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 rejects claim that Michael Jackson gave away 15% of his business at a middle-of-the-night meeting

Four people claimed that Michael Jackson promised them 15% of The Michael Jackson Company in a middle-of-the-night meeting in 2006. After a long bench trial, the probate court rejected those claims on multiple grounds and confirmed that Jackson wholly owned the company.

Court of Appeal reverses denial of jury trial, refusing to apply New York law

GMSR’s clients sued their lender for destroying their business by reneging on a promise to provide additional funding.  The lender cross-complained for an alleged $113 million deficiency following foreclosure on the security for its loans.  The trial court rejected the clients’ demand for a jury. 

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment entitling bank to collect on defaulted loans

GMSR’s client, a bank, sued borrowers and a guarantor to collect on long-outstanding loans. The borrowers and guarantor attempted to avoid liability by challenging the admissibility of the bank’s evidence of the loans, chain of title, and outstanding balance.  The trial court granted summary judgment

In a published decision, the Court of Appeal affirms GMSR’s clients’ rights to Eleanor, the star car character of the Gone in 60 Seconds films

The clients had licensed their rights to produce replicas of Eleanor, the car that played a starring role in Gone in 60 Seconds, to the defendants.  In return for the license, the defendants gave the clients, among other things, the first licensed replica they built. 

GMSR’s client prevails in a published decision that comprehensively analyzes the governing principles and application of the parol evidence rule

In negotiations over the defendants’ purchase of the client’s family business, the client agreed to accept, as part of the purchase price, $2.5 million in stock of one of the acquiring companies—but he required that the defendants agree to redeem the stock at a fixed

Overcoming insider objections about valuation, GMSR obtains affirmance in Ninth Circuit appeal from confirmation of a Chapter 11 reorganization plan

In re Meruelo Maddux Properties, Inc. (9th Cir. 2016) 637 Fed.Appx. 1012 (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit) [unpublished]. After the U.S. District Court affirmed the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s confirmation of a Chapter 11 reorganization plan, a majority block of the debtor-in-possession’s

GMSR successfully defends bankruptcy court order confirming Chapter 11 reorganization plan on appeal

In re Meruelo Maddux Properties, Inc. (2013) 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 112105 (United States District Court for the Central District of California). After the U.S. Bankruptcy Court confirmed a Chapter 11 reorganization plan that required a majority block of the debtor-in-possession’s insider equity shareholders to

GMSR obtains $66 million reduction of judgment and reversal of alter ego determination

Corona Summit v. SPUS05 Corona Summit (2013) 2013 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 4633 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Four) [unpublished]. GMSR’s client, CB Richard Ellis Strategic Partners US Opportunity 5 LP (Fund V), had formed a single purpose entity (SPE) to purchase office

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

Ninth Circuit affirms denial of injunction modification in trade secrets cases

Language Line Services, Inc. v. Language Services Associates, et al. (2012) 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 20008 (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit) [unpublished]. GMSR’s client, Language Line Services, is the country’s largest provider of interpretation services. One of its employees left to

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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