Wins

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

Sep 24, 2019 David E. Hackett, Robin Meadow Attorney Fees Litigation, Contracts, Real Property

Court of Appeal affirms damages and fee awards in favor of real estate developers and rejects neighboring homeowners association’s million-dollar counterclaim.

GMSR’s clients acquired four parcels of land and began developing residential homesites—a process that requires frequent pre-development visits by multiple contractors. Because the land was not adjacent to public streets, the developers and their visitors accessed it by driving through a guarded gate and then

Jun 21, 2019 Civil Procedure, Contracts, Real Property

GMSR’s client faced loss of her home on account of an unauthorized home equity loan from which she received nothing. Judgment for the lender reversed.

The issue on appeal was whether evidence of the homeowner’s execution of a written agreement with a third party ratified the third party’s previously unauthorized execution of a trust deed on her home. Since a trust deed must be in writing, under the “equal dignities

Jun 11, 2019 David E. Hackett, Alana H. Rotter, Cynthia E. Tobisman Business Litigation, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Real Property

Court of Appeal affirms $3.9 million judgment on commercial guaranty, holding that federal law bars guarantor’s assertion of “sham guaranty” defense

Court of Appeal affirms $3.9 million judgment on commercial guaranty, holding that federal law bars guarantor’s assertion of “sham guaranty” defense.

Mar 27, 2018 Robin Meadow Real Property, Tort Litigation

GMSR wins second reversal in high-stakes nuisance lawsuit

The plaintiff sued GMSR’s client, Southern California Edison, after renovations to her bathroom caused her to feel a slight tingle of electricity when she touched her showerhead, caused by neutral-to-earth voltage from a nearby Edison substation. She won a $4 million jury verdict on multiple

Oct 23, 2017 Robin Meadow, Gary J. Wax Real Property

Court of Appeal affirms judgment for GMSR’s client in real estate dispute

Prometheus Real Estate Group, Inc. v. Marazzo, et al. (unpublished, 1st Civ. A143364): Prometheus, a real estate developer, entered into an agreement with GMSR’s property-owner client that contemplated a residential development in Mountain View on the client’s property. Prometheus sued the property owner for breach

Apr 30, 2012 Robin Meadow Real Property

Court of Appeal reverses and directs entry of judgment for GMSR’s client in lease dispute, holding that lease was not perpetual

Ginsberg v. Gamson (2012) 205 Cal.App.4th 873 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Eight) [published]. GMSR’s client, Gamson, leased a portion of a commercial building to Ginsberg for the operation of a vintage clothing store. Disputes arose from Ginsberg’s claims that she 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.

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.

BUSINESSES

GMSR offers corporate clients objective assessments on appeal, based on a deep understanding of the limitations and opportunities of appellate review.

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.

INDIVIDUALS

GMSR vigorously advocates the rights of individual plaintiffs and defendants, in both state and federal appellate courts.

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.