ALBANY, N.Y. -- A newly formed association for dealer counsel anticipates that the attorneys' cooperation will ease their work and, eventually, reduce dealers' legal costs.

"We think that this communication among lawyers and means of providing information about how problems were solved will -- in the end -- translate into lower legal fees for dealers," said attorney Jonathan Harvey. Harvey is president of the group, called the National Association of Dealer Counsel. His firm, Harvey & Mumford LLP in Albany, N.Y., represents New Country Motor Car Group, one of the top 100 groups in the nation.

The NADC fills a void. "Until now, there has been no common meeting ground for lawyers who handle dealer issues on a daily basis," said Jack Tracey, the NADC's executive director.

These attorneys often grapple with the same issues, said Harvey. But they often work independently and therefore constantly reinvent the wheel. Now they can share with each other how certain cases were resolved and what precedents were set.

The group will also lend its expertise to the overall dealer community.

"We will become a go-to resource for dealers by virtue of their lawyers being in the association and because of what I think will be the clout and mass of our organization," said Harvey.

Through the lawyers' collaboration, they will stay current on legal developments and relevant court decisions. They will be able to prescribe preventive measures to their dealer clients.

The NADC also plans to work with state attorneys general. "We're hoping that state attorneys general will come to us for our views," said Harvey. "But we are not intending to lobby or take political positions."

Some of the dealership issues the group discussed in its initial meetings are proper arbitration provisions and the different state regulatory requirements for disclosures. It also discussed dealer relationships with manufacturers and financial institutions, as well as leasing.

The association might organize into subcommittees that would specialize in different areas, such as F&I, manufacturer relationships and government relationships.

Communication between members will occur primarily through the group's Web site, www.dealercounsel.com, and a members-only listserv. The group plans to develop and issue position papers and formal position statements.

For more information about the NADC, call (412) 781-9366 or e-mail information@dealercounsel.com.