Wins

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

GMSR prevents compelled disclosure of privileged documents via writ review

Writ petitions can provide valuable relief when a trial court issues an erroneous order in the middle of litigation.  This proved to be the case recently for a GMSR client. During discovery, the client faced an order to produce several documents that it had asserted

Ninth Circuit agrees with GMSR that LA County’s COVID-19 commercial eviction moratorium did not violate the Contracts Clause

A commercial landlord sued the County of Los Angeles claiming that the County’s commercial eviction moratorium imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic violated the Contracts Clause in the U.S. Constitution.  Although other COVID-19 eviction moratoria cases have asserted Contracts Clause challenges, this one was fairly unique: 

GMSR wins reversal of $5.3+ million judgment (damages plus attorney fees) in whistleblower retaliation action

A surgeon formerly employed at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center sued the County of Los Angeles, claiming that County employees retaliated against him and fired him after he reported what he believed to be an unnecessary surgery.  The court concluded before trial that his termination from

Ninth Circuit dismisses interlocutory appeal challenging partial summary judgment for GMSR’s clients

A 911 caller reported that a man in his apartment complex was acting erratically.  City of Oxnard police officers went to the complex, and ultimately used physical force to subdue the man.  A County of Los Angeles paramedic then arrived and provided him with emergency

GMSR obtains affirmance on behalf of LA County MTA in bus slip-and-fall

A bus passenger was injured when she slipped and fell on a bus operated by GMSR’s client, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).  The passenger sued the MTA, alleging that the bus driver had negligently caused her to fall by accelerating prematurely. After

Ninth Circuit adopts GMSR’s arguments, reversing denial of qualified immunity and anti-SLAPP relief

After a news report that two people were suing the City of Pasadena and its police chief based on an allegedly unconstitutional search of their home, the police chief issued a press release regarding the claim.  The press release included links to bodycam footage of

Ninth Circuit affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s sheriff deputy client

Plaintiff sued deputy sheriffs and their supervising sergeant, alleging that the deputies had used excessive force against him.  The jury found that one of the deputies had used excessive force but that he reasonably believed that the force was not excessive.  The Ninth Circuit affirmed

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s City client, finding no dangerous condition of public property

A drunk driver collided with a boy crossing a marked crosswalk in Glendale.  The boy and his brother settled their claims against the driver and sued the City of Glendale, alleging that the crosswalk was a dangerous condition of public property.  The trial court granted

GMSR wins reversal and remand of $1.75 million judgment against school district, with instructions to hold trial on apportionment of fault

A student sued GMSR’s school district client for injuries sustained in a mandatory physical education class, caused by a push tackle in a touch football game by another student with a history of bullying.  Plaintiff claimed that the class teacher negligently supervised the students and

GMSR wins affirmance of anti-SLAPP order, striking malicious prosecution claim against individual who assisted police officers

Rental property managers in San Luis Obispo received anonymous letters threatening to shoot them and their tenants if they rented properties to minorities.  The police identified a chief suspect, Richard Orcutt, and contacted one of Orcutt’s prior co-workers, city fire official John MacDonald.  MacDonald stated

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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