appeal lawyer

Attorney
Laura Lim
Laura Lim’s behind-the-scenes experience with the California and federal courts helps her craft effective, compelling arguments as an appellate advocate. Before joining GMSR, Laura was a research attorney for Justice John S. Wiley Jr. at the California Court of Appeal and a law clerk for
Attorney
Alana H. Rotter
GMSR partner Alana Rotter is a go-to lawyer for appeals and writ petitions in many fields.  Clients and trial lawyers seek her out for her clear writing, thorough research, and efficiency.  Alana respects client relationships, and is adept at working hand-in-hand with trial lawyers.  Her
Attorney
Jeffrey Gurrola
GMSR partner Jeff Gurrola is a dedicated appellate lawyer who thrives on providing efficient, excellent legal analysis in high-pressure appeals and fast-paced writ proceedings.  Having worked previously both as a trial litigator and as an in-house litigation attorney, Jeff has a deep understanding of the
Feb 12, 2020 Alana H. Rotter
Prime Real Estate

Legal writing, like any other type of writing, should strive to keep the reader’s attention.  But any reader faced with a huge stack of paper (or the digital equivalent) is likely to lose focus eventually.  That makes the first pages of any brief or other

Calvary Chapel Bible Fellowship v. County of Riverside (9th Cir. 2020) 948 F.3d 1172

GMSR prevails in major land use appeal

GMSR prevails in major land use appeal

In Calvary Chapel Bible Fellowship v. County of Riverside, the Ninth Circuit affirmed judgment for GMSR’s client, the County of Riverside, in a suit asserting that a County zoning ordinance was facially invalid under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) as purportedly disallowing religious organizations to operate in the zone. The Ninth Circuit held that the zoning allowed construction of special occasion facilities. Nothing on the face of the statute indicates that a religious group would not be granted a permit to construct such a facility and use it for religious purposes, so there was no violation of RLUIPA. The statute merely requires public entities to treat religious uses the same as secular uses.

Endurance American Specialty Insurance Company v. Bennington Group, LLC (Jan. 31, 2020, B285909) 2020 WL 502631

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment in favor of insurance carrier, foreclosing $11 million claim

Court of Appeal adopts GMSR’s arguments and rejects challenge to marital settlement agreement

Representing the husband in a post-dissolution family law proceeding, GMSR prevailed on wife’s appeal from the superior court’s order denying her motion to set aside their marital settlement agreement.  Wife and her counsel had prepared and presented to then-unrepresented husband all preliminary disclosures and the

McKindra v. Tharaldson Financial Group, Inc. (Nov. 11, 2019, E069896) 2019 WL 6125912

Court of Appeal reverses compensatory and punitive damages and private attorney general fees in bed bug case

Attorney
Joseph Bui
Joseph Bui regularly briefs complex and novel legal issues before California and federal appellate courts, including the California Supreme Court. Joseph joined GMSR after clerking for three federal judges:  Judge Amos L. Mazzant in the Eastern District of Texas, Chief Judge M. Casey Rodgers in

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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