Arbitration, Mediation & Settlement

Arbitration, mediation, and/or settlement discussions may help resolve a dispute more quickly and efficiently than litigation, but the results often prompt litigation and appeals.  When clients turn to these alternative dispute resolution techniques, GMSR helps them by recommending mediators or arbitrators, formulating strategy, and drafting briefs that persuasively lay out their position.  GMSR also routinely represents clients in appellate proceedings related to alternative dispute resolution.

Court re-affirms denial of arbitration of malpractice claims

Several years ago, in Rice v. Downs (2016) 248 Cal. App. 4th 175, the Court of Appeal vacated an arbitration award against GMSR’s client, finding that his claims for legal malpractice against his lawyer/business partner were not covered by the parties’ arbitration agreement.  These included a

Jun 14, 2019 Robert A. Olson
What makes a PAGA Penalty? Robert Olson interviewed by Daily Journal, available via SoundCloud

What makes a PAGA Penalty? After hearing argument the California Supreme Court has ordered additional briefing in a case that could reshape the contours of the state’s Private Attorneys General Act. Attorneys involved in the case, Robert Olson (Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland) and Michael

GMSR Appellate Attorneys recognized as “California Lawyer Attorneys of the Year” based on their work in shaping both arbitration law and attorney ethical standards

The Daily Journal recognized GMSR lawyers Kent Richland and Jeffrey Raskin, along with Barbara Ravitz, for their work in Sheppard Mullin v. J-M Manufacturing Co., Inc. This is Kent Richland’s third time and Jeffrey Raskin’s second time being awarded the prestigious California Lawyer Attorneys of

California Supreme Court adopts GMSR’s client’s arguments in widely followed case, clarifying the law regarding both arbitrations and attorney ethical duties

A large law firm, Sheppard Mullin, had for many years provided advice to a client on an as-needed basis. Sheppard then undertook the defense of a new client, J-M, in a suit brought by the longtime client. Sheppard never disclosed the conflict to either client.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP v. J-M Manufacturing Company, Inc. (2018) 6 Cal.5th 59

California Supreme Court adopts GMSR’s client’s arguments in widely followed case, clarifying the law regarding both arbitrations and attorney ethical duties

Advanced Air Management v. Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Sep. 6, 2017, B265723) 2017 WL 3887428 [nonpublished opinion]

GMSR obtains reversal of order denying its client’s arbitration petition

GMSR obtains reversal of order denying its client’s arbitration petition

Advanced Air Management, Inc. v. Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, California Court of Appeal, Second District, Division Seven (Sept. 6, 2017, No. B265723, unpublished).  After GMSR’s client, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, performed maintenance on a business jet, the jet’s charter operator sued for breach of contract and negligence.  

Rice v. Downs (2016) 247 Cal.App.4th 1213

An LLC member brought suit alleging that another member (an attorney) had breached his fiduciary duty and committed legal malpractice.  The trial court ordered those claims to arbitration pursuant to an arbitration provision in the LLC’s operating agreement, which required arbitration of all claims “arising out of”

GMSR successfully defends judgment enforcing settlement agreement

Martinez v. Southern California Edison Company (2016) 2016 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 3945 (California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three) [unpublished]. The plaintiff was injured while trimming trees and sued GMSR’s client, Southern California Edison, and one of Edison’s subcontractors. When the subcontractor’s default

Martinez v. Southern California Edison Company (May 5, 2016, G051029) 2016 WL 3098968 [nonpublished opinion]

The plaintiff was injured while trimming trees and sued GMSR’s client, Southern California Edison, and one of Edison’s subcontractors. When the subcontractor’s default was entered, the plaintiff settled with Edison, but he retained the right to rescind the settlement if the Court of Appeal set

Who We Serve

PUBLIC ENTITIES

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.

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INSURERS

Where coverage may exist, GMSR represents insureds on appeal effectively and efficiently. Where it does not, the firm protects insurers’ right to deny claims.

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BUSINESSES

GMSR offers corporate clients objective assessments on appeal, based on a deep understanding of the limitations and opportunities of appellate review.

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TRIAL COUNSEL

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.

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INDIVIDUALS

GMSR vigorously advocates the rights of individual plaintiffs and defendants, in both state and federal appellate courts.

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COMMUNITY PRO BONO

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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