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).
Shah v. County of Los Angeles (9th Cir. 2010) 399 Fed.Appx. 305, 2010 U.S. App. LEXIS 21116 (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit) [unpublished]. The Ninth Circuit issued its opinion in Shah v. County of Los Angeles, et al., affirming a judgment
Pro se plaintiff Ankhenaten Ra El’s civil rights complaint alleged a large number of constitutional violations arising out of two separate arrests. Among them were claims for excessive force, unlawful search and seizure, racial discrimination, retaliation, probable cause, and violations of rights under Brady v.
Ra El v. Crain (9th Cir. 2010) 399 Fed.Appx. 180, 2010 U.S. App. LEXIS 20536 (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit) [unpublished]. Pro se plaintiff Ankhenaten Ra El’s civil rights complaint alleged a large number of constitutional violations arising out of two
County immunity for failing to provide medication for panic attacks during plaintiff’s less-than-daylong detention in jail
Arellano v. County of Los Angeles (2010) 2010 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 5903 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Two) [unpublished]. Plaintiff sued GMSR’s client, the County of Los Angeles, alleging that County employees violated the Ralph Civil Rights Act of 1976, the Tom
The plaintiff asserted that GMSR’s client city was liable for a dangerous condition in an intersection. Plaintiff was traveling on his motorcycle southbound on a two lane road when he was struck by a northbound vehicle illegally turning left in front of him at an
Civil rights action based on denial of medication to prisoner
Prosecutorial immunity applies to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 claims concerning the manner in which the prosecutor’s office implemented policies and training for jailhouse informants
Due process claim based on list of suspected child abusers maintained by California Department of Justice
GMSR obtained a decision affirming a nonsuit for the defendant County and its employees. The plaintiff claimed that two deputy sheriffs shot him unlawfully, but the Court of Appeal agreed with the trial court that he failed to produce sufficient evidence identifying the defendant-deputies. On
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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