Kate McKnight is a seasoned trial advocate in some of the most politically contentious matters of our day. From start to finish, she helps clients develop their litigation strategy, navigate complex discovery obligations, advocate their positions in court, prepare for and present their case at trial and, if necessary, resolve cases at the appellate level. Kate litigates in federal and state trial and appellate courts, and has particular experience in federal district courts, including the Eastern District of Virginia’s “Rocket Docket.
Calm and control
Kate brings a calm demeanor to representing clients in court and has done so in some of the most highly publicized and politically contentious courtroom matters. She strives to bring order to proceedings for clients, simplifying complex decisions and creating control for the client by developing different options to bring a dispute to conclusion.
Seasoned court advocate
A true courtroom lawyer, Kate is familiar with and comfortable in any court setting, from serving as the first-chair trial attorney to an appellate advocate before state supreme courts. Having participated in some of the most combative redistricting lawsuits in the past decade, she uses that forged-in-fire experience to strategize and plan in litigation and help commercial clients drive disputes to resolution.
A deft strategist
Kate has crafted strategies for clients where a single discovery motion early in the case has brought the opposing side to settlement. From the outset, she works with clients to develop litigation plans designed to achieve their goals. Kate protects and prepares clients for trial, giving them the options, and inherent risks, to decide when and how – and if – they should settle a case.
A team player
As a college athlete, Kate learned the effectiveness and value of teamwork, and that carries into her work today. She has a full-service law firm with over 1,000 attorneys behind her and has been at the same firm for 13 years, which means she is able to make smart and economical use of firm attorneys and resources to staff her team with the right people to meet client needs.
Election Law
- Represented the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission in defending state and congressional redistricting plans in state and federal court including arguing matter of first impression before Michigan Supreme Court. (Detroit Caucus v. MICRC)
Commercial Litigation in the EDVA
- Defended prominent accounting firm against claims of theft of trade secrets and tortious interference with contract brought in the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Used expertise to develop discovery motions strategy that helped cut short the case.
Tax Controversy, Litigation and Corporate Investigations
- Represented clients before the U.S. Tax Court in actions involving historic tax credit and conservation easement issues.