Michael J. Gayan, Appellate Attorney in New York
focused on Appellate, Business, and Construction
New, NY
Trusted appellate attorney serving New York.
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Are you Michael J. Gayan?
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Quick answer
Michael J. Gayan is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Construction. Currently practicing at Claggett & Sykes Law Firm.
- Based in
- New York, NEW YORK
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Construction
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Construction matters from New York, NEW YORK.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026).
About Michael J. Gayan: Michael J. Gayan is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Construction. Currently practicing at Claggett & Sykes Law Firm.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael J. Gayan
Michael concentrates on appellate, business, construction, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Construction
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Litigation
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Appellate cases in New York
Michael takes appellate matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Business cases in New York
Michael takes business matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in New York
Michael takes construction matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in New York
Michael takes litigation matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael J. Gayan — Attorney of New York appellate experience
Michael J. Gayan is an attorney based in New York, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Construction. Currently practicing at Claggett & Sykes Law Firm.
Michael J. Gayan is a partner at Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers in Las Vegas, Nevada. He focuses his practice on Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, and Construction Law, and he also works with the firm’s mass torts and class action team. Michael has helped try cases to verdict and has been part of matters resulting in more than $400 million in recoveries for clients, including In re: Kitec Fitting Litigation, the largest class action case ever tried in Nevada. His litigation experience includes appearances before state and federal trial courts in Nevada and jurisdictions across the country, as well as the Nevada Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Michael has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his work in commercial litigation and by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star for class action and mass tort matters. Since 2015, he has authored the Nevada section of the American Bar Association’s Survey of State Class Action Law. He also serves on the Nevada Justice Association’s Construction Defect Committee and prepares amicus curiae briefs on behalf of the organization. Reported cases on which Michael has worked include Panorama Towers Condo. Unit Owners’ Ass’n v. Hallier, 498 P.3d 222 (Nev. 2021); Principal Investments, Inc. v. Harrison, 366 P.3d 688 (Nev. 2016); Barrett v. Eighth Judicial District Court, 331 P.3d 892 (Nev. 2014); Vanguard Piping Systems, Inc. v. Eighth Judicial District Court, 309 P.3d 1017 (Nev. 2013); and Slaughter v. Uponor, Inc., 475 Fed. Appx. 150 (9th Cir. 2012).
In addition to his litigation practice, Michael is committed to pro bono service and has received multiple awards recognizing the number of hours he has donated to the community. His pro bono work has included representing foster children in family court, litigating a construction defect matter on behalf of the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, and prosecuting and settling a class action on behalf of more than 10,000 Nevada payday loan customers. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Michael earned his undergraduate degree in business and finance from Brigham Young University in 2004 and graduated cum laude from the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2008. He is admitted to practice in Nevada state and federal courts and before the Supreme Court of the United States, and he is a member of Public Justice’s Class Action Preservation Project Committee.
How Michael handles appellate matters
Michael J. Gayan is a partner at Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers in Las Vegas, Nevada. He focuses his practice on Appellate Practice , Commercial Litigation, and Construction Law, and he also works with the firm’s mass torts and class action team. Michael has helped try cases to verdict and has been part of matters resulting in more than $400 million in recoveries for clients, including In re:…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and construction matters across New York.
Credentials
Michael J. Gayan's legal education and bar admissions
Brigham Young University
B.S. Business Management · 2004
University of Nevada
J.D. · 2008
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Nevada, State Bar of
ACTIVE
Michael studied at B.S. Business Management in Brigham Young University and J.D. in University of Nevada.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed B.S. Business Management in Brigham Young University and J.D. in University of Nevada. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael J. Gayan
Michael has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Antitrust
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Clark County Pro Bono Project, Honor Roll, Multiple Years
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Antitrust (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs (2026).
Locations
Michael J. Gayan's office in New York
Michael's primary office is at 200 Vesey Street, New York, New York, 10281. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael J. Gayan
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael J. Gayan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael J. Gayan
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in New York typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside New York?
Michael is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new appellate clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Michael handles appellate matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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