Former Assistant U.S. Attorney for Oregon Ethan Knight Joins Stoel Rives as a Litigation Partner in Portland

PORTLAND, ORE. – Stoel Rives, an AmLaw 200 law firm, today announced Ethan Knight, former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, has joined the firm’s Portland office as a partner in the firm's Litigation group.

Bringing more than 25 years of experience handling high-profile matters in federal and state courts, Knight will primarily work in government investigations and white-collar crime, defending businesses, executives, and public officials facing sensitive government investigations and complex legal challenges. His background is especially relevant today as companies navigate a modern regulatory environment shaped by rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence, and evolving cybersecurity threats.

“Ethan’s background as a federal and state prosecutor gives him rare insight into how government enforcement actions unfold and how to strategically defend clients under scrutiny,” said Tom Johnson, Stoel Rives' Litigation group chair. "His experience in cybersecurity and national security, in particular, is especially valuable in today's business and legal landscape, where technology and law increasingly intersect.”

As AUSA, Knight led the National Security and Cybercrime Unit for the District of Oregon, overseeing prosecutions involving export enforcement, counterintelligence, cybercrime, domestic and international terrorism, and intellectual property offenses. He also previously served as chief of the Economic Crimes Unit, where he managed cases involving complex fraud, tax evasion, environmental crimes, and public corruption.

Prior to serving 18 years as an AUSA, Knight spent eight years as a Deputy District Attorney in Multnomah County, Oregon, where he tried more than 70 cases to verdict, bringing a proven track record of success in high-stakes litigation.

"I'm excited to join Stoel Rives as I transition to private practice," said Knight. "The firm has a stellar reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest's top firms, with an impressive bench of practitioners across a wide range of disciplines. Stoel Rives has long played a key role in representing clients who make up the backbone of the region’s economy and keep it running—I'm proud to become part of that tradition.

After years in public service, I was drawn to Stoel’s strong regional presence and the opportunity to collaborate with other former federal prosecutors across the firm. With deep prosecutorial experience in key offices like Portland, Boise, and California, Stoel Rives brings together a team that understands how enforcement agencies operate—and how to respond strategically. That’s the kind of team I’m excited to work with.”

A passionate advocate for maintaining high standards within the practice and development of the local legal community, Knight previously served as both President of the Oregon Law Foundation and as member of the Oregon State Bar’s Board of Governors, and he currently serves on the Oregon State Bar Press Broadcasters Advisory Council and as a Constitutional Law Team Coach for Lincoln High School in Portland.

Knight received his J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law, and his A.B. in Political Science from Duke University.