Alana

Jun 13, 2017 Alana H. Rotter, Cynthia E. Tobisman

Alana Rotter and Cindy Tobisman warn what lawyers should avoid when voluntarily dismissing claims to hasten appellate review

After a significant adverse ruling, lawyers may attempt to hasten appellate review by stipulating to voluntarily dismiss the remaining claims and have judgment entered. But not all stipulated dismissals will result in an appealable judgment. In the Spring 2017 ABTL Report, Alana Rotter and Cindy

Jun 08, 2017 David E. Hackett, Alana H. Rotter, Gary J. Wax

Three GMSR Attorneys Selected to the 2017 Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Stars List

Super Lawyers has named GMSR appellate lawyers Alana Rotter, Gary Wax, and David Hackett to its list of 2017 Southern California Rising Stars. Alana and Gary have been included on the list for several years, and GMSR is proud to have David join them for

Feb 27, 2017 Laurie J. Hepler, Alana H. Rotter

Tips: Critical New Trial Motion Deadlines, Daily Journal (February 27, 2017)

There are many deadlines to keep track of when moving for a new trial. Which ones are jurisdictional, such that missing them will automatically result in the Court of Appeal reversing the grant of a new trial? Laurie Hepler and Alana Rotter provide an overview

Sep 13, 2016 Alana H. Rotter

What Do You Want?

Every appellate brief urges the court to rule in the briefing party’s favor. But far fewer briefs say exactly how the court should do so, and why. That lack of specificity is a mistake. A party’s job on appeal is to make it as easy

Jul 14, 2016 Alana H. Rotter Anti-SLAPP Law

Appealing Anti-Slapp Rulings in the Ninth Circuit

In the California state courts, every order granting or denying an anti-SLAPP motion is immediately appealable. But anti-SLAPP appealability is more of a minefield in the Ninth Circuit. There, an anti-SLAPP ruling is appealable only if it satisfies the requirements of the “collateral order doctrine”

May 13, 2016 Alana H. Rotter

Handling Bad Law

When drafting an opening brief on appeal, it can be tempting to avoid adverse authority — and on a first read, the brief might appear stronger that way. That’s wishful thinking. As Seventh Circuit Judge Richard Posner has observed, “The ostrich is a noble animal,

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.

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.

INDIVIDUALS

GMSR vigorously advocates the rights of individual plaintiffs and defendants, in both state and federal appellate courts.

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.