John Canoni

Senior Attorney
About

John Canoni is a highly accomplished trial lawyer with 30 years of experience. John has successfully tried numerous cases in both state and federal courts and has argued cases before state and federal appellate courts. His clients span a wide range of industries and business sectors, including financial services, real estate, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and consulting. John has represented those clients in a variety of complex disputes, including breach of fiduciary duty and other business torts, corporate governance, employment discrimination, professional liability, and product liability.

John has particular expertise in product liability matters, having successfully prosecuted and defended cases involving automotive, pharmaceutical, alcohol, personal care, food, and toy products, as well as in mass tort actions involving claimed exposure to asbestos, chemical, silica, and tobacco products. He served as national coordinating counsel for multiple asbestos defendants, for whom he developed, instituted, and managed comprehensive defense strategies and closely coordinated the work of liaison counsel.

In addition to his courtroom work, John counsels many of his clients on best business practices and works closely with general counsel, boards of directors, and executives to provide and implement litigation avoidance measures. Clients also trust John to conduct sensitive internal investigations and to provide proactive training and counseling to employees.

Prior to joining DLA Piper, John practiced at national trial and boutique firms in New York City and Dallas.

Bar admissionsNew YorkTexas
CourtsUnited States Court of Appeals for the Second CircuitUnited States Court of Appeals for the Third CircuitUnited States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia CircuitUnited States District Court for the Northern District of TexasUnited States District Court for the Eastern District of New YorkUnited States District Court for the Northern District of New YorkUnited States District Court for the Southern District of New YorkUnited States District Court for the Western District of New YorkUnited States District Court for the District of New JerseyUnited States District Court for the District of Colorado

EXPERIENCE

  • Defended an automotive products supplier against more than 75,000 asbestos personal injury claims nationwide. Orchestrated successful corporate defense strategies for the client, resulting in multiple defense verdicts.
  • Defended a CEO of a major mutual fund company against federal and state criminal charges, as well as multi-district civil complaints arising out of mutual fund market timing investigations.
  • Prosecuted a product defect claim on behalf of a fragrance distributor against a manufacturer of pump spray mechanisms in Connecticut, obtaining a multi-million-dollar settlement.
  • Senior attorney on largest court-appointed Monitorship in U.S. history under seal auditing and assessing compliance of Chinese telecom company with U.S. export laws and regulations.
  • Outside general counsel for youth sports organization and facilities owner assisting with COVID-19 issues, governance, employment, contracts, real estate leasing, insurance, and disciplinary matters.
  • Prepared the strategy for and deposed numerous third-party witnesses in Norway over several weeks, which resulted in the exclusion of public reports critical of the client in a securities fraud claim.
  • Defended a muffler manufacturer in a vehicle fire case in New York involving extensive third degree burns to a father and son, and winning summary judgment dismissing the plaintiffs’ manufacturing and design defect claims.
  • Defended a supplier of tubular steel used to fabricate drive shafts in a vehicle fire case in New Jersey involving the death of one passenger and significant third degree burns to another, securing a dismissal for the client based on a latent defect argument.
  • Defended a truck axle manufacturer in consolidated wheel separation lawsuits in New York alleging defective design and manufacture, negotiating for dismissal of the actions based on evidence uncovered from third parties in aggressive discovery maneuvers.
Education
  • J.D., Fordham University School of Law 1993
  • B.A., Amherst College 1990
    cum laude

Awards

  • Martindale-Hubbell "AV" Peer Review Rated for Very High to Preeminent Ethical Standards and Legal Ability

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Hackley School – President of the Board of Trustees (2015-2020); Vice-President (2013-2015); Board of Trustees, 2006-present (Chair, Committee on Trustees, 2020-present; Executive Committee, 2013-present)
  • University Club of New York – Vice-President (2015-2018); Council (2011-2015); Secretary (2008-2011); Assistant Secretary (2005-2008); Committee on Admissions (1999-2005)
  • Dallas Bar Association
  • Mac Taylor Inn of Court

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