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).
GMSR wins reversal of $5.3+ million judgment (damages plus attorney fees) in whistleblower retaliation action
A surgeon formerly employed at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center sued the County of Los Angeles, claiming that County employees retaliated against him and fired him after he reported what he believed to be an unnecessary surgery. The court concluded before trial that his termination from
Ninth Circuit dismisses interlocutory appeal challenging partial summary judgment for GMSR’s clients
A 911 caller reported that a man in his apartment complex was acting erratically. City of Oxnard police officers went to the complex, and ultimately used physical force to subdue the man. A County of Los Angeles paramedic then arrived and provided him with emergency
GMSR obtains affirmance on behalf of LA County MTA in bus slip-and-fall
A bus passenger was injured when she slipped and fell on a bus operated by GMSR’s client, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The passenger sued the MTA, alleging that the bus driver had negligently caused her to fall by accelerating prematurely. After
Cervantes v. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Nov. 25, 2024, B322192) 2024 WL 4879655
GMSR obtains affirmance on behalf of LA County MTA in bus slip-and-fall
Ninth Circuit adopts GMSR’s arguments, reversing denial of qualified immunity and anti-SLAPP relief
After a news report that two people were suing the City of Pasadena and its police chief based on an allegedly unconstitutional search of their home, the police chief issued a press release regarding the claim. The press release included links to bodycam footage of
Anderson v. Perez (9th Cir. Oct. 11, 2024, No. 23-2790) 2024 WL 4471306 [mem. disp.]
Ninth Circuit adopts GMSR’s arguments, reversing denial of qualified immunity and anti-SLAPP relief
Ninth Circuit affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s sheriff deputy client
Plaintiff sued deputy sheriffs and their supervising sergeant, alleging that the deputies had used excessive force against him. The jury found that one of the deputies had used excessive force but that he reasonably believed that the force was not excessive. The Ninth Circuit affirmed
Figueroa v. County of Los Angeles (9th Cir. Aug. 30, 2024, No. 18-56131) 2024 WL 4003039
Ninth Circuit affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s sheriff deputy client
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
Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s City client, finding no dangerous condition of public property
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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.
Where coverage may exist, GMSR represents insureds on appeal effectively and efficiently. Where it does not, the firm protects insurers’ right to deny claims.
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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