Wins

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

Dec 02, 2024 John J. Metzidis, Robin Meadow Anti-SLAPP Law, Real Property, Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal rejects application of interim adverse judgment rule in malicious prosecution case

After a decade of litigation with a commercial tenant, GMSR’s clients, a commercial property owner and its manager, prevailed. They then sued the tenant and his counsel for malicious prosecution. The tenant and his counsel moved to strike the complaint under the anti-SLAPP statute. After

Sep 13, 2024 Robin Meadow, Jeffrey Gurrola Real Property

GMSR persuades Court of Appeal that mobilehome park owner did not create a nuisance by installing solar panels

In 1984, GMSR’s client, Canyon View, obtained a use permit to construct a mobilehome park. The permit required 50% of the park’s land to be maintained as “open space.” Three decades later, Canyon View obtained permits and installed a solar energy system. The City of

Sep 03, 2024 Edward L. Xanders (Ted), Gary J. Wax Landowner Liability, Real Property

Court of Appeal reverses more than $5 million in civil penalties and attorney fees assessed against GMSR’s property-owner client

GMSR’s clients own multiple residential properties in Oakland. The City of Oakland sued them, alleging building code violations and seeking civil penalties and a permanent injunction under the Oakland Municipal Code. The trial court found code violations at five properties and granted the City’s requests

Aug 01, 2024 Marco Pulido, Cynthia E. Tobisman, David E. Hackett Real Property, Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment for property manager in premises liability dispute

A residential tenant was injured inside her rented home and sued the property’s former management company, GMSR’s client, for premises liability. The management company moved for summary judgment, arguing that it could not be liable to the tenant as a matter of law. The trial

Mar 07, 2024 David E. Hackett, Kent L. Richland, Stefan C. Love Real Property

Court of Appeal affirms ruling prohibiting homeowners association from cutting mature trees on GMSR’s client’s property

GMSR’s client owns property within the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA). The area was developed over decades, and the developers recorded a series of restrictive declarations bringing additional tracts into RHCA. Some early declarations contained a “tree cutting covenant” allowing RHCA to enter private property

Mar 10, 2023 Robin Meadow, Jeffrey Gurrola Attorney Fees Litigation, Real Property

GMSR secures reversal of “arbitrary” attorney fee award

GMSR’s client sued a loan servicer for quiet title and related claims, alleging the loan servicer recorded documents that interfered with the client’s right under the Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL) to take free-and-clear title to property at a court-ordered sale. The parties stipulated to a

Mar 09, 2023 Cynthia E. Tobisman, Alana H. Rotter, Joseph Bui Real Property

Court of Appeal affirms dismissal of wrongful foreclosure, contract, and quiet title claims against GMSR’s client

A rental property owner with a mortgage from GMSR’s client defaulted on the mortgage. GMSR’s client tried to foreclose on the property, but the owner resisted at every turn. He and his agents filed four bankruptcy actions ultimately deemed to be bad faith efforts to

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

Dec 07, 2022 Robert A. Olson, Jeffrey Gurrola Landowner Liability, Real Property, Tort Litigation

GMSR secures affirmance of summary judgment for vacation-rental owners

GMSR’s clients own a rental home in the Palm Springs area. Two weeks into a stay at the home, the renters’ 12-year old child was injured when she walked full-speed into a sliding glass door dating back to 1958. The renters sued GMSR’s clients, alleging

Oct 21, 2021 Robert A. Olson Professional Malfeasance, Real Property, Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal Affirms Summary Judgment For Broker And Agent On Claim Arising From Home Sellers’ Misconduct

A flood damaged a home while it was in escrow. The real estate agent, representing both the buyer and the sellers, drafted an addendum to the purchase agreement to address how repairs would be made and paid for by the sellers’ insurance carrier. After the

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.