BRIAN A. GABEL
Huntington Beach,CA
Summary
- Highly productive and versatile attorney with years of experience and an exceptional record of success in the management of a wide variety of legal matters for a major manufacturer of motorsports vehicles.
- Solutions focused professional who will rise above challenges to meet legal and regulatory needs, resolve key disputes, and drive business goals.
- Excellent communicator who builds and sustains relationships with legal professionals, public sector officials, and internal colleagues.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Counsel – Legal Division
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
01.2013 - Current
- Steered corporate legal issues and provided legal advice regarding product liability and prevention, regulatory compliance, warranty litigation, employment matters, class action lawsuits, and general corporate legal issues
- Managed product liability litigation and provided legal advice in the areas of risk mitigation, retention and management of counsel, budgeting, early evaluations, and direction of litigation; counseling in discovery and document retention policies; conducting mediations; and attending and participating in trials
- Managed the corporate legal team responsible for all corporate legal functions for Yamaha and its various subsidiaries
- Prepared and negotiated various business-related agreements with business partners, including supplier agreements, vendor agreements, licensing agreements, and sponsorship agreements
- Advised management on employment related matters, including hiring, discipline, termination, and litigation
- Advised business partners on dealer/franchise issues related to Yamaha’s national dealer network
- Evaluated advertising, marketing programs, product warnings and point of purchase literature to minimize legal exposure and ensure standard compliance
Managing Counsel/Division Manager - Government Relations Division
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Managed regulatory affairs team, including the facilitation of certification and compliance with various federal and state agencies
- Delivered legal counsel on regulatory compliance, product development, design standards, warnings, advertising, marketing, and dealer/franchise laws
- Interacted with governmental agencies such as the CPSC, NHTSA and USCG regarding recalls, rule-making and regulatory activities
- Develop and lead government relations strategies and daily management of regulatory and legislative affairs at the federal and state levels
Legal Counsel – Legal Division
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Coordinated and managed product liability and warranty litigation, including developing case strategy, supervising discovery, preparing foreign witnesses for deposition and trial, effectively setting case direction, and managing a national team of outside counsel
- Negotiated settlements, along with attending legal engineering conferences, attending and overseeing trials, and reviewing and revising pleadings and motions in alignment with corporate objectives
- Delivered counsel and legal advice on employment law, dealer/franchise law, and general commercial legal issues concerning Yamaha business operations
- Prepared and negotiated agreements with diverse vendors and business partners
Associate
Snell & Wilmer, LLP
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Defended automotive and marine manufacturers in product liability and warranty cases within state and federal courts, including drafting pleadings, preparing and responding to discovery and motions, defending depositions, and attending all court hearings and conferences
Associate
Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, LLP
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Defended automotive component part manufacturers in product liability cases in state and federal courts
- Counseled clients on labor and employment related matters, including hiring, discipline, termination, and litigation
Education
Juris Doctorate, cum laude -
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science -
California State University, Fullerton
Affiliations
- Member, California State Bar
- Association of Corporate Counsel
- Product Liability Advisory Counsel
Timeline
Managing Counsel/Division Manager - Government Relations Division
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
01.2015 - 01.2019
Managing Counsel – Legal Division
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
01.2013 - Current
Legal Counsel – Legal Division
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
01.2007 - 01.2013
Associate
Snell & Wilmer, LLP
01.2005 - 01.2007
Associate
Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, LLP
01.2004 - 01.2005
Juris Doctorate, cum laude -
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science -
California State University, Fullerton
Similar Profiles
Joey ShihJoey Shih
Credit Underwriter II at Yamaha Motor Corporation, USACredit Underwriter II at Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Liam PinsonLiam Pinson
Application Developer Intern (SAP TM) at Yamaha Motor Corporation, USAApplication Developer Intern (SAP TM) at Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
MATTHEW SKUBICMATTHEW SKUBIC
Motorsport Marketing Specialist: Motorcycle Events at Yamaha Motor Corporation, USAMotorsport Marketing Specialist: Motorcycle Events at Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Grace ScottGrace Scott
Retail Store Manager at Sunny DaysRetail Store Manager at Sunny Days
Nicholas LanhamNicholas Lanham
Maintenance Deckhand at SoCal Ship ServicesMaintenance Deckhand at SoCal Ship Services