
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Author, "EV Newsletter Vol. 2 No 2," Dickinson Wright Newsletter, February 2024
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Author, “EV Newsletter Vol. 2 No. 1," Dickinson Wright Newsletter, January 2024
- Author, “EV Newsletter Vol. 1 No. 9," Dickinson Wright Newsletter, November 2023
- Co-Author, “EV Newsletter Vol. 1 No. 8," Dickinson Wright Newsletter, October 2023
- Author, “EV Newsletter Vol. 1 No. 5," Dickinson Wright Newsletter, April 2023
- Author, “EV Newsletter Vol. 1 No. 3," Dickinson Wright Newsletter, March 2023
- Author, “EV Newsletter Vol. 1 No. 2," Dickinson Wright Newsletter, February 2023
- Moderator, "North America’s Drive towards Electrification: How East Asia Factors into the Equation," October 2021
- Presenter, "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Accommodation Agreements But Were Afraid to Ask," Turnaround Management Association Webinar, October 2020