Samuel C. McKnight is one of the founders of the firm. He graduated from Georgetown University in 1967 with a Phi Beta Kappa key. He received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan in 1973. He has been a member of the Michigan State Bar since 1973. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, and the Sixth, Tenth and District of Columbia Circuits of the United States Courts of Appeal. He has practiced in federal district courts in Michigan, Illinois, New York and Ohio.

Sam has personally been awarded the highest rating (AV) by Martindale Hubbell. He is listed in Naifeh and Smith’s Best Lawyers in America in the field of labor and employment law. He has served as the Chair of the Labor and Employment Law Section Council of the State Bar of Michigan.

Sam has been recognized nationally for his expertise in providing labor organizations with advice and consultation during difficult contract negotiations. He directed several high-profile, successful contract campaigns for labor organizations, including those at the New York Daily News, the Detroit News and Free Press, Toledo Blade, FOX-TV, WDIV-TV and the Detroit Area Beer Distributors. He has also been involved in large-scale organizing campaigns, including the American Water nationwide contract campaign involving nine international unions.

Sam has been class counsel in complex litigation involving retiree healthcare benefits for retirees and surviving spouses. He has also served as a Trustee on the Laundry Industries and Laundry Workers Local 129 Welfare Fund for many years.

Sam has represented public- and private-sector unions in contract negotiations and benefit issues, including the House Officers Association at the University of Michigan, Utility Workers Local 223, SEIU International Union, Teamsters Locals, the UAW International Union and various locals, Toledo Blade unions and various Broadcast Employees (NABET) locals. Sam was also General Counsel to the Utility Workers Union of America.

Sam has frequently spoken at law schools, lawyers’ conferences and union conferences throughout the country about strategies and tactics for achieving goals through collective bargaining.