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Maurice Sanchez
Partner

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Costa Mesa
600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 900
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-7221

T 714.966.8809
F 714.754.6611

Bar Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 1981
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, 1982
U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 1981
California, 1981

Education

J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law, 1981
B.A., University of California, Irvine, 1978

Maurice Sanchez

Maurice Sanchez serves as the National Leader of Baker Hostetler’s Distribution and Franchise Industry Team, with an emphasis in representing motor vehicle manufacturers and distributors. Mr. Sanchez represents clients in motor vehicle litigation, franchise and market representation law, as well as general business litigation matters. He has significant experience representing motor vehicle manufacturers and distributors in California and throughout the country. Before joining the firm, Mr. Sanchez was head of the motor vehicle department at Adorno, Yoss, Alvarado & Smith in Irvine, California. Prior to that position, he was Managing Counsel with Hyundai Motor America and Senior Counsel with Mazda Motor of America, Inc.

Areas of Concentration

Representation of motor vehicle manufacturers and distributors before several state motor vehicle boards and commissions, including the California New Motor Vehicle Board for more than 20 years
Advise start up motor vehicle companies (both domestic and foreign) on the formulation of distribution plans, establishment of dealer networks, licensing and regulatory issues regarding the commencement of operations in the U.S.
Motor vehicle market representation litigation in state and federal courts
Advise manufacturers and distributors on drafting and implementation of dealer agreements, policies and procedures
Advise clients on general market representation issues, including incentives, promotions and advertising review
General business litigation

Noteworthy Representations

In a case of first impression, successfully argued on behalf of a motor vehicle distributor that the California New Motor Vehicle Board lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate matters not specifically enumerated in the enabling statute, in this case ownership transfer disputes between manufacturers and dealers. Mazda Motor of America, Inc. v. New Motor Vehicle Bd. (David J. Phillips Buick-Pontiac, Inc.) (2003) 110 Cal.App.4th 1451
Successful representation of a motor vehicle distributor before the California Court of Appeal, which held, in a published opinion, that the termination of a motor vehicle dealer’s franchise is not a fundamental vested right. Kawasaki Motors Corp. v. Superior Court (Saba) (2000) 85 Cal. App 4th 200.
Drafted and negotiated several national dealer agreements for major motor vehicle companies that are now in use across the country, including negotiation with dealer groups and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

Professional and Community Involvement

Director-at-Large, UCI Alumni Association, University of California, Irvine
Advisor, Olive Crest Treatment Centers for Abused Children (Past President, Board of Directors)
Committee Member, Parishes in Need Committee for Diocese of Orange
Member, Orange County Bar Association (Business Litigation Section)
Member, Orange County Hispanic Bar Association (Past President)
Former Judge Pro Tem, Orange County Superior Court

Awards and Recognition

Named a Southern California “Super Lawyer” by Law & Politics and the publishers of Los Angeles Magazine in 2006