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 judgment for GMSR’s utility client, finding no basis for liability following firefighter’s accident.

A firefighter was electrocuted when he touched the firetruck he was working on at the same time his crewmember rotated the truck’s aerial ladder into a 25-foot-high power line owned by GMSR’s client, Southern California Edison.  The firefighter sued, alleging that Edison negligently failed to

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. 

Employer owes no duty to the general public to keep drug-addled employee at work through the end of his shift or to prevent him from driving intoxicated after being told to leave the premises.

Pryor et al. v. Fitness International, LLC (Jan 3, 2019, B287329) [nonpublished opinion]. An employee of GMSR’s client, a health club, took heroin during his work-shift.  Finding him no longer fit to perform his job, the health club’s manager ordered him to leave the premises. 

Court of Appeal refuses to order new trial of multi-million dollar tort suit against GMSR’s utility client

A car crashed into the back of a laundromat, damaging the building’s structure and electrical panel.  GMSR’s client, Southern California Edison, sent a representative to inspect the panel and he decided to leave the electrical power turned on.  The next day, while repairing structural damage,

Court of Appeal reverses $13.9 million jury award and orders entry of defense judgment for GMSR’s client in employee commuting case

Plaintiff was injured in a car accident with a Los Angeles County deputy public defender who was on his way home from work. Although employers are generally not liable for accidents arising from an employee’s commute, the plaintiff sued GMSR’s client, the County, contending it

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

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. 

Court of Appeal affirms jury verdict for GMSR’s movie theater client

Martinez v. The Decurion Corp. (unpublished, 2d Civ. B270616):  A moviegoer tripped over a bench after being evacuated from a movie theater whose fire alarm was triggered by burnt popcorn.  The moviegoer sued the theater, GMSR’s client, for negligence.  She asserted several negligence theories, including

Court of Appeal strikes punitive damage claim against employer of truck driver

CRST, Inc. v. Superior Court (2017) 11 Cal.App.5th 1255 [California Court of Appeal, Second District, Division Four] [published] Plaintiff sued the employer of a truck driver for negligent hiring/retention and sought punitive damages.  The trial court refused to strike the punitive damages allegations, but the

Maine Supreme Judicial Court adopts proof standards for product liability

Grant v. Foster Wheeler, LLC, et al. (2016) 2016 ME 85 (Maine Supreme Judicial Court) [published]. Announcing new law in Maine, the court affirmed summary judgment for GMSR’s client Warren Pumps, LLC, and other manufacturers on whose behalf we briefed the key issues. Maine’s highest

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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