In-House Product Liability Counsel — Strategic Defense

Kubota’s North American operations require a highly skilled legal professional to oversee product liability matters, strengthen corporate defense strategies, and reduce exposure across lawsuits, accidents, incidents, and defective product claims. This role provides critical guidance to management, supports litigation and investigations, and ensures Kubota’s products are defended with rigor, consistency, and technical sophistication. Overview The Product Liability Counsel provides corporate oversight of product liability issues, including lawsuits, personal injury accidents, property damage incidents, and defective product claims. The role advises management on case progress, likely outcomes, witness preparation, technical issues, and resolution strategies. It also supports local counsel by supplying resources needed to aggressively defend Kubota. A key objective is reducing corporate expenditures by improving processes related to product defense, including document control, witness education, and technical analysis. What You Will Do Inform management of accidents, incidents, and defective product claims; recommend resolution strategies; defend and resolve matters not assigned to local counsel. Evaluate underlying legal and technical issues; recommend governmental notifications or Quality Assurance/Quality Control modifications. Attend trials, mediations, arbitrations, and depositions as appropriate. Attend inspections, coordinate internal resources, investigate causes, and provide recommendations to management and engineering. Work with design engineers to formulate defense strategies, prepare risk/benefit analyses, and assist in witness preparation. Coordinate responses to written discovery, gather and review documents, and manage corporate deposition requests. Evaluate marketing, instructional literature, and new product development for conformance with U.S. industry standards. Support initiatives such as developing a legal/incident database or creating a Product Council to document compliance standards and conduct hazard analyses. What We Are Looking For JD degree from an accredited law school; active member of a State Bar. 5+ years of experience defending product liability, warranty, and subrogation litigation; trial experience preferred. In‑house counsel experience managing outside counsel preferred; experience negotiating pre‑litigation matters; experience in State and Federal Courts. Skills & Background Excellent written, verbal, and analytical skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, collegial environment. Strong attention to detail; ability to prioritize and manage numerous issues simultaneously; effective communication with senior management. Knowledge of product‑related trials, discovery, trial preparation, regulatory matters, and e‑discovery requirements. Practical knowledge of agricultural, construction, turf equipment, and utility vehicles; understanding of North American design and manufacturing standards. Proficiency with legal and business software, research tools, and large databases. Exposure to technical disciplines such as strength of materials, static load analysis, internal combustion engines, or structural design analysis is beneficial. Language Requirements Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English. Equipment Operation Experience operating agricultural, construction, or turf equipment preferred; typical office equipment required. Physical Requirements Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; requires walking, standing, and extended computer work. Additional Information Extensive travel required; significant work with outside counsel and external experts. Kubota is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kubota Tractor Corporation