Kianna Early

• Key trial member in a multiweek jury trial related to a billion-dollar licensing agreement that culminated in a favorable jury verdict related to claims of breach of contract, which was subsequently affirmed by the Second Circuit (S.D.N.Y.; 2d Cir.).
• Represented an investment fund during a multiweek arbitration related to an employment dispute with a former partner, resulting in a complete victory for our client and a determination that the former partner breached restrictive covenants, which decreased the carried interest owed.
• Won a complete dismissal of shareholders’ Caremark and Massey claims against a Fortune 500 company (Del. Ch.).
• Won a complete dismissal of a plaintiff’s claims based on statute of limitations issues (N.Y. Sup. Ct.).
• Representing a private credit fund in connection with its secured loan to a portfolio investment fund, including obtaining summary judgement in New York State Supreme Court, initiating an involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Delaware, and negotiating a settlement with the Chapter 7 trustee.

Kianna Early concentrates her practice on general commercial litigation and complex business matters. Kianna has handled a broad range of disputes across multiple industries, has represented both corporate and individual clients in state and federal courts, and has been a key member of several litigations that have culminated in trial. She has experience drafting substantive trial motions and appellate briefs, taking and defending depositions, and managing large scale document discovery in complex matters.

Kianna earned her J.D. from Cornell University, where she served as managing editor of the Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy and president of Cornell Latino American Law Student Association. Kianna also interned for Magistrate Judge Marian Payson in the Western District of New York. Kianna graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in policy analysis and  management.

Bar Admissions

• New York

Education

• Cornell University (J.D., 2021)
• Cornell University (B.S., 2018)