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).

Thomas v. County of Los Angeles (9th Cir. 1992) 978 F.2d 504

Injunction against Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department regarding violation of its use of force policies

Jun 01, 1992 Related Cases
Gutierrez v. County of San Bernardino, 1992 Cal. LEXIS 2508

Civil rights violation and false imprisonment by deputy sheriff

Guzman v. County of Los Angeles (1991) 234 Cal.App.3d 1343

Public hospital is statutorily immune for injuries suffered by persons involuntarily detained for involuntary mental evaluation

County of Riverside v. McLaughlin (1991) 500 U.S. 44

Appropriate time period within which warrantless arrestees must receive probable cause determination

Jun 25, 1984 Related Cases
Moore v. State of California (1984) 157 Cal.App.3d 715

Court of Appeal revives patient’s negligence suit against State hospital, finding an excusable mistake and no prejudice

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

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.

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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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