Wins

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

GMSR obtains reversal for the Town of Apple Valley in water system takings case

The Town of Apple Valley initiated condemnation proceedings to acquire a local water utility.  The Town issued all statutorily-required resolutions of necessity, compiling a massive administrative record.  After a lengthy bench trial where the parties fought over the proper standard of review, the trial court

Ninth Circuit dismisses interlocutory appeal challenging partial summary judgment for GMSR’s clients

A 911 caller reported that a man in his apartment complex was acting erratically.  City of Oxnard police officers went to the complex, and ultimately used physical force to subdue the man.  A County of Los Angeles paramedic then arrived and provided him with emergency

GMSR wins affirmance of judgment, costs, and sanctions awards in medical malpractice case

Plaintiffs sued numerous doctors and hospitals for failing to diagnose a rare brain infection.  Their counsel repeatedly failed to produce their designated medical expert for deposition.  The court eventually excluded the expert, but declined to dismiss the case because plaintiffs’ counsel contended that she could

GMSR obtains affirmance on behalf of LA County MTA in bus slip-and-fall

A bus passenger was injured when she slipped and fell on a bus operated by GMSR’s client, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).  The passenger sued the MTA, alleging that the bus driver had negligently caused her to fall by accelerating prematurely. After

Court of Appeal affirms workplace violence restraining order protecting Los Angeles County employees

A man harassed, threatened, and physically intimidated Los Angeles County employees at multiple County Board of Supervisors meetings and community events.  Eventually, he sent messages to female County employees threatening sexual violence.  The County obtained four workplace violence restraining orders against him under Code of

Court of Appeal rejects application of interim adverse judgment rule in malicious prosecution case

After a decade of litigation with a commercial tenant, GMSR’s clients, a commercial property owner and its manager, prevailed.  They then sued the tenant and his counsel for malicious prosecution. The tenant and his counsel moved to strike the complaint under the anti-SLAPP statute.  After

Court of Appeal reverses denial of anti-SLAPP motion, rejecting trial court’s reliance on the public interest exception

In a dispute over a water-related assessment, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association sued not only the Coachella Valley Water District but also several members of its board, several consultants to the District, and the District’s general manager, based on their involvement in the approval of

Ninth Circuit adopts GMSR’s arguments, reversing denial of qualified immunity and anti-SLAPP relief

After a news report that two people were suing the City of Pasadena and its police chief based on an allegedly unconstitutional search of their home, the police chief issued a press release regarding the claim.  The press release included links to bodycam footage of

GMSR persuades Court of Appeal that mobilehome park owner did not create a nuisance by installing solar panels

In 1984, GMSR’s client, Canyon View, obtained a use permit to construct a mobilehome park.  The permit required 50% of the park’s land to be maintained as “open space.”  Three decades later, Canyon View obtained permits and installed a solar energy system.  The City of

Ninth Circuit affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s sheriff deputy client

Plaintiff sued deputy sheriffs and their supervising sergeant, alleging that the deputies had used excessive force against him.  The jury found that one of the deputies had used excessive force but that he reasonably believed that the force was not excessive.  The Ninth Circuit affirmed

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.

Read More
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.

Read More
BUSINESSES

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

Read More
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.

Read More
INDIVIDUALS

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

Read More
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.

Read More