GMSR has long represented public entities throughout California. As a result, GMSR’s appellate lawyers are intimately familiar with the issues that these entities regularly confront, including federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, tort liability and immunity, land use, eminent domain, labor and employment, and education law. GMSR’s experience includes significant victories at the U.S. Supreme Court, numerous appeals, and regular consultations on trial court law-and-motion matters. GMSR partner Tim Coates also co-authored a chapter on federal civil rights liability in the CEB publication California Government Tort Liability Practice (4th ed. 2004).
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
Anderson v. Perez (9th Cir. Oct. 11, 2024, No. 23-2790) 2024 WL 4471306 [mem. disp.]
Ninth Circuit adopts GMSR’s arguments, reversing denial of qualified immunity and anti-SLAPP relief
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
Figueroa v. County of Los Angeles (9th Cir. Aug. 30, 2024, No. 18-56131) 2024 WL 4003039
Ninth Circuit affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s sheriff deputy client
Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s City client, finding no dangerous condition of public property
A drunk driver collided with a boy crossing a marked crosswalk in Glendale. The boy and his brother settled their claims against the driver and sued the City of Glendale, alleging that the crosswalk was a dangerous condition of public property. The trial court granted
L.S. v. City of Glendale (Nov. 21, 2023, B319602) 2023 WL 8046891
Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s City client, finding no dangerous condition of public property
GMSR wins reversal and remand of $1.75 million judgment against school district, with instructions to hold trial on apportionment of fault
A student sued GMSR’s school district client for injuries sustained in a mandatory physical education class, caused by a push tackle in a touch football game by another student with a history of bullying. Plaintiff claimed that the class teacher negligently supervised the students and
GMSR wins affirmance of anti-SLAPP order, striking malicious prosecution claim against individual who assisted police officers
Rental property managers in San Luis Obispo received anonymous letters threatening to shoot them and their tenants if they rented properties to minorities. The police identified a chief suspect, Richard Orcutt, and contacted one of Orcutt’s prior co-workers, city fire official John MacDonald. MacDonald stated
Nigel B. v. Burbank Unified School District (2023) 93 Cal.App.5th 64
GMSR wins reversal and remand of $1.75 million judgment against school district, with instructions to hold trial on apportionment of fault
GMSR wins Ninth Circuit affirmance of order dismissing evidence fabrication claims against police officers
Rental property managers in San Luis Obispo received anonymous letters threatening to shoot them and their tenants if they rented properties to minorities. City resident John MacDonald saw the letters and told the police that he recognized the handwriting as that of his former co-worker
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Who We Serve
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.
Where coverage may exist, GMSR represents insureds on appeal effectively and efficiently. Where it does not, the firm protects insurers’ right to deny claims.
GMSR offers corporate clients objective assessments on appeal, based on a deep understanding of the limitations and opportunities of appellate review.
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.
GMSR vigorously advocates the rights of individual plaintiffs and defendants, in both state and federal appellate courts.
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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