CLEVELAND -

McGlinchey Stafford recently added an experienced legal expert whose experience includes time with a luxury brand’s captive finance company.

The firm recently welcomed Jason Bichsel to its national consumer financial services compliance practice group as a member (partner) associated with the firm’s Cleveland office.

McGlinchey Stafford highlighted Bichsel has extensive in-house legal experience, having most recently worked for five years as corporate counsel at BMW Financial Services.

“Jason’s deep knowledge in the area of auto finance, informed by his years of industry experience, will benefit our clients tremendously,” said Mark Edelman, chair of McGlinchey’s consumer financial services compliance practice. “We look forward to adding his valuable perspective and pragmatic approach to our team of compliance attorneys serving clients nationwide.”

According to a news release, Bichsel’s practice focuses primarily on interpreting the myriad and varied state laws presenting compliance challenges to captive finance companies, particularly in emerging business areas involving vehicle mobility services, vehicle subscriptions, short-term leasing, and car and ride sharing.

The firm said Bichsel has experience identifying the competitive and reputational concerns that threaten to derail these businesses before they find solid ground. He also helps clients with compliance management and federal regulatory enforcement issues, and has a unique appreciation of the way state dealer franchise laws and financial services licensing impact the business decisions of captive finance companies.

McGlinchey went on to mention Bichsel’s experience extends beyond the auto-finance industry, as he also advises banks, finance companies, online lenders, and other private companies on issues ranging from credit furnishing to data privacy.

“He excels at integrating his professional experience with innovative legal thinking to help guide and shape new products,” the firm said.

Prior to working in BMW Group’s legal department, Bichsel was a business litigation associate at Thompson Hine LLP and consumer financial services associate at Akerman LLP. 

“I chose to join McGlinchey because I’ve worked with this group of lawyers in a variety of contexts,” Bichsel said in the news release. “I respect their work, and what’s more, I genuinely like them and look forward to working with this team.

“Their deep commitment of service to the financial services industry paired with the firm’s national scope attracted me to McGlinchey,” he went on to say.