Ann E. Knuth

Ann E. Knuth focuses her legal practice in labor and employment law. With over 25 years of experience, Ann guides employers through the entire employment relationship, from recruitment to termination. She counsels businesses of all sizes, from start-up companies to international corporations, to help them manage their human capital and meet their business goals. Ann leverages her deep understanding of labor and employment law to assist clients in building policies and adopting proactive compliance measures to avoid costly litigation.

Ann has extensive litigation experience defending employers in state and federal courts, and before the Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, Ohio Civil Rights Commission and other state regulatory agencies. She represents clients facing claims of discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, breach of contract and statutory violations, including Title VII and wage and hour class and collective actions. Ann also negotiates restrictive covenants and nondisclosure agreements and litigates their enforcement. She represents employers in all phases of labor relations, including union organization, elections, contract negotiation, grievance resolution, arbitration and unfair labor practice charges. Ann also advises clients on I-9 compliance and audits, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement inspections, and E-Verify procedures.

Professional History

• Of Counsel, Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, 2018-present

• Of Counsel, Mansour Gavin, LPA, 2011-18

• Partner, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Arnoff LLP, 2002-10; Associate, 1997-2001

• Associate, Schwarzwald & Rock, 1993-97

• Process Specialist – Technical, S.D. Warren Company, 1985-90

Publications & Speaking Engagements

Ohio Governor DeWine Signs Law Providing Civil Immunity to Employers Facing COVID-19 Related Lawsuits

September 15, 2020

DOL Guidance on the FMLA+ and ESPSLA Small Business Exemption

March 31, 2020

DOL Guidance on COVID-19 and the Workplace

March 25, 2020

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Breaking Down Both Types of Leave

March 20, 2020

Families First Coronavirus Response Act Signed Into Law

March 19, 2020

COVID-19 Employment Challenges

March 19, 2020

Governor DeWine Suggests That Employers Take Employees’ Temperatures Daily

March 18, 2020

September 30th Wage Reporting Deadline Fast Approaching

September 20, 2019

Community Involvement

The Broadway School of Music and the Arts, President, Board of Directors; Board Member, 2000-present

College Now Greater Cleveland, Mentor, 2016-present

Awards & Distinctions

The Best Lawyers in America®, Employment Law-Management, 2020, Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2020-21

Memberships & Affiliations

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Member

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation, Member

Ohio Bar Association, Member