of first refusal that would have prevented the sale of a multi-line “dual” dealership. The ruling reflects that automotive manufacturers do not have unchecked power to use a right of first refusal to break up or impede the sale of a multi-line dealership. This victory comes on the heels of another Burke Warren win on behalf of certain Illinois Ford dealers where the Illinois Motor Vehicle Review Board ruled in their favor in a dispute with Ford Motor Company. The dealers, represented by Ira Levin , Eric VanderPloeg , Brittany Martin , and Jolisa Warmack , alleged that Ford’s electric vehicle certification program violated the Illinois Motor Vehicle Franchise Act by taking away the right to sell electric vehicles from dealers who did not agree to incur substantial costs and make changes to their sales process in order to satisfy Ford’s electrical vehicle program. The Board sided with the dealers and ruled that the program violated several sections of the Franchise Act and awarded the dealers their attorneys’ fees. Ford then dropped the entire program. Automotive franchise litigation, including protests with the Illinois Motor Vehicle Review Board and other state boards and agencies, is at the cornerstone of Burke Warren’s Automotive Franchise practice. Our attorneys continue to provide successful representation of dealers and dealer groups locally and nationwide on such issues, as well as day-to-day automotive representation, transactional and corporate matters.
BRITTANY MARTIN
JOLISA WARMACK
SANKOFA VILLAGE WELLNESS CENTER Burke Warren was excited to play a role in the development of Sankofa Village Wellness Center in Chicago’s West Garfield Park. Helping bring to life the vision of Marshall Hatch & Marshall Hatch Jr. means this $45mm project will be the most significant development on the West side in 60 years. The 60,000-sq ft facility will close the life expectancy gap and improve health for residents with partners such as Rush University System for Health, Erie Family Health Centers and YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. It will include a community-owned credit union, small business support and other services. Burke Warren brought in Real Estate Partner Steve Schuster to get the project moving and ensure the community will directly benefit and have an ownership stake in the outcome. Chicago cannot reach its full potential until economic development, educational resources, and proper health care reaches every corner of the city and benefits residents.
#chicagolawyers #community
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