BRIAN A. GABEL
Huntington Beach,CA
Summary
Strategic and business-minded legal executive with 15+ years of experience guiding a major motorsports manufacturer through complex litigation, regulatory compliance, and commercial operations. Proven success in minimizing legal exposure, driving regulatory excellence, and aligning legal strategy with corporate objectives in the motorsports industry. Trusted advisor to senior leadership, engineers, and operational teams, delivering actionable legal solutions that balance innovation, compliance, and risk management.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Managing Counsel, Legal Division
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Cypress, USA
01.2019 - Current
- Lead product liability litigation, achieving consistent defense verdicts, early dismissals, and cost-efficient settlements that collectively saved the company tens of millions in potential exposure.
- Directed high-profile litigation, including the Yamaha Rhino nationwide product liability cases, resulting in defense verdicts in the first 10 trials and multiple dismissals and favorable resolutions.
- Manage a corporate legal team of five (three attorneys, two paralegals) providing comprehensive legal support for marketing, supply chain, and procurement, driving operational compliance and contract efficiency.
- Advise senior leadership on employment, labor, and compliance issues, implementing proactive strategies that reduced litigation risks and improved HR policy adherence.
- Provide legal guidance on dealer relations and motorsports franchise law, reducing corporate legal risk and ensuring alignment with dealer laws.
Managing Counsel / Division Manager – Government Relations Division
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Cypress, USA
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Directed all federal and state regulatory compliance and certification initiatives across product lines.
- Secured timely regulatory certifications across multiple product categories, maintaining a 100% certification compliance record.
- Cultivated strategic relationships with key agencies (EPA, CPSC, ARB), influencing rulemaking and outcomes beneficial to product innovation.
- Advised R&D and product design teams with proactive legal guidance to enhance regulatory compliance and minimize downstream liability.
- Led legislative advocacy and government affairs initiatives advancing Yamaha’s public policy and regulatory goals.
Legal Counsel – Legal Division
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Cypress, USA
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Managed complex product liability and warranty litigation, overseeing discovery, trial preparation, and strategic settlements.
- Negotiated and drafted commercial and vendor contracts, mitigating risk and ensuring operational efficiency.
- Partnered with HR and business leaders to develop employment protocols that minimized legal risk and ensured fair practices.
Associate
Snell & Wilmer LLP
Associate
Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
Loyola Law School
Los AngelesBachelor of Arts - Political Science
California State University
FullertonSkills
- Product Liability Litigation Strategy & Defense
- Regulatory Compliance & Government Affairs
- Employment & Labor Law
- Commercial Contracts & Corporate Transactions
- Risk Mitigation & Policy Development
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Legal Team Management
Affiliations
- California State Bar
- Association of Corporate Counsel
- Product Liability Advisory Council
Core Expertise
- Product Liability Litigation Strategy & Defense
- Regulatory Compliance & Government Affairs
- Employment & Labor Law
- Commercial Contracts & Corporate Transactions
- Risk Mitigation & Policy Development
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Legal Team Management
Timeline
Senior Managing Counsel, Legal Division
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
01.2019 - Current
Managing Counsel / Division Manager – Government Relations Division
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
01.2015 - 01.2019
Legal Counsel – Legal Division
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
01.2007 - 01.2015
Associate
Snell & Wilmer LLP
Associate
Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
Loyola Law School
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
California State University