Paul L. Knight

Paul L. Knight serves as Of Counsel at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, where his practice focuses on litigation involving professional liability and white collar defense. With a legal career spanning over five decades, Paul is known for his deep insight into prosecutorial strategy, legal ethics, and the defense of corporate executives.

Paul earned his Juris Doctor and has since dedicated his career to public service and private practice. He served for 13 years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where he led the Federal Special Prosecutions Section—home to the office’s most senior prosecutors. His distinguished service earned him the Harold J. Sullivan Award and the EOUSA Director’s Award for Superior Performance.

Following his public service, Paul spent 35 years in private practice defending clients in high-stakes white collar cases and advising law firms on ethics, compliance, and strategy. He has taught extensively on topics including legal ethics, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and criminal procedure at law schools, CLEs, and international legal seminars.

Paul L. Knight is a member of the District of Columbia Bar and served 12 years on its Board on Professional Responsibility, including as a Hearing Committee Chair. He was also Associate Director of President Ronald Reagan’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, demonstrating his longstanding dedication to justice and victim advocacy.

Recognized in Super Lawyers from 2010 to 2024 in the areas of white collar crime and professional responsibility, Paul continues to bring seasoned judgment and legal acumen to the firm’s complex litigation matters. His experience makes him a trusted advisor in matters involving high-level prosecutions and professional conduct.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia

Education

• University of California Law San Francisco
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges