TRIAL COUNSEL

TRIAL COUNSEL

GMSR collaborates with trial counsel to set cases up for success in the trial court, and to preserve victories, or reverse losses, on appeal.

A Wide Range of Contributions

When the stakes are high, savvy trial counsel turn to GMSR for help.

  • Dispositive Trial Court Motions.  GMSR’s incisive legal analysis and exceptional writing make it a powerful ally in drafting the motions that can shape or resolve a case – including demurrers, motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, federal Rule 50 motions and state-court motions for a new trial or judgment notwithstanding the verdict.
  • Jury Instructions, Pre-trial Briefs, and Verdict Forms.  GMSR consults with trial counsel to craft jury instructions, crucial motions in limine, trial briefs, and verdict forms that will maximize chances for success – both in the trial court and on appeal.
  • Writ Petitions.  Drawing on extensive experience, GMSR is well positioned to advise trial counsel on whether to seek pre-judgment review of an adverse ruling, and to draft writ petitions that attract the appellate courts’ attention.
  • Appeals.  GMSR brings a fresh eye to the record and the issues on appeal, drafting persuasive appellate briefs and presenting oral argument in a way that resonates with appellate courts.  The firm also helps trial counsel and clients assess settlement value after judgment based on realistic evaluation of appeal prospects and sensitivity to client goals.
Unique Perspective

Knowing how trial issues play out on appeal gives GMSR a unique perspective on how best to craft materials in the trial court.  And when it comes to appeal, GMSR enjoys a solid reputation for top-notch analysis, legal research, and excellent briefs, whether challenging an adverse result or protecting an important victory.

MAKE GMSR A PART OF YOUR TEAM

GMSR’s lawyers are team players, collaborating with trial counsel at any level – from shaping legal strategy to writing or editing trial court motions and appellate briefs.

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GMSR has helped trial counsel clinch victory at key moments in a case, including,

  • for defense counsel: persuading the trial court that the plaintiff’s proposed jury instructions would have improperly expanded the scope of the defendant’s potential liability, leading the plaintiff to dismiss its case on the eve of trial;
  • for defense counsel: drafting a summary judgment motion resulting in a determination that plaintiff was collaterally estopped from pursuing his excessive force claim, and obtaining affirmance on appeal;
  • for defense counsel: drafting new trial motions that led to significant remittiturs of damages, paving the way to settlement;
  • for plaintiff’s counsel: defeating a demurrer in a putative class action alleging illegal call recording.