Wins

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

GMSR successfully defends bankruptcy court order confirming Chapter 11 reorganization plan on appeal

In re Meruelo Maddux Properties, Inc. (2013) 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 112105 (United States District Court for the Central District of California). After the U.S. Bankruptcy Court confirmed a Chapter 11 reorganization plan that required a majority block of the debtor-in-possession’s insider equity shareholders to

GMSR defends law firm client’s anti-SLAPP dismissal of fraudulent conveyance claim for accepting payment for its services

NAMA v. Dorsey & Whitney (2013) 2013 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 5592 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Four) [unpublished]. A real estate LLC retained GMSR’s law firm client to represent its managers in a suit brought by one of the LLC’s investors. Arbitrators

GMSR obtains writ of mandate preventing disclosure of attorney-client privileged documents and communications

Truck Insurance Exchange v. Superior Court (Golden State Developers, Inc.) (2013) 2013 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 5487 (California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division One) [unpublished]. In an insurance coverage dispute, the trial court, purporting to apply the crime-fraud exception to the attorney-client privilege, ordered

GMSR partner Alison Turner wins major due process case in California Supreme Court

In Today’s Fresh Start v. Los Angeles County Office of Education (2013) 57 Cal.4th 197, GMSR partner Alison Turner successfully represented the Los Angeles County Office of Education and Board of Education in a case challenging the procedures for revoking a charter school’s charter. In

GMSR obtains $66 million reduction of judgment and reversal of alter ego determination

Corona Summit v. SPUS05 Corona Summit (2013) 2013 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 4633 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Four) [unpublished]. GMSR’s client, CB Richard Ellis Strategic Partners US Opportunity 5 LP (Fund V), had formed a single purpose entity (SPE) to purchase office

Apr 04, 2013 Civil Procedure
GMSR successfully invokes rarely-used “disentitlement doctrine” to obtain dismissal of appeal from $8.5 million judgment

Stoltenberg v. Ampton Investments (2013) 215 Cal.App.4th 161 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Five) [published]. Defendants, who live in New York, appealed from an $8.5 million California fraud judgment in favor of GMSR’s client without obtaining a stay of enforcement. While the

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment for GMSR’s client, rejecting insurance coverage of slow, continuous water leak

Brown et al. v. Mid-Century Insurance Company (2013) 215 Cal.App.4th 841 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Seven) [published].  A water pipe corroded over several decades until water began to leak from two small holes and collect underneath the insureds’ house.  The leak

GMSR obtains reversal in Court of Appeal in commercial guaranty action

Bank of America, N.A. v. Danny Lahave, et al. (2013) 2013 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 2161 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division One) [unpublished]. A commercial mortgage loan guaranty purported to waive any defense of illegality that the borrower might have against collection. A

GMSR wins second United States Supreme Court case in 12 months

For the second time in less than a year, GMSR partner Tim Coates was victorious in the United States Supreme Court, convincing the Court to unanimously reverse a judgment against GMSR client the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. In Los Angeles County Flood Control

Court of Appeal affirms summary judgment in favor of GMSR’s public entity client in government tort claim dispute

San Jose v. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority et al. (2013) 2013 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 297 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Two) [unpublished]. GMSR’s client, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (the MTA) rejected plaintiff’s government tort claim through its duly

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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