Wins

GMSR has a stellar track record and reputation as writs and appeals attorneys. Below is a sample of recent wins for our clients.

Apr 22, 2025 Gary J. Wax, Alex Chemerinsky Arbitration, Mediation & Settlement, Business Litigation

Court of Appeal affirms judgment confirming arbitration award, holding that the appellant failed to provide a sufficient appellate record

GMSR’s client, Porch.com, is an online marketplace that connects homeowners with home-service providers. Porch.com agreed to acquire Kandela, a moving services company, and the parties signed an acquisition agreement with an arbitration clause. Eventually, Kandela claimed that Porch.com had committed fraud and the parties submitted

Apr 18, 2025 Robin Meadow, Alex Chemerinsky Business Litigation, Civil Procedure

Court of Appeal reverses demurrer based on plea of abatement, allowing GMSR’s client’s lawsuit to proceed

The owner of a car dealership sued his former business partner, seeking to collect on a promissory note. The former business partner sought to abate the action under Code of Civil Procedure section 430.10(c), arguing that it involved the same claims and parties as in

Mar 13, 2023 Robin Meadow, Laurie J. Hepler Business Litigation

Court of Appeal affirms defense verdict in $40 million case alleging false financial statements, finding no prejudice from claimed instructional error

GMSR’s clients sold their Mercedes dealership to plaintiffs for $100 million. Several years later, plaintiffs sued, claiming that the financial statements the clients gave them were inaccurate and led them to overvalue the dealership’s good will by $40 million. After the clients defeated plaintiffs’ fraud

Feb 23, 2023 Cynthia E. Tobisman, Alana H. Rotter Business Litigation

Court of Appeal reverses denial of alter ego motion

Code of Civil Procedure section 187 permits trial courts to disregard the corporate shield by amending judgments to include alter egos of the original judgment debtor. Invoking section 187, GMSR’s client moved to add two individuals to a judgment against the individuals’ LLCs. The trial

Jan 27, 2023 Robin Meadow, David E. Hackett, Stefan C. Love Business Litigation, Real Property

Court of Appeal affirms judgment for GMSR’s client, ordering enforcement of its Beverly Hills ground lease through 2102

In 2003, GMSR’s client purchased the ground lease of a prime Beverly Hills commercial property. The lease was set to expire in 2058, but after a few years the landlord agreed to extend it through 2123, in return for a $1.5 million up-front payment. Ten

Aug 08, 2022 Robin Meadow, Jeffrey Gurrola Business Litigation

Court of Appeal reverses order permitting statutory buyout of GMSR client’s interest in an LLC

GMSR’s clients own a combined 50% interest in a limited liability company (LLC). Following years of dissension with the holders of the remaining 50% interest, one of GMSR’s clients sued for a decree of judicial dissolution. The holders of the opposing 50% interest filed a

Apr 26, 2022 Robert A. Olson, Alana H. Rotter Business Litigation, Contracts, Entertainment Law, Tort Litigation

On behalf of Columbo creators, GMSR persuades Court of Appeal to reinstate a fraud claim and keep alive a breach of contract claim involving Universal Studios’ failure to pay tens of millions in royalties

The creators of the 1970s hit television series Columbo were contractually entitled to a share of the show’s net profits—but the studio failed to pay them anything for decades, representing that the show had no net profits. Eventually, the studio sent an accounting statement revealing

Feb 03, 2022 David E. Hackett, Kent L. Richland, Joseph Bui Anti-SLAPP Law, Business Litigation, Punitive Damages, Tort Litigation

Court Of Appeal Reverses $3.5 Million Jury Award And JNOV Denial, Ordering Entry Of Judgment For GMSR’s Client

GMSR’s client and his co-investors agreed to sell their accounting software business. After the sale closed, an investor who had received $3.6 million for his share sued the client for fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, claiming that he had forced the sale against the

Jun 15, 2021 Laurie J. Hepler, Robin Meadow Administrative Law, Business Litigation

Court Of Appeal Revives GMSR’s Clients’ $200 Million Claims

A group of New York investment companies turned to GMSR when a California trial court—citing agreements and injunctions in a prior insurance company liquidation—barred most of their $200 million New York lawsuit from proceeding. Facing off against both the California Insurance Commissioner and the New

Nov 20, 2020 Robin Meadow Business Litigation, Contracts, Real Property

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

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.

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.

BUSINESSES

GMSR offers corporate clients objective assessments on appeal, based on a deep understanding of the limitations and opportunities of appellate review.