Wins

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

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

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

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

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

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

City Of Los Angeles Prevails In Ninth Circuit E-Scooter Appeal, Supported By GMSR’s Amicus Brief

Faced with a near-overnight proliferation of motorized electric scooters on sidewalks and streets, the City of Los Angeles required e-scooter companies (e.g., Bird, Lime, and Lyft) to provide vehicle location data through a widely-used national interface called Mobility Data Specification.  An e-scooter user sued the

GMSR Wins Ninth Case In The United States Supreme Court

Continuing GMSR’s record of success in the United States Supreme Court—prevailing in nine of ten cases before the Court—Tim Coates and Nadia Sarkis convinced the Court to direct entry of judgment in favor of a Union City police officer based on qualified immunity in Rivas-Villegas

The Ninth Circuit Affirms Summary Judgment For Beverly Hills, Rejecting Wrongful Arrest Claim

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a summary judgment in favor of GMSR’s client, the defendant City of Beverly Hills, in an action for false arrest, false imprisonment and violation of constitutional rights. The appellate court agreed with GMSR’s contentions that the plaintiff could muster only unsupported

Ninth Circuit Affirms Judgment For GMSR’s Clients, Finding Appellant’s Argument Forfeited And Without Merit

Louis Jean-Louis sued the City of Riverside, City officials, and City employees, alleging a scheme to place houses into receivership by levying excessive fines for violating City ordinances. The district court dismissed Jean-Louis’ suit on res judicata grounds, because Jean-Louis had previously settled and dismissed

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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