​Robert Cooper (Of Counsel-Los Angeles) and Luanne Rutherford (Of Counsel-San Francisco) secured a decision by the First Appellate District for the California Court of Appeal affirming summary judgment by the San Mateo Superior Court in favor of Wilson Elser’s client, Portola Valley Ranch Association. The Association had denied an application for construction of an accessory dwelling unit and a new garage submitted by Association members Craig and Michelle Opperman. The Oppermans sued the Association, alleging their application had been wrongfully denied. Luanne Rutherford filed a motion for summary judgment on behalf of the Association, citing the Business Judgment Rule as well as extensive evidence to show that the Association had conducted a fair investigation before denying the application. The Superior Court granted summary judgment in favor of the Association and awarded the Association $140,419.49 for its attorneys’ fees and costs. The Oppermans appealed to the California Court of Appeal, First District. Robert Cooper prepared the briefs and submissions and argued the appeal before the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal affirmed summary judgment in favor of the Association and affirmed the award of attorneys’ fees and costs. The Court of Appeal, sua sponte, certified its opinion for publication.