About Todd

Todd R — Knecht is an experienced employment law attorney based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With over 39 years in the field, he is known for handling complex employment-related legal matters. As the founder of Knecht Law, PLC, Mr. Knecht specializes in employment law and litigation, providing comprehensive legal services to clients across various industries. His office is located at 4999 N Quail Crest Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, where he continues to serve the community. Mr. Knecht earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hope College in 1977. He then pursued a Juris Doctor degree, graduating cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1981.

Following his graduation, he served as a law clerk for the late Honorable Douglas W. Hillman, a United States District Court Judge for the Western District of Michigan, Southern Division, in 1983. This clerkship provided him with inexperience in federal court proceedings. He was admitted to the Michigan State Bar in the same year and has been practicing law in Michigan ever since. In addition to his Michigan State Bar admission, Mr. Knecht is also a member of the District of Columbia Bar. His experience includes practice in federal courts, specifically the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, as well as the U.S.

Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Throughout his career, he has dealt with a variety of employment law issues, such as EEOC investigations, wrongful discharge claims, and sexual harassment allegations. His expertise extends to discrimination claims, wage-hour violations, and matters involving the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Mr. Knecht has successfully negotiated numerous severance agreements on behalf of both employers and key employees. His work spans various industries throughout West Michigan, showcasing his ability to navigate complex legal fields. Additionally, he has significant expertise in the creation, enforcement, and defense of non-compete and non-solicitation agreements. These agreements are crucial for protecting trade secrets from disclosure to competitors, a service that is increasingly in demand in today’s competitive market.

Beyond his work with employers and employees, Mr. Knecht also provides counseling and representation to physicians. He assists in medical staff fair hearing procedures, peer review matters, and disputes related to physician employment contracts. His extensive court appearances cover over 43 of Michigan's 83 counties, demonstrating his commitment to serving clients throughout the state. As a recognized speaker and author on various labor and employment law issues, he holds a BV® Distinguished Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting his high ethical standards and professional excellence. For inquiries, he can be reached at 616-308-4716 or via email at trknechtlaw@gmail.com.

Education

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

J.D. (1981)

1978

Accepted Jurisdictions

Michigan

Court Admissions

Michigan Court of Appeals State Appeals Court · Admitted 1983
Michigan Supreme Court State Supreme Court · Admitted 1983
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan U.S. District Court · Admitted 1983
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan U.S. District Court · Admitted 1983
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit U.S. Circuit Court · Admitted 1983

Types of Cases Handled

EEOC investigations wrongful discharge sexual harassment discrimination claims wage-hour violations FMLA ADA defamation breach of contract retaliation whistleblower claims non-compete and non-solicitation agreements restrictive covenants trade secrets medical staff fair hearing procedures peer review matters physician employment contract disputes

Legal Services Scope

Litigation Negotiation Counseling

Certifications & Awards

BV® Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Martindale-Hubbell

Office Locations

Main Office

 PO Box 68292 Grand Rapids MI 49516