Wins

GMSR has a stellar track record and reputation as writs and appeals attorneys. Below is a sample of recent wins for our clients.

Court Of Appeal Orders Confirmation Of Arbitration Award For GMSR’s Client, Finding The Respondent Missed A Jurisdictional Deadline To Seek To Vacate It

Litigation funder Law Finance Group turned to GMSR after the trial court vacated an arbitration award enforcing LFG’s loan agreement with a borrower.  On appeal, GMSR argued that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to vacate the award because the borrower failed to seek vacatur within

Court Of Appeal Rules For GMSR Client Angelina Jolie, Holding That A Private Judge Violated A Continuing Obligation To Disclose New Matters Involving Counsel Representing Jolie’s Ex-husband Brad Pitt

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s ongoing divorce proceeding has been handled by a party-compensated private judge sitting as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge.  Such judges have an ongoing obligation to disclose new paid engagements with counsel representing either side.  After several rounds of such

Court of Appeal affirms order denying in-house fees to attorneys

GMSR’s client sued his former attorneys for malpractice. The matter went to arbitration, and the arbitrator ruled in favor of the attorneys. They sought to recover attorney’s fees under their engagement letter with the client, but the arbitrator refused to allow them to recover fees

Court re-affirms denial of arbitration of malpractice claims

Several years ago, in Rice v. Downs (2016) 248 Cal. App. 4th 175, the Court of Appeal vacated an arbitration award against GMSR’s client, finding that his claims for legal malpractice against his lawyer/business partner were not covered by the parties’ arbitration agreement.  These included a

California Supreme Court adopts GMSR’s client’s arguments in widely followed case, clarifying the law regarding both arbitrations and attorney ethical duties

A large law firm, Sheppard Mullin, had for many years provided advice to a client on an as-needed basis. Sheppard then undertook the defense of a new client, J-M, in a suit brought by the longtime client. Sheppard never disclosed the conflict to either client.

GMSR obtains reversal of order denying its client’s arbitration petition

Advanced Air Management, Inc. v. Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, California Court of Appeal, Second District, Division Seven (Sept. 6, 2017, No. B265723, unpublished).  After GMSR’s client, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, performed maintenance on a business jet, the jet’s charter operator sued for breach of contract and negligence.  

GMSR successfully defends judgment enforcing settlement agreement

Martinez v. Southern California Edison Company (2016) 2016 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 3945 (California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three) [unpublished]. The plaintiff was injured while trimming trees and sued GMSR’s client, Southern California Edison, and one of Edison’s subcontractors. When the subcontractor’s default

GMSR posts second California Supreme Court win in two weeks with opinion upholding the enforcement of a standard arbitration provision in auto dealers’ sales contracts

In Sanchez v. Valencia Holding Co., LLC (2015) 61 Cal.4th 899 (California Supreme Court), the arbitration clause in a standard auto purchase contract used by most California car dealers mandated: (1) arbitration before a single arbitrator on an individual basis, waiving any class action; (2)

Court affirms $8 million arbitration award in favor of GMSR’s client

Greenspan v. LADT, LLC (2010) 185 Cal.App.4th 1413 (Greenspan I) (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division One). In an arbitration arising out of a real estate contract, GMSR’s client won an $8 million award. The defendants sought to vacate it on grounds that

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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