Wins

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

Jul 10, 2023 Jeffrey E. Raskin, Timothy T. Coates Anti-SLAPP Law, Government Liability, Tort Litigation

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

May 04, 2023 Robin Meadow Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment, finding no duty in case alleging inadequate streetlighting by public utility

While on their nightly walk to a neighborhood park, the plaintiffs’ parents were hit in a crosswalk. The plaintiffs sued Caltech and GMSR’s client, the public utility that provided streetlighting in the area. The plaintiffs contended that because of Caltech’s efforts to mitigate light pollution

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

Aug 23, 2022 Gary J. Wax, Robert A. Olson Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal reaffirms that businesses with perpendicular parking generally have no duty to protect against curb-jumping vehicles

Plaintiff was injured when a mall patron pulling into a parking space perpendicular to the curb pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the vehicle to jump a concrete wheel-stop and the curb. The Court of Appeal affirmed summary judgment for GMSR’s client, the

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 08, 2022 Cynthia E. Tobisman, Gary J. Wax Lemon Law, Punitive Damages, Tort Litigation

Court of Appeal Affirms Consumer’s Victory Against A Car Manufacturer For Fraud And California Lemon Law Violations

Ford advertised its Super Duty F-250 truck as the heavyweight champion of its class, with unprecedented hauling and towing capacities. Plaintiff saw those ads, and decided to buy one because he was planning to tow heavy loads into the mountains for extended camping trips. But

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

Nov 12, 2021 Edward L. Xanders (Ted) Tort Litigation

Court Of Appeal Affirms Defense Verdict For Municipal Client In Personal Injury Action

The Court of Appeal affirmed a defense verdict in a case alleging that the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority negligently caused the death of plaintiff’s son, who was killed in a car accident after getting off a bus. The Court rejected claims of insufficient

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

Aug 20, 2021 Alana H. Rotter, Cynthia E. Tobisman Civil Procedure, Tort Litigation

Court Of Appeal Reinstates GMSR’s Client’s Claims Seeking Return Of $1.6 Million

Maria Ferra paid $1.6 million that she did not believe was owed, to stop a deed-of-trust holder from foreclosing on property Maria had sold to a third party under an indemnity and security agreement. Maria then sued the deed-of-trust holder to recover the wrongfully-demanded money.

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.