Wins

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

Apr 04, 2013 Civil Procedure
GMSR successfully invokes rarely-used “disentitlement doctrine” to obtain dismissal of appeal from $8.5 million judgment

Stoltenberg v. Ampton Investments (2013) 215 Cal.App.4th 161 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Five) [published]. Defendants, who live in New York, appealed from an $8.5 million California fraud judgment in favor of GMSR’s client without obtaining a stay of enforcement. While the

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s client, rejecting insurance coverage of slow, continuous water leak

Brown et al. v. Mid-Century Insurance Company (2013) 215 Cal.App.4th 841 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Seven) [published].  A water pipe corroded over several decades until water began to leak from two small holes and collect underneath the insureds’ house.  The leak

GMSR obtains reversal in Court of Appeal in commercial guaranty action

Bank of America, N.A. v. Danny Lahave, et al. (2013) 2013 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 2161 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division One) [unpublished]. A commercial mortgage loan guaranty purported to waive any defense of illegality that the borrower might have against collection. A

GMSR wins second United States Supreme Court case in 12 months

For the second time in less than a year, GMSR partner Tim Coates was victorious in the United States Supreme Court, convincing the Court to unanimously reverse a judgment against GMSR client the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. In Los Angeles County Flood Control

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 LEXIS 297 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Two) [unpublished].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

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment in favor of GMSR’s carrier client in first-party coverage dispute

Cardio Diagnostic Imaging, Inc. v. Farmers Group, Inc. et al. (2012) 212 Cal.App.4th 69 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Two) [published]. When a sewer backed up in the building where plaintiff had its office, water overflowed a toilet in an upper-floor office

Court of Appeal orders a new trial for GMSR’s clients on the basis of disjunctive wording in a special verdict form

Siry v. Farkhondehpour et al. (2012) 2012 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 9014 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Two) [unpublished]. Plaintiff sued its two partners, including GMSR’s clients, both in their individual capacities and in their capacities as trustees of various trusts, claiming that

Ninth Circuit affirms $319 million award for GMSR’s client

Celador International, Inc. v. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., et al. (2012) 499 Fed.Appx. 721 (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit) [unpublished]. GMSR’s client Celador International licensed its mega-hit game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire to ABC and a subsidiary in

Court of Appeal affirms judgment in favor of GMSR’s carrier client in a coverage dispute, allowing proof at trial of insured’s additional misrepresentations

Guerrette v. Farmers Group, Inc. et al. (2012) 2012 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 8636 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Three) [unpublished]. Plaintiff lost his house and much of his personal property in a fire. His insurance carrier, GMSR’s client, stopped paying his claim

Nov 14, 2012 Timothy T. Coates
Ninth Circuit affirms judgment dismissing federal civil rights action against GMSR clients

Nicolas, Epifania v. City of Riverside, et al. (2012) 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 23541 (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit) [unpublished]. Plaintiff’s first ex-husband was murdered in the City of Riverside. Plaintiff and two others were charged with the murder. Plaintiff was

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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