Government Liability

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).

Blumhorst v. Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles (2005) 126 Cal.App.4th 993

Male victim lacked standing to bring unlawful discrimination suit against battered women’s shelters for their refusal to serve men

Nelson v. County of Los Angeles (2003) 113 Cal.App.4th 783

Court reversed parents’ wrongful death judgment because of their lack of contact with their adult decedent child and they private attorney general fee award because of their personal stake in the case

Inland Empire Health Plan v. Superior Court (2003) 108 Cal.App.4th 588

Statutory immunity for “credentialing” of physicians eligible to participate in health plan

Melancon v. County of Los Angeles (Aug. 9, 2002, B152446) 2002 WL 1824962 [nonpublished opinion]

No liability for County under 42 USC section 1983 for medical care of prison inmate

Jun 01, 2002 Related Cases
Jane Doe v. City of Murrieta (2002) 102 Cal.App.4th 899

Issue of employer liability for sexual conduct between police officer and Explorer Scouts

Toolasprashad v. Bureau of Prisons (D.C. Cir. 2002) 286 F.3d 576

Prisoner’s action for violation of Privacy Act based on his reclassification as “special offender”

Oct 12, 2001 Related Cases
Reifschneider v. Regents of University of California (2001) 2001 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 2713

Sexual harassment action by graduate student against university arising from relationship with professor

Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, Inc. v. Riverside Two (9th Cir. 2001) 249 F.3d 1132

Housing discrimination claims and summary judgment standards

Day v. City of Fontana (2001) 25 Cal.4th 268

Availability of non-economic damages from municipality under Civil Code section 3333.4 for nuisance and dangerous condition of public property

Mar 16, 2001 Related Cases
Strutynski v. County of Los Angeles (2001, B135551)

Claims arising from individual’s removal from her home and her confinement in nursing home

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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