Court of Appeal

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
Sep 15, 2020 Laurie J. Hepler
Secret Weapons

California appellate courts publish only about 15% of their civil decisions as citable precedent.  Lurking in the other 85% are often valuable clues about how the court may view your case.  How to find them? First, geography.  There may be scores of unpublished decisions on

Hishmeh Enterprises, Inc. v. City of Porterville (June 22, 2020, F074356, F074357, F077323) 2020 WL 3410926 [nonpublished opinion]

Court of Appeal affirms judgment for GMSR’s public utility client

Court of Appeal affirms judgment for GMSR’s public utility client

Plaintiffs were struck by a car while crossing a street near an inoperative streetlight. GMSR’s client, Southern California Edison, serviced the streetlight. Plaintiffs sued, alleging that Edison was negligent in allowing the light to be off. On summary judgment, the trial court ruled that Edison

In re Marriage of Liu (Jan. 28, 2020, A155732) 2020 WL 477616 [nonpublished opinion]

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

Gamerberg v. 3000 E. 11th St., LLC (2020) 44 Cal.App.5th 424

Court of Appeal reverses judgment against GMSR’s client, and holds good faith purchasers are not bound by irrevocable licenses

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

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
Attorney
Cynthia E. Tobisman
Cindy Tobisman is a Co-Managing Partner of Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland.  During her many years specializing in appeals at GMSR, she has briefed and argued virtually every type of civil case.  The only constants are her deep knowledge of appellate practice, her rigorous research,
Attorney
Gary J. Wax
Gary Wax, an appellate lawyer, represents a wide range of clients in civil appeals and in writ proceedings, including business owners, property owners, insurers, employers, public entities, film finance lenders, film producers, bankruptcy creditors, and trademark holders. Gary also regularly provides assistance to trial counsel

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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