The Whole Map
California’s appellate courts influence the law elsewhere. Our courts often develop precedent on issues before other states do, and other states may consider those precedents persuasive. So for corporate clients, appellate strategy should consider long-term interests in all states where the client operates. Does the
Hot Off The Press
Appellate courts often will refuse to consider an authority mentioned for the first time at oral argument. But there is generally a gap of 3-18 months between the close of appellate briefing and argument. If a relevant new decision is issued during that gap, consider
Secret Weapons
California appellate courts publish only about 15% of their civil decisions as citable precedent. Lurking in the other 85% are often valuable clues about how the court may view your case. How to find them? First, geography. There may be scores of unpublished decisions on
Ready For Your Close-Up?
As more courts switch from phone arguments to video arguments, it’s increasingly important to think through the physical layout of the space you’ll be arguing from. Here are some specific pointers, beyond the basic tips we offered in April: Position the camera at your eye
July COVID Updates
Rules and practices in the California Courts of Appeal have changed almost weekly since March. Here is the latest: Most appellate courts are now conducting video oral arguments, livestreamed on their websites. The Sixth District (San Jose) is still using phone conferencing, and the Third
What’s Your Authority For That?
Clear, concise legal writing is more important than ever, with court closures leading to motions being decided on the papers and creating a backlog for judges to sort through when the courts reopen. Tailor your use of legal authorities to help the judge quickly see
A Moment of Gratitude
Two months ago, COVID-19 closed most of California’s civil court system—the largest in the world. And nearly all courts remain shuttered except for true emergencies. But there is one major exception: the appellate courts. Their work does not require large gatherings, and most of it can
Can You Hear Me Now?
Although some appellate courts have cancelled or postponed oral arguments in light of the current pandemic, others are forging ahead with arguments via phone or videoconference. Here are some pointers for arguing remotely: Find out in advance what platform the court will be using, and
Slay The Footnotes
Are footnotes in appellate briefs really so bad? Yes, they are. If you must use them temporarily to store ideas while drafting, be sure to remove virtually all of them before you file. Here’s why. Distraction. Most of us have trouble following an argument if told to
Prime Real Estate
Legal writing, like any other type of writing, should strive to keep the reader’s attention. But any reader faced with a huge stack of paper (or the digital equivalent) is likely to lose focus eventually. That makes the first pages of any brief or other
Who We Serve
Whether on appeal, assisting trial counsel, or advising government officials contemplating legislative action, GMSR provides unique insight into the complex laws that impact public entities.
Where coverage may exist, GMSR represents insureds on appeal effectively and efficiently. Where it does not, the firm protects insurers’ right to deny claims.
GMSR offers corporate clients objective assessments on appeal, based on a deep understanding of the limitations and opportunities of appellate review.
The firm’s lawyers are team players, collaborating with trial counsel at any level from legal strategy to writing or editing trial court motions and appellate briefs.
GMSR vigorously advocates the rights of individual plaintiffs and defendants, in both state and federal appellate courts.
As part of GMSR’s long-standing commitment to social justice and equality, GMSR provides pro bono appellate services to individuals and to community organizations on issues of concern.
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