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).

Heltebrake v. City of Riverside (Dec. 29, 2015, B254132) 2015 WL 9487660 [nonpublished opinion]

Plaintiff sued public entities that had offered a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Christopher Dorner, claiming that he was entitled to the entire reward. Representing the City of Riverside, GMSR successfully demurred to plaintiff’s breach of contract and

GMSR wins dismissal of lawsuit claiming entitlement to a reward

Heltebrake v. City of Riverside (2015) 2015 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 9469 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Five) [unpublished]. Plaintiff sued public entities that had offered a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Christopher Dorner, claiming that

Regents of the University of Cal. v. Superior Court (2015) 240 Cal.App.4th 1296

GMSR obtains writ directing summary judgment in favor of UCLA in student’s negligence lawsuit

County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors v. Superior Court (2015) 235 Cal.App.4th 1154

Court of Appeal holds that that attorney bills transmitted to clients are confidential communications protected by the attorney client privilege

Court of Appeal holds that attorney bills transmitted to clients are confidential communications protected by the attorney client privilege

County of Los Angeles v. Superior Court (ACLU) (2015) 235 Cal.App.4th 1154 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Three) [published]. The ACLU, along with an individual, made a Public Records Act request to the County of Los Angeles, seeking copies of billing statements

Today’s Fresh Start, Inc. v. Los Angeles County Office of Education (2013) 57 Cal.4th 197

Case challenging the procedures for revoking a charter school’s charter; decision clarifies the standards governing charter school revocation proceedings

Jan 15, 2013 Gary J. Wax Related Cases
San Jose v. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Jan. 15, 2013, B234317) 2013 WL 152509 [nonpublished opinion]

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment in favor of GMSR’s public entity client in government tort claim dispute

Jan 15, 2013 , Gary J. Wax Related Cases
Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment in favor of GMSR’s public entity client in government tort claim dispute

San Jose v. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority et al. (2013) 2013 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 297 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Two) [unpublished]. GMSR’s client, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (the MTA) rejected plaintiff’s government tort claim through its duly

Los Angeles County Flood Control Dist. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. (2013) 568 U.S. 78

United States Supreme Court held that the Ninth Circuit erred in holding the Los Angeles County Flood Control District liable for violations of the Clean Water Act

Sep 05, 2012 Related Cases
Court of Appeal issues writ of mandate ordering trial court to grant summary judgment in a dog-attack case

County of Los Angeles v. Superior Court (Faten) (2012) 209 Cal.App.4th 543 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Eight) [published]. Plaintiffs were attacked by two of a neighbor’s many dogs. They sued the County, GMSR’s client, arguing that its Department of Animal Care

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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