Government Liability

GMSR has long represented public entities throughout California.  As a result, GMSR’s appellate lawyers are intimately familiar with the issues that these entities regularly confront, including federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, tort liability and immunity, land use, eminent domain, labor and employment, and education law.  GMSR’s experience includes significant victories at the U.S. Supreme Court, numerous appeals, and regular consultations on trial court law-and-motion matters. GMSR partner Tim Coates also co-authored a chapter on federal civil rights liability in the CEB publication California Government Tort Liability Practice (4th ed. 2004).

IMLA Mid-Year Seminar: April 19th Session Featuring Helpful Civil Rights Cases

Join us on Monday 4/19/2021 at 2:30PM Eastern Time for the International Municipal Lawyers Association’s Mid-Year Seminar Section 1983 session presented by Ted Xanders and Nadia Sarkis: “Getting Younger — A Guide To Abstention, Rooker-Feldman, And Other Defenses To Federal Civil Rights Actions That We

In A Published Opinion, The Second District Court Of Appeal Has Granted GMSR’s Petition For A Writ Of Mandate On Behalf Of The County Of Los Angeles And Its Health Officers 

The Court reversed a superior court injunction barring the County from enforcing a Covid-19 pandemic outdoor restaurant dining ban until the County provided the superior court with a “risk-benefit” analysis that the superior court would find acceptable. The Court of Appeal held that the County’s

County of Los Angeles Department of Health v. Superior Court (2021) 61 Cal.App.5th 478

In a published opinion, the Second District Court of Appeal granted GMSR’s petition for a writ of mandate on behalf of the County of Los Angeles and its health officers

Feb 11, 2021 Timothy T. Coates
On Feb 18, join IMLA webinar “Coming Attractions: Open Issues in Civil Rights Litigation Ripe for Supreme Court Review” presented by GMSR Partner Tim Coates

Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm GMT-5 International Municipal Lawyers Association Litigation Webinar — Coming Attractions: Open Issues in Civil Rights Litigation Ripe for Supreme Court Review GMSR Partner Tim Coates will present a discussion of the surprising number of significant

B.Q. v. Mesa Union School Dist. (Dec. 2, 2020, No. B303351) 2020 WL 7052293 [nonpublished opinion]

GMSR wins second appeal relating to student’s discrimination claim against school district

GMSR wins second appeal relating to student’s discrimination claim against school district

On the heels of a Ninth Circuit victory relating to the same events, the Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of a student’s discrimination claim for failure to comply with the Government Claims Act. Deciding an issue of first impression, the Second District

Corona v. City of Riverside (Oct. 22, 2019, D075558) 2019 WL 5387287 [nonpublished opinion]

Court of Appeal affirms judgment of nonsuit in favor of GMSR’s client

Court of Appeal affirms judgment of nonsuit in favor of GMSR’s client

While riding his bicycle, plaintiff was hit by a car in a controlled intersection. Because of his injuries, plaintiff could not recall how the accident happened, including where he was and the direction he was traveling just before the collision. He sued GMSR’s client City

Ninth Circuit grants GMSR’s motion to dismiss interlocutory appeal from discovery ruling

GMSR, representing the defendant seeking to take the deposition, moved to dismiss the appeal. The motion argued that Ninth Circuit case law precludes a party from appealing an interlocutory discovery ruling, and that the same rationale should apply to non-party IMS because its objections were identical to Valley’s.

Ninth Circuit affirms qualified immunity for GMSR’s police officer client

Plaintiff Michael Easley jumped out of a car that had just led police officers on a high speed chase, and ran down a residential street.  As he ran, he pulled a gun out of his pants, raised it across his body, and threw it like

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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