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.
Professional Recognition and Associations▼
- Leadership Florida Class XXXI
- Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class 28
- National Association of College and University Attorneys
- NCAA Member and Delegate, 2004, 2010 and 2011
- Tallahassee Barristers Association
- Tallahassee Bar Association
- Florida A&M University National Alumni Association – Former General Counsel and Chaplain
- Florida State University Alumni Association
- Church of God By Faith, Inc. – Ordained Elder
- Florida Bar, April 1993
Court Admissions▼
- United States Supreme Court, January 2003
- United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, April 1997
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, July 1995
Education▼
- Florida State University College of Law, (J.D. 1992)
- Florida A&M University, magna cum laude (B.S., Data Processing 1987)
Honors and Awards▼
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated Attorney
- Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, 2008 – 2013
- FBI Citizens Academy Program, 2013
- LIVE Communications, Inc., African-American Honoree, 2011
- NAACP Achiever, 2002
- Virgil Hawkins Fellowship, Florida State University, 1989 – 1992
- E.I. Dupont Scholarship, Florida A&M University, 1987
- Honor Roll, Florida A&M University, 1987
- Dean’s List, Florida A&M University, 1986, 1987
- Presidential Recognition Award, University of Florida, 1985
Community Involvement▼
- PowerHouse Church of God By Faith, Pastor and Founder, 1997 – Present
- Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, Inc., Board of Directors, 2011 – 2020
- The Character Center Board of Directors, 2007 – 2020
- The University Center Club Board of Directors, 2006 – 2019
- The University Center Club Nominating Committee, 2014
- FSU College of Law Class Agent for Fundraising, 2013 – 2014
- Big Bend Hospice Community Outreach Council, 2001 – 2011
- CD Album entitled “Awakening”, 2008
- Freewill Tour – Big Bend Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, 2001
- CD Album entitled “Caught in the Middle”, 2001