Business Litigation

Business litigants turn to GMSR when the stakes are high, whether it’s to preserve an important victory or to challenge an adverse decision.  GMSR has substantive experience in a range of fields including antitrust, bankruptcy, banking/lender liability, contract interpretation and enforcement, torts, trade secrets misappropriation, and unfair competition.  That experience, combined with GMSR’s outside-the-box thinking and persuasive writing, ensures appellate briefs that present its clients’ case in the strongest light possible.  Savvy clients also regularly bring GMSR in long before the appellate stage to draft dispositive motions, review proposed jury instructions and verdict forms, and advise on strategy with an eye toward appeal.

Court of Appeal affirms defense verdict in $40 million case alleging false financial statements, finding no prejudice from claimed instructional error

GMSR’s clients sold their Mercedes dealership to plaintiffs for $100 million.  Several years later, plaintiffs sued, claiming that the financial statements the clients gave them were inaccurate and led them to overvalue the dealership’s good will by $40 million.  After the clients defeated plaintiffs’ fraud

First Motor Group of Encino, LLC et al. v. Encino Motorcars, LLC et al. (Mar. 10, 2023, B303094) 2023 WL 2445641 [nonpublished opinion]

Court of Appeal affirms defense verdict in $40 million case alleging false financial statements, finding no prejudice from claimed instructional error

Court of Appeal reverses denial of alter ego motion

Code of Civil Procedure section 187 permits trial courts to disregard the corporate shield by amending judgments to include alter egos of the original judgment debtor.  Invoking section 187, GMSR’s client moved to add two individuals to a judgment against the individuals’ LLCs.  The trial

JPV I, L.P. v. Koetting (2023) 304 Cal.App.5th 550

Court of Appeal reverses denial of alter ego motion

Court of Appeal affirms judgment for GMSR’s client, ordering enforcement of its Beverly Hills ground lease through 2102

In 2003, GMSR’s client purchased the ground lease of a prime Beverly Hills commercial property.  The lease was set to expire in 2058, but after a few years the landlord agreed to extend it through 2123, in return for a $1.5 million up-front payment. Ten

Tufeld Corporation v. Beverly Hills Gateway, L.P. (2022) 86 Cal.App.5th 12

Court of Appeal affirms judgment for GMSR’s client, ordering enforcement of its Beverly Hills ground lease through 2102

Court of Appeal reverses order permitting statutory buyout of GMSR client’s interest in an LLC

GMSR’s clients own a combined 50% interest in a limited liability company (LLC).  Following years of dissension with the holders of the remaining 50% interest, one of GMSR’s clients sued for a decree of judicial dissolution.  The holders of the opposing 50% interest filed a

Friend of Camden, Inc. et al. v. Brandt (2022) 81 Cal.App.5th 1054

Court of Appeal reverses order permitting statutory buyout of GMSR client’s interest in an LLC

On behalf of Columbo creators, GMSR persuades Court of Appeal to reinstate a fraud claim and keep alive a breach of contract claim involving Universal Studios’ failure to pay tens of millions in royalties

The creators of the 1970s hit television series Columbo were contractually entitled to a share of the show’s net profits—but the studio failed to pay them anything for decades, representing that the show had no net profits.  Eventually, the studio sent an accounting statement revealing

Foxcroft Productions, Inc. v. Universal City Studios, LLC (2022) 76 Cal.App.5th 1119

On behalf of Columbo creators, GMSR persuades Court of Appeal to reinstate a fraud claim and keep alive a breach of contract claim involving Universal Studios’ failure to pay tens of millions in royalties

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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