Avery D. McKnight is a shareholder at the firm’s Tallahassee office. Avery has represented both public and private employers in state and federal court since his return to private practice with the firm in 2016. A strong advocate for his clients, his practice focuses primarily on representing management in employment litigation and providing preventative advice and counseling to help management avoid fruitless litigation costs. His experience, passion, and loyalty allow him to understand his clients’ business, legal, and reputational concerns and make him a well-trusted counselor and advocate. Avery’s approach to litigation reflects an intentional and deliberate effort to effectively and efficiently turn “lemons into lemonade.” He believes in the strong advocacy of his clients and management rights.
A fifth-generation native of Gainesville, Florida, Avery attended the University of Florida (1983-1985) and graduated from Florida A&M University in 1987. He earned his law degree from the Florida State University College of Law in 1992. Upon graduating from law school, Avery worked in the State Attorney’s Office in Tallahassee and was subsequently hired in the General Counsel’s Office at Florida A&M University. Avery served in the FAMU General Counsel’s Office for more than twenty years including as Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel.
Foremost, he is happily married to Chiquita and is the proud father of Elliott, Alexia, Sydney and Danielle.