George H. Knott

Drawing on more than 40 years of complex transactional and litigation experience, George H. Knott focuses his practice on alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Recognized by The Florida Bar as a Board-Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Law and Business Litigation Law, George leverages his background to help parties effectively navigate and resolve disputes. Having tried more than one hundred (100) cases to verdict or judgment, he intimately understands the risks, costs, and uncertainties of the courtroom. By understanding the factual and legal frameworks surrounding complex issues, George provides parties with the realistic risk analysis and invaluable foresight needed to break impasses and resolve challenging matters.

George’s ADR practice centers on business and construction disputes. He is a strong proponent of mediation because it empowers parties to maintain control over their outcomes, manage risk, and reach their own resolutions in a cost-effective manner. In addition to his mediation practice, George has extensive experience serving as a neutral in non-binding and binding arbitrations. His dual background in both litigation and ongoing business counseling, including entity formation, corporate governance, and contractual dispute, equips him to facilitate creative, practical settlements that make business sense.

A dedicated professional, George has been recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer for Business and General Litigation and listed in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, a distinction awarded to fewer than two percent (2%) of Florida attorneys. He also holds an AV Preeminent® Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership roles in esteemed legal organizations, including serving as a Master in the American Inns of Court and as a Past President of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), demonstrating his longstanding commitment to the highest standards of the legal profession.

Professional and Civic Activities

• Master Emeritus, Calusa Chapter of the American Inns of Court
• Former President, Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates
• Former Co-Chair, General Civil and Business Litigation Practice Section, Lee County Bar Association
• Former Director, Lee County Legal Aid Society
• Past General Counsel, Lee Building Industry Association
• Former Member of Twentieth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
• Former Member of Twentieth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee

Representative Cases

• Represented a hospital system in prosecuting complex construction defect claims involving a multi-story acute care hospital, resulting in a multi-million-dollar recovery.
• Tried to verdict a payment and construction dispute arising from a downtown redevelopment project, obtaining a favorable jury verdict.
• Represented a private golf club in successfully defending a seven-figure claim brought by a former member, resulting in a zero jury verdict.
• Tried to a favorable judgment contract and covenant not to compete claims involving an executive placement company.
• Obtained a favorable jury verdict on claims for breach of fiduciary duty and constructive fraud related to the transfer of a machine shop’s assets.
• Successfully defended against a significant liquidated damages assessment on a large public infrastructure project.