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).

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s City client, finding no dangerous condition of public property

A drunk driver collided with a boy crossing a marked crosswalk in Glendale.  The boy and his brother settled their claims against the driver and sued the City of Glendale, alleging that the crosswalk was a dangerous condition of public property.  The trial court granted

L.S. v. City of Glendale (Nov. 21, 2023, B319602) 2023 WL 8046891 [nonpublished opinion]

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s City client, finding no dangerous condition of public property

GMSR wins reversal and remand of $1.75 million judgment against school district, with instructions to hold trial on apportionment of fault

A student sued GMSR’s school district client for injuries sustained in a mandatory physical education class, caused by a push tackle in a touch football game by another student with a history of bullying.  Plaintiff claimed that the class teacher negligently supervised the students and

GMSR wins affirmance of anti-SLAPP order, striking malicious prosecution claim against individual who assisted police officers

Rental property managers in San Luis Obispo received anonymous letters threatening to shoot them and their tenants if they rented properties to minorities.  The police identified a chief suspect, Richard Orcutt, and contacted one of Orcutt’s prior co-workers, city fire official John MacDonald.  MacDonald stated

Nigel B. v. Burbank Unified School District (2023) 93 Cal.App.5th 64

GMSR wins reversal and remand of $1.75 million judgment against school district, with instructions to hold trial on apportionment of fault

GMSR wins Ninth Circuit affirmance of order dismissing evidence fabrication claims against police officers

Rental property managers in San Luis Obispo received anonymous letters threatening to shoot them and their tenants if they rented properties to minorities.  City resident John MacDonald saw the letters and told the police that he recognized the handwriting as that of his former co-worker

Orcutt v. Pelletier, et al. (9th Cir. May 31, 2023, No. 22-55494) 2023 WL 3735584 [mem. disp.]

GMSR wins Ninth Circuit affirmance of order dismissing evidence fabrication claims against police officers

Orcutt v. MacDonald (Mar. 16, 2023, B319016) 2023 WL 2532025 [nonpublished opinion]

GMSR wins affirmance of anti-SLAPP order, striking malicious prosecution claim against individual who assisted police officers

City Of Los Angeles Prevails In Ninth Circuit E-Scooter Appeal, Supported By GMSR’s Amicus Brief

Faced with a near-overnight proliferation of motorized electric scooters on sidewalks and streets, the City of Los Angeles required e-scooter companies (e.g., Bird, Lime, and Lyft) to provide vehicle location data through a widely-used national interface called Mobility Data Specification.  An e-scooter user sued the

Apr 19, 2022 Timothy T. Coates
Tim Coates To Present Municipal Tort And Civil Rights Litigation Update

On May 4, Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland partner, Tim Coates, will present the 2022 update on Municipal Tort and Civil Rights Litigation at the League of California Cities: City Attorneys Spring Conference in Carlsbad.  GMSR is also sponsoring the event.  Don’t miss it!

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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