Alan J. Skobin is everywhere these days. Along with his hectic day job as vice president and general counsel of Galpin Motors Inc., Skobin is also vice president of the influential Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, a member of the California New Motor Vehicle Board and serves on the Judicial Election Evaluations Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Despite his many high-profile posts, however, Skobin’s most lasting impression on the Valley may be for his work at Galpin, which provides the area with 1,100 jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue. With sales last year topping a whopping $700 million at Galpin, Skobin is the one charged with managing the company’s complex legal side from buying properties and acquiring other dealerships to intricate business transactions, compliance issues and employee matters. “I really act as a managing partner,” he said, directing outside lawyers and developing legal strategies. Skobin came to Galpin in 1977, first working in the marketing department. He started a family and took night law classes at the University of La Verne in addition to working 50 hours a week at the dealer. It was a taxing schedule, but paid off. “I somehow managed to graduate No. 1 in my class,” Skobin said. In 1988, he was admitted to the California bar specializing in business, intellectual and real property law. He was soon promoted to general counsel at Galpin and has had a role in almost every transaction since. Beau Boeckmann, president of Galpin Auto Sports, the custom car arm of the company, said he works with Skobin every day on various projects. What sets Skobin apart is that he understands both the business and law sides of the dealership, something unique to most corporate counsels, Boeckmann said. “At Galpin, Alan is much more than an attorney. He is truly a business man,” he said. “He can really look at a business deal from a business perspective and lawyer’s perspective.” Boeckmann also pointed to Skobin’s civic activities. He’s involved with numerous civic boards and community groups. Skobin also serves as a reserve sheriff’s deputy and in 2003 was appointed to the Police Commission by Mayor James Hahn. Skobin said the experience has taught him to relish all parts of the legal spectrum, as a part-time officer, policy setter and lawyer. “I enjoy business as much as I enjoy law enforcement and this way I can combine both,” he said. “They’re rewarding in different ways as a lawyer, hopefully you’re able to sort out right from wrong.” Skobin said he’s always driven to give back. “I look upon service to others as an honor,” he said. “When I look at the work I do I’m able to make a meaningful contributing to the community. That’s the motivator.” Chris Coates