Civil Procedure

Procedural issues create many traps for the unwary: Irregularities in trial court proceedings or ambiguous verdicts may require a new trial; failing to raise an objection in the trial court can foreclose appellate review of an issue; a settlement that purports to preserve the right to appeal can moot the appeal.  The list goes on and on.  GMSR is experienced in spotting procedural defects and navigating nuances that can be dispositive on appeal.  For that reason, trial counsel and clients often consult with GMSR’s appellate lawyers as a case progresses, in order to maximize their chances of success in an eventual appeal. GMSR’s appellate lawyers have also gotten appeals dismissed, revived litigation that should not have been dismissed, and successfully developed arguments for affirmance or reversal, all based on procedural issues.

Dec 30, 1996 Related Cases
Mateluna v. Superior Court (Medimanager, Inc.) (1996) 1996 Cal. LEXIS 7355

Civil contempt citation for alleged violation of preliminary injunction

Lillie v. Bliffen (1996, B085804)

Adequacy of superior court’s specification of reasons for granting new trial

Jun 01, 1995 Related Cases
Fire Insurance Exchange v. National Union Fire Insurance (1995, D020312)

Whether summary judgment for insurer in bad faith action was “favorable termination” for subsequent malicious prosecution action

Jun 01, 1995 Related Cases
Lawley v. Ecology Auto Wreckers (1995, B065177)

Adequacy of superior court’s specification of reasons for granting new trial

Mungo v. City National Bank (1995, B084558)

Impact of entry of judgment on trial court’s power to reconsider summary judgment; lender liability

Mar 30, 1995 Related Cases
Consolidated International Automotive, Inc. v. Kuang Shiung Chen (Freedman R.P.I.) (9th Cir. 1994) 51 F.3d 279 [nonpub. opn.]

$85,000 sanctions for alleged inadequate pre-filing investigation of merits

Main Line Pictures, Inc. v. Basinger (Sept. 22, 1994, B077509) 1994 WL 814244 [nonpublished opinion]

Judgment reversed because prejudicially ambiguous jury instruction

Dec 10, 1992 Related Cases
Rogalski v. Nabers Cadillac (1992) 11 Cal.App.4th 816

Insurer’s failure to provide defense in wrongful termination suit as ground to set aside default judgments

Jun 01, 1991 Related Cases
Valenzuela v. Sears (Dec. 19, 1991, E007882)

Proper procedural steps necessary to preserve cause of action against defendant who dies during trial

George v. Internat. Society for Krishna Consciousness (1989) 213 Cal.App.3d 729

Amending tort judgment to add additional religious corporations while appeal from original judgment was pending

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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