Hyon M. KientzyShareholder
Practice Areas
Education
- University of California, Los Angeles
B.A, 1997 - Santa Clara University
School of Law
J.D., 2000
Bar Admissions
- California
- United States Court of Appeals
Ninth Circuit - United States District Court
Northern District of California
Eastern District of California
Professional Organizations
- Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada
- Defense Research Institute
- Bar Association of San Francisco
Additional Information
- Selected in 2009 and 2010 as a "Rising Star" by
California Super Lawyers - Downloadable V-card
Hyon began her legal career at Coddington, Hicks & Danforth and has since developed a sophisticated practice that focuses primarily upon complex litigation and insurance related matters. A significant portion of her time is devoted to the defense of class action lawsuits and insurance bad faith actions. Most recently, she has served as lead defense counsel in a class action valued in excess of $90 million, and has served on steering committees in large class action cases around the country.
In the area of insurance bad faith, Hyon represents a variety of insurers, handling all aspects of the cases through trial. In addition to winning defense verdicts, Hyon has worked closely with district attorneys to pursue and prosecute individuals who have committed insurance fraud. These complex lawsuits often include other claims, such as mishandling (spoliation) of evidence, fraud, misrepresentation, rescission and policy reformation, in addition to coverage disputes. These issues also often arise in the business litigation that Hyon handles.
Hyon also represents and advises small businesses and start ups in various matters, including employment-related issues, contracts, and other commercial disputes. Hyon represents individuals and businesses in real property disputes, including those stemming from construction defects and partition proceedings. In addition to her busy litigation practice, Hyon provides training and counseling to insurers and their employees on best practices, compliance with applicable statutes and regulations, and administrative proceedings.
In 2009 and 2010, Hyon was selected as a “Rising Star” by California Super Lawyers, recognizing the top 2.5% of attorneys in Northern California under the age of 40. She is a member of the Association of Defense Counsel for Northern California and Nevada, the Defense Research Institute, the Bar Association of San Francisco and served on the Board of Directors of the Korean American Bar Association. Hyon has provided many hours of pro bono legal services through the East San Jose Law Clinic, assisting victims of domestic abuse. In 2003, Hyon underwent rigorous training to become a certified Court Appointed Special Advocate in San Mateo County, volunteering her time to mentor and advocate for the interests of abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system.