Real Property

GMSR’s clients have brought us the full gamut of real property issues, including lease disputes, lis pendens, title insurance, escrow and development agreements, and eminent domain.  In protecting our clients’ interests on appeal, we have obtained important decisions in these and other areas.

Southern California School of Theology v. Claremont Graduate University (2021) 60 Cal.App.5th 1

Court of Appeal reverses judgment against GMSR’s clients and orders full enforcement of their property purchase rights

Court Of Appeal Reverses Judgment Against GMSR’s Clients And Orders Full Enforcement Of Their Property Purchase Rights

In 1957, GMSR’s clients, the Claremont Colleges, sold campus land to the Claremont School of Theology (CST). CST agreed that if it ever wanted to sell the land or ceased using it, the Colleges could buy it back for the original sale price, plus some

3500 Sepulveda, LLC v. Macy’s West Stores, Inc. (9th Cir. 2020) 980 F.3d 1317

In published opinion, Ninth Circuit revives building owners’ easement complaint previously dismissed on summary judgment

In published opinion, Ninth Circuit revives building owners’ easement complaint previously dismissed on summary judgment

GMSR’s clients, who own a building in the Manhattan Village shopping center, agreed with defendant owner of the remainder of the center to a revitalization construction project that would increase the amount of parking near the clients’ building. Soon, the defendant began making significant changes

In Published Opinion, Court Of Appeal Upholds GMSR Client’s Right To New Trial

Plaintiff sued GMSR’s clients for wrongful foreclosure after they purchased a real property loan on which plaintiff had defaulted. The matter proceeded to a judicial reference, which resulted in a determination by the referee that GMSR’s clients were liable for millions in both compensatory and

Yu v. Superior Court of Los Angeles County (2020) 56 Cal.App.5th 636

In a published opinion, the Court of Appeal upholds GMSR client’s right to a new trial

Rosenthal v. City of Oakland (Aug. 27, 2020, A156881) 2020 WL 5051440

Court of Appeal affirmed grants for summary judgment for GMSR’s private landowner client

Court of Appeal affirmed grants for summary judgment for GMSR’s private landowner client

Plaintiff tripped and fell over a defect on a municipal sidewalk next to property owned by GMSR’s client, Street 41, LLC.  He sued the City of Oakland and Street 41 for failing to maintain the sidewalk.  The trial court granted the City’s and Street 41’s

8451 Melrose Property, LLC v. Akhtarzad (May 28, 2020, B288963) 2020 WL 2765575

Plaintiff sued Defendant for breach of a commercial lease.  Defendant argued the lease was unenforceable because it required he occupy an unlawful building and use it for an illegal purpose.  His defense was premised on a theory that a portion of the building’s second story

Calvary Chapel Bible Fellowship v. County of Riverside (9th Cir. 2020) 948 F.3d 1172

GMSR prevails in major land use appeal

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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