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).
Messerschmidt v. Millender (2012) 565 U.S. 535
US Supreme Court held that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies were entitled to qualified immunity and thus could not be held personally liable for civil damages
Shehee v. Baca (9th Cir. 2012) 466 Fed.Appx. 579
Plaintiff sued multiple Los Angeles County officials, including GMSR client Supervisor Gloria Molina under 42 U.S.C. section 1983 (civil rights). He alleged that his constitutional rights were violated while he was detained at the Los Angeles County Jail awaiting commitment proceedings under California’s Sexually Violent
Ninth Circuit affirms judgment dismissing federal civil rights action by civil detainee against GMSR client for failure to file fourth amended complaint
Gregory Ell Shehee v. Leroy D. Baca, et al. (2012) 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 684 (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit) [unpublished memorandum]. Plaintiff sued multiple Los Angeles County officials, including GMSR client Supervisor Gloria Molina under 42 U.S.C. section 1983 (civil
Flores v. County of Los Angeles (Dec. 6, 2011, B224903) 2011 WL 6040075 [nonpublished opinion]
Wrongful death theory barred based on noncompliance with government claim statute
Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment for County of Los Angeles based on plaintiff’s failure to comply with government claim requirements
Flores v. County of Los Angeles (2011) 2011 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 9332 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Two) [unpublished]. Plaintiff sued the GMSR’s client, the County of Los Angeles, for wrongful death after her daughter died in the emergency room at Martin
Los Angeles County v. Humphries (2010) 562 U.S. 29
No declaratory or injunctive relief available in civil rights action against municipality under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 absent wrongful policy, custom or practice approved or knowingly tolerated by local public entity policymakers.
In another United States Supreme Court victory for GMSR, the Court pronounces important limitations on Section 1983 claims against municipalities
Los Angeles County v. Humphries (2010) 562 U.S. 29 [131 S.Ct. 447] (United States Supreme Court). Tim Coates, Alison Turner and Lillie Hsu obtained a unanimous decision from the United States Supreme Court for the County of Los Angeles in Los Angeles County v. Humphries
Delgado v. City of Riverside (Nov. 16, 2010, E049898) 2010 WL 4621515 [nonpublished opinion]
A jury convicted Gerardo Delgado of resisting police officers who were attempting to arrest him. Delgado then filed a civil rights suit alleging that it was unreasonable for the officers to use deadly force during the encounter. GMSR represented the police officers and the City
Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s client, finding civil rights claims barred by plaintiff’s criminal conviction
Delgado v. City of Riverside (2010) 2010 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 9084 (California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Two) [unpublished]. A jury convicted Gerardo Delgado of resisting police officers who were attempting to arrest him. Delgado then filed a civil rights suit alleging that it
Shah v. County of Los Angeles (9th Cir. 2010) 399 Fed.Appx. 305
The Ninth Circuit issued its opinion in Shah v. County of Los Angeles, et al., affirming a judgment in favor of our client, County of Los Angeles. In addition to affirming dismissal of the plaintiff’s employment discrimination claims, the Ninth Circuit also affirmed the district
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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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