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).
Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment in favor of GMSR’s public entity client in government tort claim dispute
San Jose v. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority et al. (2013) 2013 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 297 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Two) [unpublished]. GMSR’s client, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (the MTA) rejected plaintiff’s government tort claim through its duly
United States Supreme Court held that the Ninth Circuit erred in holding the Los Angeles County Flood Control District liable for violations of the Clean Water Act
County of Los Angeles v. Superior Court (Faten) (2012) 209 Cal.App.4th 543 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Eight) [published]. Plaintiffs were attacked by two of a neighbor’s many dogs. They sued the County, GMSR’s client, arguing that its Department of Animal Care
US Supreme Court held that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies were entitled to qualified immunity and thus could not be held personally liable for civil damages
Plaintiff sued multiple Los Angeles County officials, including GMSR client Supervisor Gloria Molina under 42 U.S.C. section 1983 (civil rights). He alleged that his constitutional rights were violated while he was detained at the Los Angeles County Jail awaiting commitment proceedings under California’s Sexually Violent
Gregory Ell Shehee v. Leroy D. Baca, et al. (2012) 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 684 (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit) [unpublished memorandum]. Plaintiff sued multiple Los Angeles County officials, including GMSR client Supervisor Gloria Molina under 42 U.S.C. section 1983 (civil
Wrongful death theory barred based on noncompliance with government claim statute
Flores v. County of Los Angeles (2011) 2011 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 9332 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Two) [unpublished]. Plaintiff sued the GMSR’s client, the County of Los Angeles, for wrongful death after her daughter died in the emergency room at Martin
No declaratory or injunctive relief available in civil rights action against municipality under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 absent wrongful policy, custom or practice approved or knowingly tolerated by local public entity policymakers.
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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