In an era of spiraling litigation costs, the recovery of attorney fees for a client – or resistance to a potential fee claim – can become a multi-million dollar challenge. State and federal laws governing recovery of attorney fees, and the calculation of a reasonable amount, add layers of complexity and risk. In some cases, where the law provides for fee shifting, attorney fees can even outstrip the amount at issue in the underlying litigation. For over 30 years, GMSR’s appellate lawyers have counseled clients concerning fee claims, and successfully litigated fee issues, from trial courts to the California Supreme Court.
Cruz-Carbajal v. Holder (9th Cir. 2011) 428 Fed.Appx. 759
Ninth Circuit finds Board of Immigration erred on ineffective assistance of counsel claim, remands for further proceedings
City of Santa Monica v. Baron & Budd (June 26, 2007, B187425) 2007 WL 1821392
Waiver of right to arbitrate through litigation conduct
PLCM Group v. Drexler (2000) 22 Cal.4th 1084
Over 1000 opinions have cited PLCM Group, in which Laurie established that companies represented by in-house counsel can recover contractual attorney fees, and that reasonable market rates control the award.
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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.
GMSR represents insurers on appeal effectively and efficiently. We also collaborate with our clients and trial counsel on strategy for coverage, contribution and bad faith litigation before appeals begin.
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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