Jay Cain, JD, CPA

Trusted Legal Guidance for Automotive Dealership Growth

Jay Cain is an experienced M&A attorney and Certified Public Accountant who helps automotive professionals become owners—and allows owners to build legacies. With deep roots in both law and finance, Jay offers a rare dual-lens approach that goes beyond legal paperwork to provide strategic, on-the-ground partnership through every stage of a dealership’s growth, acquisition, or transition.

Jay brings hands-on insight from his years as General Counsel for a multi-brand dealership group, where he led legal strategy for transactions, tax planning, real estate, and operations. Today, he serves as a trusted legal partner for first-time buyers and seasoned dealership owners alike—guiding them from early deal evaluation to successful closings, and beyond.

Watch our video to hear how we help clients move forward with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re purchasing your first store, scaling your footprint, or preparing to exit, Jay Cain is committed to navigating the complexities so you can focus on what matters: your legacy.

Credentials

Attorney at Law State Bar of Texas (2014)
Certified Public Accountant
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (2014)  California Board of Accountancy (2010)

Education
 JD, Texas Tech School of Law (2014) BS in Accounting, Pepperdine University (2008)
Professional Memberships 
National Association of Dealer Counsel

Jay Cain’s Legal Specialties

Mergers &
Acquisitions (M&A)

Evaluate dealership opportunities
Draft letters of intent & purchase agreements
Coordinate due diligence & risk assessment. 
Navigate buyer-seller negotiations
Collaborate with lenders, CPAs, and M&A advisors

Corporate Structuring & Entity Formation

Select & form LLCs, S Corps, and partnerships
Draft operating & partnership agreements
Structure multi-entity ownership for risk protection and tax efficiency

Tax Planning & Succession

Align entity structure with personal & business tax goals
Advise on family dynamics, long-term planning, and ownership transitions
Simplify complexity to prevent costly mistakes

Real Estate
Transactions

Purchase or lease dealership properties
Coordinate with title companies, lenders, and surveyors
Ensure clean title transfer and identify hidden risks

Business Dispute Resolution

Mediate buyer/seller disputes pre- and post-close
Advise on vendor, customer, or employee conflicts
Serve as outside general counsel on day-to-day legal matters

Why Work With Jay?

Business-Minded Strategy

With a CPA background and years in in-house legal roles, Jay understands how decisions affect operations, not just legal outcomes.

Hands-On Deal Experience

From distressed acquisitions to strategic expansions, Jay has led both sides of the deal table—bringing clarity and confidence to complex processes.

Long-Term Legal Partner

Jay frequently maintains long-term relationships with clients, serving as their legal advisor as they grow, acquire, and adapt.

Trusted in the Industry

Jay is well-regarded for his practical guidance, financial fluency, and commitment to helping clients turn dealership dreams into long-term enterprises.

At the Core of His Practice

I take ownership of my clients’ problems like they’re my own. I’m with them at every turn—when they’re saving for their first dealership, negotiating with lenders, or preparing to retire. My legacy is built on the relationships I’ve formed and the stories I’ve helped shape. 

— Jay Cain