Nikylan Knapper
Administrative Judge & Attorney
St Louis,MO
Summary
Accomplished Attorney and respected Judge offering expertise in regulatory compliance, contract law and litigation. Communicates clearly and effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and stakeholders. Adept at developing lasting professional relationships.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Administrative Judge
USDA Office Of Hearings & Appeals
St. Louis , MO
02.2016 - Current
- Prepare and edit over 75 written legal opinions per year to defend rationale of rulings and inform public of new legal precedent arising from case.
- Collaborate with colleagues to establish policy and procedures for transition of paper files to Box platform.
- Resolve conflicts and negotiate mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
- Identify issues, analyze information and provide solutions to problems.
Trial Attorney
US Department Of Labor
Nashville, TN
02.2012 - 02.2016
- Litigated violations of safety regulations, which led to enforcement of fines totaling over $1,000,000 in civil penalties for large corporations.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Assessed cases for probable outcomes by researching black letter law and other legal authority, comparing fact patterns to those of precedential cases.
- Negotiated settlement agreements in client's best interest.
Senior Staff Attorney
Legal Aid Society Of Middle Tennessee
Nashville, TN
07.2009 - 02.2012
- Administered audits to verify data involving assets, income and liabilities.
- Created, reviewed and negotiated consumer contracts and settlements in best interest of clients.
- Aided in expansion of Consumer Protection Division and successfully litigated cases for clients of this division, which led to increase in profits by 60%.
- Managed high-volume caseload in most populous and demanding circuit.
Solo Practitioner
Law Office Of Nikylan Knapper, Esq.
Nashville, TN
08.2007 - 06.2009
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
- Conducted settlement negotiations and trial for property case with $50,000 in counterclaims.
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
- Apprised clients of potential risks and costs associated with each course of action.
Assistant Public Defender
Nashville Metropolitan Public Defender
Nashville, TN
08.2005 - 07.2007
- Assessed over 100 cases per week for probable outcomes by researching black letter law and other legal authority, comparing fact patterns to those of precedential cases.
- Advocated for clients before court in oral argument by presenting facts and evidence in most favorable light.
- Communicated with clients and collected information to research cases and prepare settlement offers.
- Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients.
Education
J.D. - Legal Studies
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Fayetteville, AR 08.2002 - 05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO 08.1998 - 05.2002
Skills
Critical reasoning
Precedential knowledge
Opinion writing
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Self-Motivated
Attention to Detail
Public speaking
Active Listening
MS Office
Planning and Coordination
Accomplishments
Recipient of the 2021 NAACP, St. Louis County, Public Service Award
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.
Colin Powell
Timeline
Administrative Judge
USDA Office Of Hearings & Appeals
02.2016 - Current
Trial Attorney
US Department Of Labor
02.2012 - 02.2016
Senior Staff Attorney
Legal Aid Society Of Middle Tennessee
07.2009 - 02.2012
Solo Practitioner
Law Office Of Nikylan Knapper, Esq.
08.2007 - 06.2009
Assistant Public Defender
Nashville Metropolitan Public Defender
08.2005 - 07.2007
J.D. - Legal Studies
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
08.2002 - 05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Central Missouri
08.1998 - 05.2002