Wins

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

May 18, 2017 Government Liability
GMSR successfully defends nurses and Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy in summary judgment appeal arising from jail death

The Ninth Circuit today affirmed summary judgment in favor of GMSR’s clients—the County of Los Angeles and a group of its employees—who were accused of deliberate indifference to a jailed patient’s medical needs.  The trial court found that the plaintiffs failed to produce evidence to

Read More
Apr 26, 2017 Timothy T. Coates, Edward L. Xanders (Ted) Government Liability
The Ninth Circuit Holds That The ADA Does Not Preempt A City’s State-Law Contribution Claims Against Designers And Builders Of Deficient Public Facilities

City of Los Angeles v. AECOM Services, Inc. (9th Cir. 2017) 854 F.3d 1149.  This landmark preemption decision will benefit municipalities across the country.  Two disabled persons sued GMSR’s client, the City of Los Angeles, under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and

Read More
Apr 19, 2017 Government Liability
GMSR successfully defends dismissal of action in favor of public entity

In a second attempt by a restaurant owner to sue GMSR’s client, the County of Los Angeles, for allegedly imposing excessive and illegal health inspection fees, GMSR again prevailed in obtaining an affirmance of the judgment in the County’s favor based on res judicata principles. 

Read More
Apr 19, 2017 Government Liability
GMSR successfully defends dismissal of action in favor of public entity

In a second attempt by a restaurant owner to sue GMSR’s client, the County of Los Angeles, for allegedly imposing excessive and illegal health inspection fees, GMSR again prevailed in obtaining an affirmance of the judgment in the County’s favor based on res judicata principles. 

Read More
Jan 05, 2017 Timothy T. Coates Government Liability
California Supreme Court rules in favor of GMSR’s client in holding that attorney invoices in pending legal matters are completely protected by the attorney-client privilege

L.A. County Bd. of Supervisors v. Superior Court (Dec. 29, 2016, S226645).  In a 4-3 decision in Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors v. Superior Court (ACLU) the California Supreme Court agreed with GMSR’s client in holding that everything in attorney invoices in pending cases,

Read More
Dec 29, 2015 Timothy T. Coates, Alana H. Rotter Government Liability
GMSR wins dismissal of lawsuit claiming entitlement to a reward

Heltebrake v. City of Riverside (2015) 2015 Cal.App. Unpub. LEXIS 9469 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Five) [unpublished]. Plaintiff sued public entities that had offered a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Christopher Dorner, claiming that

Read More
Apr 13, 2015 Timothy T. Coates Government Liability
Court of Appeal holds that attorney bills transmitted to clients are confidential communications protected by the attorney client privilege

County of Los Angeles v. Superior Court (ACLU) (2015) 235 Cal.App.4th 1154 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Three) [published]. The ACLU, along with an individual, made a Public Records Act request to the County of Los Angeles, seeking copies of billing statements

Read More
Jan 15, 2013 , Gary J. Wax Government Liability
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

Read More
Sep 05, 2012 Government Liability
Court of Appeal issues writ of mandate ordering trial court to grant summary judgment in a dog-attack case

County of Los Angeles v. Superior Court (Faten) (2012) 209 Cal.App.4th 543 (California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Eight) [published]. Plaintiffs were attacked by two of a neighbor’s many dogs. They sued the County, GMSR’s client, arguing that its Department of Animal Care

Read More
Jan 12, 2012 Government Liability
Ninth Circuit affirms judgment dismissing federal civil rights action by civil detainee against GMSR client for failure to file fourth amended complaint

Gregory Ell Shehee v. Leroy D. Baca, et al. (2012) 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 684 (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit) [unpublished memorandum]. Plaintiff sued multiple Los Angeles County officials, including GMSR client Supervisor Gloria Molina under 42 U.S.C. section 1983 (civil

Read More

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.

Read More
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.

Read More
BUSINESSES

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

Read More