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
