Richard M. Knoth

Partner

Cleveland
T +1.216.861.7412
F +1.216.696.0740

"[Dick Knoth] has broad capabilities across the dispute resolution spectrum, and is noted as a proficient and recognized advocate at the trial and appellate levels."

— Chambers USA 2013

Overview

With more than 30 years of unmatched trial experience, Dick Knoth has developed a strong practice in complex commercial litigation/intellectual property law and is recognized as one of the top trial lawyers in his field. He has first-chair experience on behalf of national and international companies in jury and bench trials in courts throughout the country.

In addition, Dick has successfully argued more than 50 appeals in both state and federal courts throughout the U.S. Beyond his corporate clients, Dick has been appointed as special counsel to the Department of Justice, as well as state and local governmental entities. In that light, Dick is often called upon to represent companies undergoing government investigations.

Dick is ranked in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business in the area of General Commercial Litigation and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America©.

Select Experience

  • Successful appeal of erroneous dismissal of racketeering claims in 2023 relating to improper dealings in governmental self-insured healthcare contracts.
  • Unanimous jury verdict in high profile case relating to fraud in the procurement of governmental healthcare contracts following month-long trial.
  • Lead trial counsel in unprecedented federal jury trial against private equity owners of national air-medical transport entities which effectively eliminated price-gouging by air ambulance industry.
More »

Experience

  • Successful appeal of erroneous dismissal of racketeering claims in 2023 relating to improper dealings in governmental self-insured healthcare contracts.
  • Unanimous jury verdict in high profile case relating to fraud in the procurement of governmental healthcare contracts following month-long trial.
  • Lead trial counsel in unprecedented federal jury trial against private equity owners of national air-medical transport entities which effectively eliminated price-gouging by air ambulance industry.
  • Prosecuted software conversion/misappropriation claims and obtained a favorable seven-figure jury verdict, punitive damages and permanent injunction in a California multifaceted enterprise resource planning (ERP) litigation. 
  • Lead counsel in trial of environmental case concerning governmental imposition of contested requirements to operate energy facility.
  • Defended patent claims and pursued third-party contribution/indemnity in federal court involving developing technology in the field of digital satellite transmission.
  • Represented a client in long-term shipping disputes concerning trade practices of navigable waters. Included pursuing claims and defenses before a jury and successful resolution of third-party claims.
  • Represented corporate clients in government investigations relating to trade practices in fields including the technology, healthcare and energy industries.
  • Pursued trade secret/unfair competition claims in microfilm technology and innovations regarding the state-of-the-art processing of health and hygiene products.
  • Defended patent claims related to display media technology, including transmission mediums, in several jurisdictions.
  • Prosecuting multifaceted actions relating to copyrighted software and license agreements in the ERP field with the ongoing monitoring of claims.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • Chambers USA: General Commercial Litigation in Ohio (2012 to 2014)
  • Litigation Counsel of America: Trial Fellow
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (2011 to Present)
    • Ohio: Commercial Litigation
    • Ohio: Litigation – Intellectual Property
    • Ohio: Litigation – Patent
      • Lawyer of the Year (2022)
  • Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent

Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • Ohio State Bar Association
  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Community

  • Awarded St. Thomas More Medal in 2022 by peers in Northeast Ohio for excellence in practice and model ethics
  • Candidate for Mayor, City of Cleveland 2021
  • Cleveland Police Commission
    • Appointed by Mayor Frank Jackson to Commission overseeing a Consent Decree issued by District Judge Solomon Oliver directing reformation of Cleveland Police Department
    • Co-chair of Commission - authored several executive papers on modern policing policies and civil rights implications
  • Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Port Authority
    • Director, appointed and re-appointed by Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Commissioners
    • Former Vice Chair
  • Case Western Reserve University School of Nursing: Board of Advisors
  • Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland: Trustee/Strategic Planning
    • Financial Advisor
    • Trustee
  • Beaumont School for Girls
  • Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio, Cleveland
    • Board of Trustees
    • Former Board Chair
    • Former Treasurer/Director of Finance
  • Opera Cleveland: Board of Trustees

Admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims
  • Texas
  • Ohio
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • New York

Education

  • J.D., DePaul University College of Law
  • A.B., Boston College, cum laude