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 Affirms Defense Verdict For Municipal Client In Personal Injury Action

The Court of Appeal affirmed a defense verdict in a case alleging that the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority negligently caused the death of plaintiff’s son, who was killed in a car accident after getting off a bus.  The Court rejected claims of insufficient

Court of Appeal Affirms Summary Judgment For Broker And Agent On Claim Arising From Home Sellers’ Misconduct

A flood damaged a home while it was in escrow.  The real estate agent, representing both the buyer and the sellers, drafted an addendum to the purchase agreement to address how repairs would be made and paid for by the sellers’ insurance carrier.  After the

Court Of Appeal Reinstates GMSR’s Client’s Claims Seeking Return Of $1.6 Million

Maria Ferra paid $1.6 million that she did not believe was owed, to stop a deed-of-trust holder from foreclosing on property Maria had sold to a third party under an indemnity and security agreement.  Maria then sued the deed-of-trust holder to recover the wrongfully-demanded money. 

Court Of Appeal Affirms No-damages Judgment In GMSR Client’s Favor

GMSR’s client admitted negligence arising out of a low speed rear-end collision, but denied that plaintiffs suffered any resulting damages.  The Court of Appeal affirmed the jury’s judgment of no damages, and rejected the claim that the trial court abused its discretion by allowing questions

Court Of Appeal Orders Trial Court To Vacate Erroneous Stay Order

Plaintiffs opted out of a consumer class action to pursue individual relief. The trial court, however, mistakenly believed that plaintiffs were still members of the class. During the hearing on defendant’s demurrer, the trial court stayed the case on its own motion, refusing to hear

Ninth Circuit Affirms Summary Judgment For GMSR Clients, Holding A Claimed “Dying Declaration” Inadmissible

Plaintiff’s attorney in this asbestos case presented a declaration just before plaintiff’s death, purporting to identify the manufacturers of products he was exposed to decades earlier.  Plaintiff signed the document the day before he died.  The Ninth Circuit held that the document did not fit

GMSR Obtains Reversal Of $15 Million Punitive Damages Award

GMSR convinced the Court of Appeal to reverse a $15 million punitive damages award against GMSR’s client in a case involving alleged exposure to asbestos-cement pipe. The Court of Appeal rejected plaintiffs’ argument that there was an exception to the “officer, director, or managing agent”

GMSR Secures Win For Its Public Utility Client: Court Of Appeal Affirms Summary Judgment

A construction worker was electrocuted when his crewmember moved the aerial lift basket he was riding in close to a 60-foot power line owned by GMSR’s client, Southern California Edison.  The construction worker sued, alleging that Edison had negligently failed to remove or de-energize the

GMSR wins second appeal relating to student’s discrimination claim against school district

On the heels of a Ninth Circuit victory relating to the same events, the Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of a student’s discrimination claim for failure to comply with the Government Claims Act. Deciding an issue of first impression, the Second District

Court of Appeal affirms judgment notwithstanding the verdict for water utility

Plaintiff claimed take-home asbestos injury from his father’s job at GMSR’s client, a water utility, where the father occasionally cut asbestos pipe. The jury awarded compensatory and punitive damages. The trial court struck the punitive damages on the ground that there was no evidence 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

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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