William F.Benson

Senior Counsel

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Bill finds creative ways to enforce contractual and statutory rights in complex commercial disputes, and defends clients from market representation challenges.


More About Bill

In the motor vehicle industry, manufacturers must balance their desire for market representation and promotion of brand image with state dealer laws that restrict their ability to establish, relocate, and terminate dealers. And as the industry continues to develop technology for autonomous vehicles, manufacturers have the opportunity to introduce this new technology and mode of transportation to consumers, but at the same time, must comply with federal and state laws. Bill helps clients by providing counsel on market representation issues and guidance on how to structure programs and initiatives to comply with state dealer laws.

Bill has litigated disputes for motor vehicle manufacturers involving the establishment, relocation, and termination of dealerships in courts throughout the United States and before administrative agencies. He has also successfully litigated disputes involving exclusive use agreements, rights of first refusal, incentive programs, and warranty reimbursement.

For more than two decades, Bill has focused his practice on litigating complex commercial and franchise disputes. He has also provided guidance on bills introduced in numerous states and the impact that legislation will have on motor vehicle manufacturers. Bill's familiarity with state dealer laws and how courts and administrative agencies have interpreted those laws allows him to counsel clients on their existing and proposed programs and market initiatives.

Bill aims to deliver services and provide guidance on business options and legal risks that clients may not have fully appreciated. He tailors how he delivers those services to the needs of his clients, which allows for increased efficiency that will enable clients to make informed business decisions.

Bill enjoys applying his legal skill to an industry with developing technology and increasing competition. He also enjoys working with other Seyfarth attorneys, who work creatively to counsel clients on their challenges. 

  • JD, Georgetown University Law Center
  • MAT, Union College
  • BA, Tufts University
  • Massachusetts
  • US Court of Appeals, First Circuit
  • US Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
  • US District Court, District of Massachusetts
  • US District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • US District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
  • Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
  • Massachusetts Appeals Court