Chris Knight

As a former law clerk to both state and federal appellate judges, Chris Knight understands how judges make decisions. He now uses that insight to advance his clients’ interests through well-crafted legal arguments throughout the trial and appellate process. Chris has prepared briefs on a variety of cutting-edge legal issues—from the types of damages available in fraud cases, to the scope of the State of Texas’ sovereign immunity, to a criminal defendant’s constitutional right to exculpatory evidence before pleading guilty.

Chris graduated first in his class from SMU Dedman School of Law, where he served as lead articles editor on the SMU Law Review and as an officer in the Christian Legal Society. He also actively served his community during law school, volunteering with an organization that combated urban blight in West Dallas and teaching government and civics to Dallas middle school students.

Chris is a member of the Appellate Section of the Texas State Bar and regularly authors case summaries for the Section’s quarterly publication. He is also a member of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society and the Federalist Society. Outside the office, Chris is active in his congregation and enjoys playing tennis as well as spending time with his wife and two daughters.

EDUCATION :

• J.D., Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, 2015, valedictorian; summa cum laude; Order of the Coif; lead articles editor, SMU Law Review
• B.B.A., Abilene Christian University, 2012

CLERKSHIPS :

• Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Leslie H. Southwick, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 2016-2017
• Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Jeff Brown, Texas Supreme Court, 2015-2016

ADMISSIONS : Texas, 2015

COURT ADMISSIONS : U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit