California Supreme Court Watch

#25-329 Gogal v. Deng, S292779. (D084158; 112 Cal.App.5th 1193; San Diego County Superior Court; 37-2022-00017670-CU-NP-NC.) Petition for review after the Court of Appeal reversed a post-judgment order in a civil action and remanded with directions. The court directed the parties to brief the following issues: (1) Are parties to a prelitigation contract prohibited from waiving their rights to recover costs as prevailing parties in litigation? (See Code Civ. Proc., § 1032; Civ. Code, § 3513.) (2) Does Civil Code section 1953 void an agreement by a lessee to waive or modify the right to recover such costs?

Petition for review granted; issues limited: 11/19/2025

Opening brief on the merits filed: 2/17/2026

See the Court of Appeal Opinion.