JOHN R.
KNOWLES
1530 S. State St., Unit 905, Chicago, Ill. 60605
(312) 339-2623
[email protected]EXPERIENCE
CHICAGOTALKS.ORG
Chicago, Ill.
Editor
January, 2015
Previously covered a wide range of stories for award-winning website; will begin as editor in January, 2015.
CHICAGO TONIGHT WTTW
Intern
Will begin internship with WTTWs Chicago Tonight news show in January, 2015
Chicago, Ill
January, 2015
SWANSON, MARTIN & BELL, LLP
Chicago, Ill.
Associate Attorney
August 2011 December 2013
Defended Fortune 15 Corporation in variety of general negligence matters, including highly publicized civil lawsuit
that arose from death of shoplifter and numerous premises liability suits.
Represented international fast food restaurant in lawsuit arising from double murder of two employees as well as a
number of premises liability suits and franchise agreement concerns.
Traveled throughout the country representing three national consumer products companies in several toxic tort
lawsuits concerning diacetyl and benzene exposure that plaintiffs alleged caused terminal illnesses.
Defended major Chicago commuter train agency in multiple lawsuits concerning pedestrians struck by trains and
employee suits involving Federal Employers Liability Act.
Oversaw five-day Environmental Protection Agency inspection of client facility; engaged in negotiations over
disclosure of documents, photographing of site and relevant areas of inspection; supervised employee interviews.
Defended local petroleum coke storage site operator in highly publicized lawsuit brought by Illinois E.P.A.
HEINEKE & BURKE, LLC
Chicago, Ill.
Associate Attorney
October 2008 August 2011; December 2013 July 2014
Engage clients and principals to develop litigation strategies for matters in numerous areas of defense law, including
The Dram Shop Act, premises liability, general negligence, food poisoning, malicious prosecution.
Litigated ten arbitrations and dispositive motions.
Conduct discovery and evidence depositions of plaintiffs, witnesses, police officers and treating physicians.
EDUCATION
COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO
Masters Degree, Journalism, candidate (2015)
Chicago, Ill.
THE JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL
Chicago, Ill.
Juris Doctor
May 2008
Honors:
August A. Rendigs National Products Liability Moot Court Competition - National Finalist
Activities:
The John Marshall Law School Moot Court Executive Board, Associate Justice and Candidacy Director;
Dean Fred F. Herzog Moot Court Competition, Teachers Assistant
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Bloomington, Ind.
May 2003
