Overview
Guyon Knight represents insurers and reinsurers in high-stakes coverage and bad faith disputes across the country. He has been ranked by Legal 500 as a recommended lawyer for advice to insurers. Guyon has extensive experience with the various phases of litigation and arbitration, including arguing dispositive and procedural motions; taking and defending fact and expert witness depositions; evaluating claims and drafting complaints; briefing motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, motions for preliminary equitable relief, Daubert motions, discovery motions, and appeals; mediating disputes; and going to trial and arbitration. Guyon has also represented clients in litigation and arbitration in a wide range of fields, including financial products, complex contracts, class actions, trademarks, trade secrets, trusts and probate, and the False Claims Act.
Previously, Guyon served as a law clerk on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
During law school, Guyon acted as Senior Articles Editor for The Fordham Law Review.
Results
- Obtained dismissal of all claims for a global insurance and reinsurance solutions provider in a suit brought under a Professional Liability Insurance Policy by an insurance brokerage company in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. The court found that under California law, the insurance brokerage company failed to state a claim for indemnity and bad faith against the client, arising from their alleged faulty handling of a claim that resulted in a significant jury award against their principal*
- Obtained dismissal on summary judgment of bad faith and breach of contract claims for an independent infrastructure insurance specialist in a case involving a business interruption claim due to a fire at an oil refinery*
- On behalf of an insurer, obtained the pre-discovery dismissal from a large putative class action concerning “collapse” coverage related to faulty concrete building foundations. Also obtained dismissal of a related test case at summary judgment and affirmance by the Second Circuit, creating favorable precedent for the insurer*
- Represented an insurer that issued a representations and warranties policy to a company that purchased a truck parts supplier. The policyholder commenced a confidential arbitration seeking indemnity under the policy arising from alleged breaches of warranty and for bad faith stemming from the insurer’s decision that the claim was excessive. The matter was resolved favorably*
- Represented a reinsurer in an arbitration involving property damage claims arising out of Superstorm Sandy. The cedent sought $20 million for harm caused to significant infrastructure. The matter was resolved favorably*
- Obtained dismissal of putative securities class action on behalf of an insurer arising out of voluntary delisting of preferred securities*
- Represented a technology startup in a three-week jury trial where our opponent sought a permanent injunction and damages in connection with certain patents. Secured jury verdict of noninfringement on all patents at issue on behalf of our client*
- Represented investment bank in trial of claim to compel specific performance of a $1.5 billion merger agreement, and to determine liability for $126.5 million reverse breakup fee. The matter was resolved amicably, with our client paying nothing*
- After a week-long arbitration, obtained an unprecedented permanent injunction and award of attorneys’ fees on behalf of a theatre owner against the producers of an Off-Broadway show, who sought to move the show to a competing theatre*
*Matter handled prior to joining McDermott
Recognitions
- Chambers USA, 2021, Commercial Disputes/Insurance
- Legal 500 US, 2018 and 2021
- Rising Star, Tax – Euromoney Expert Guide 2021
- International Financial Law Review: Rising Star Awards Americas, Insurance and Reinsurance winner, 2020
- Recipient of The Legal Aid Society’s Pro Bono Publico for outstanding service to The Legal Aid Society and its clients, 2018
Credentials
Education
Fordham University School of Law, JD, Order of the Coif, 2011
Oxford University, MSt, 2005
University of Chicago, AB, 2003
Courts/Agencies
US Supreme Court
US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
US District Court for the Southern District of New York
US District Court for the Eastern District of New York
US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Admissions
New York
