Overview

Ethan Knight is a seasoned trial lawyer with more than two decades of experience handling high-profile matters in both federal and state courts. His practice centers on representing individuals and organizations in government investigations, white-collar criminal defense, national security issues, internal investigations, and complex litigation. Known for his steady courtroom presence and strategic advocacy, Ethan draws on his background as a prosecutor to help clients navigate sensitive, often high-stakes legal challenges and sensitive investigative matters. He offers a practical understanding of how enforcement agencies approach cases—and how to respond effectively.

Before joining Stoel Rives, Ethan served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, where he was nationally recognized for his handling of a number of significant cases. He led the National Security and Cybercrime Unit, overseeing prosecutions and complex investigations involving export enforcement, espionage, intellectual property theft, terrorism, and cyberattacks. Previously, as chief of the Economic Crimes Unit, he supervised cases and investigations involving financial fraud, tax evasion, environmental crimes, and public integrity.

From 1999 to 2007, Ethan served as a deputy district attorney for Multnomah County, where he tried more than 70 cases to verdict and built a reputation for clarity, composure, and credibility in the courtroom.

Education

University of Oregon School of Law, J.D., 1999

Duke University, A.B., Political Science, 1996

Admissions

Oregon

Experience

  • United States v. Mohamed Mohamud. Lead trial counsel in the prosecution of a terrorism defendant who attempted to detonate a truck bomb during Portland’s 2010 Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The case marked the first successful defense of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in federal court.
  • United States v. Reaz Qadir Khan. Prosecuted a defendant convicted of providing support to a suicide bomber involved in the 2009 attack on ISI headquarters in Pakistan.
  • United States v. Harold Nicholson, et al. Co-counsel in the espionage case against Harold Nicholson, a former high-ranking CIA officer, and his son. The case involved financial transactions with the Russian government and remains one of the most high-profile post-Cold War espionage prosecutions in the United States.
  • United States v. Ammon Bundy, et al. Lead trial counsel in the complex, nationally watched prosecution of individuals who occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Ultimately, 18 of 26 charged defendants were convicted.

Recognition

  • Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Furthering the Interests of U.S. National Security, 2015
  • FBI Director’s Award for Excellence in International Terrorism, 2014
  • Frank Noonan Award, United States Attorney’s Office, District of Oregon, 2013

Affiliations

Professional

  • Bar Press Broadcasters Advisory Council, Oregon State Bar, 2025–present
  • Board Member, U.S. District Court Historical Society, 2018–2022
  • Board Member (president), Oregon Law Foundation, 2015–2021
  • Attorney Representative, Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, 2018–2021
  • Board Member, Oregon Chapter, Federal Bar Association, 2013–2016
  • Board of Governors, Oregon State Bar, 2010–2014
  • Member (Chair), Ethics Committee, Oregon State Bar, 2007–2009
  • Member, Multnomah County Presiding Judge’s Committee on Jury Service, 2004–2007
  • Member, Uniform Criminal Jury Instructions Committee, Oregon State Bar, 2004–2006
  • House of Delegates, Oregon State Bar, 2002–2004

Civic

  • Coach, We the People, Lincoln High Constitution Team
  • Board Member, Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, 2004–2010
  • Committee Member, Governor’s Juvenile Crime Prevention Advisory Committee, 2008–2010
  • Duke Club of Portland, past president
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