Frederic T. Knape

Fred Knape is a member of the Litigation group who focuses on complex business disputes where safeguarding competitive position, goodwill, reputation, and other protectable interests are paramount.

He represents companies and executives in high-stake disputes involving restrictive covenants, trade secrets, fiduciary duties and other unfair competition claims, with a strategic approach grounded in efficiency and results.

Fred also maintains an active appellate practice, including landmark restrictive covenant cases and amicus briefs on issues that shape commercial and employment law. He likewise counsels businesses on restrictive covenant strategy nationwide, drafting agreements, implementing best practices, and guiding clients through competitive hiring, departures, and commercial relationships with an eye toward avoiding disputes before they escalate.

In addition to his litigation and counseling work, Fred advises trade and professional associations, including private medical associations and specialty societies, on ethics, peer review, and other internal governance matters while administrating and serving as parliamentarian for professional conduct programs. Clients value Fred’s clear judgment, practical guidance, and advocacy that aligns legal strategy with business priorities.

Experience

• Obtained declaratory judgment on behalf of railway executive to invalidate former employer restrictive covenants and allow competitive employment. Miller v. Canadian Nat’l Ry. Corp., 19-CH-3259 (Cir. Ct. Cook County, IL 2021).
• Represented manufacturer in preliminary injunction action against former executive for undisclosed operation of a competing company. Beemak Plastics, LLC v. Topping et al., 19 CH 01704 (Cir. Ct. Cook County, IL 2019).
• Defended professional medical association in appeal by member stemming from discipline for improper expert witness testimony. Barrash v. Am. Ass’n of Neurological Surgeons, 812 F.3d 416 (5th Cir. 2016).
• Negotiated permanent injunction on behalf of specialty pharmacy against former employee and competitor for misappropriation of trade secrets. BriovaRx, LLC. v. Savedra et al., No. H-13-3056 (S.D. Tex. 2014).
• Represented professional medical association on appeal of judgment against former member for suspension of membership. Brandner v. Am. Ass’n of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 760. F.3d 627 (7th Cir. 2014).
• Obtained preliminary injunction on behalf of telecommunications solutions provider against former executive to enforce restrictive covenants. PCTelWorx, Inc. v. Mize et al., No. 13 CVS 1146 (N.C. Sup. Ct. 2013).