Education
- University of California, Berkeley School of Law
- Claremont McKenna College
Admissions
- California State Bar -2009
Awards
- Bronze Star Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
- Army Achievement Medal
- NATO Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Overseas Service Ribbon
- Global War on Terror Service Ribbon
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- Parachutist Badge
- Air Assault Badge
- ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate
Bio
Chris Knight is a highly accomplished attorney with over 15 years of experience as a prosecutor and military lawyer, bringing unmatched expertise and a relentless commitment to justice to Knight Law. Throughout his career, Chris has prosecuted hundreds of cases, including serious and violent felonies, special circumstances murder, sexual assault, and crimes carrying life sentences, consistently achieving exceptional results in high-stakes situations.
As a former prosecutor, he knows how prosecutors build their cases – and where they fall apart. He knows what arguments get charges reduced or dismissed. He knows what makes a jury hesitate to convict. Chris not only knows the system, but he was the system. He has sat in the same chair as your prosecutor, and he can use that knowledge to protect you and to fight for the best possible outcome.
Chris’s personal journey drives his exceptional commitment to justice. Growing up on the backside of the racetrack, where his parents trained thoroughbred racehorses, Chris witnessed firsthand the struggles of hardworking people navigating challenges beyond their understanding. Determined to make a difference, he became the first in his extended family to graduate from college, earning his bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College and his law degree from U.C. Berkeley School of Law. These early experiences instilled in him a profound desire to use his education and legal expertise to protect those who feel overwhelmed or defenseless in the face of the legal system. This commitment continues to shape his work today, as he empowers clients with knowledge, advocacy, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Prior to joining Knight Law, Chris worked as a Deputy District Attorney in the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, serving on the Sexual Assault Team. He prosecuted sex crimes as a trial attorney, including many cases that carried sentences of life imprisonment.
Chris previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, where he supervised and led 14 prosecutors in the General Felony and Sexual Assault and Child Abuse units. He oversaw the prosecution of serious and violent felonies, including special circumstances murder, and personally tried cases before juries.
Beyond the courtroom and when he’s not serving his country, Chris has a passion for empowering others through education. He served as a professor of criminal law and procedure at Monterey College of Law, where he taught a yearlong course alongside his wife, shaping the next generation of legal professionals.
Chris began his civilian legal career in the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, where he served as a Deputy District Attorney, working as a trial attorney assigned to the Domestic Violence, General Felony, and Sexual Assault and Child Abuse units.
Chris’s military service further exemplifies his ability to tackle intricate legal challenges. He currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve as a member of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. He served in varied roles on active duty, including as trial counsel, legal assistance attorney, and Special Assistant U.S. attorney. During his yearlong deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan, Chris handled high-stakes legal matters, advising NATO generals on targeting operations and leading a NATO claims team. His service earned him the prestigious Bronze Star Medal, a testament to his dedication and excellence.
