William Knox Email & Phone Number

San Mateo, California, Us

• Developed and implemented collections procedures with outside counsel and internal assets resulting in recovery of over $8 million dollars of overdue customer balances.• Collaborated with outside counsel in developing case strategy and objectives and actively monitored all case filings prior to submission as both plaintiff and defendant in matters involving alleged misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of restrictive covenants, competition issues, breach of contract, product liability issues, and employment issues.• As the company grew from ~ 200 employees to ~ 1000 employees in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, served as legal lead to Human Resources providing legal and practical advice and support. This included implementation of best practices across the many states in which the company has employees, policy development and implementation, and addressing hiring, discipline, and termination issues.• Served as point person representing the company in interactions with various governmental entities regarding competition issues, including the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Canadian Competition Bureau.• Drafted and reviewed contracts for the company’s general and administrative functions, including Finance, Accounting, Marketing and IT.

Valencia, California, Us

Vice President, Legal Affairs and Administration, and Corporate Secretary (2004 – 2016)General Counsel (2003 – 2004)►Served as member of executive leadership team, participating in policy development, and researching, analyzing, and advising on all legal issues affecting the Company.►Provided critical legal information pertaining to strategic initiatives, operating model, and operational execution.►Negotiated, prepared and reviewed contracts, including for the purchase and sale of timberlands involving over $100 million in consideration.►Engaged and managed outside counsel in connection with projects, employment issues, claims and litigation matters.►Prepared and/or reviewed various corporate internal and external communications and policies, including the Company’s annual report.►Supervised the Human Resources department including payroll administration, benefits procurement and design, safety program design, employment handbook maintenance, employee policy communication/training, manager/supervisor training, job description/qualification review, and performance evaluation design and monitoring.►Supported Chairman of the Board and CEO regarding corporate governance and structural issues, including amendment of articles of incorporation and bylaws.

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

Member (2002 –2003)Special Litigation Counsel (1997 – 2002)Senior Litigation Associate (1990 – 1997)Represented clients in commercial contract disputes and intellectual property litigation.►Successfully negotiated multi-million-dollar settlement for creator of two successful television shows in profit participation action. ►Formulated strategy and first chaired bench trial for landlord in breach of lease action resulting in judgment for client of over $1 million.►Tried matter before American Arbitration Association in which client was awarded over $430,000 on indemnification claim relating to underlying patent infringement action.►Tried matter before American Arbitration Association in which client was awarded over $245,000 on claim for breach of consulting agreement.►Represented insurers regarding coverage and insurability issues for various entertainment properties, including suggestions for script and element changes to resolve potential issues.►Represented French corporation in litigation with entertainment conglomerate regarding scope of licensed rights.►Defended music composer/artist in copyright infringement action. Negotiated settlement favorable to client.

New York, New York, Us

Represented clients in matters involving commercial contract disputes, business torts, securities fraud claims, and product liability claims.►First chaired arbitration before American Arbitration Association panel. Obtained defense judgment for brokerage house, broker and supervisor on claims by customer for failure to adequately supervise broker and churning of account.►Second chaired private arbitration in defense of company against wrongful termination claim by former CEO. Negotiated favorable settlement after close of evidence.►Participated in internal investigation for television Production Company in connection with defense of unfair competition and common law infringement of right to publicity claims. Established in-house procedures for client.

Washington, D.C., Us

Represented clients in matters involving contract and franchise disputes, trademark infringement, business torts and product liability claims.►Represented national franchisor in prosecution of numerous federal court actions for breach of franchise agreements, trademark infringement, unfair competition, and misappropriation of trade secrets. Participated in settlement negotiations leading to consolidated settlement.►Represented foreign corporation and U.S. subsidiary in products liability litigation. Supervised local counsel in other jurisdictions on discovery matters and motion practice. Drafted various motions and assisted in selection and preparation of expert consultants and witnesses.

Juris Doctorate

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), History