Today we’d like to introduce you to Honorable Judge Stephen N. Knights, Jr.
Hi Honorable Judge Stephen N. Knights, Jr., thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hon. Judge Stephen N. Knights, Jr. is a second-generation Judge, following in his father’s footsteps. Judge Knights is a State Court Judge in Henry County, Georgia and was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp in 2022. Judge Knights attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, where he majored in Criminology with a minor in Psychology. While at John Jay, he was a member of the Firearms Training Society and an Auxiliary Police Officer with the New York City Police Department. In 2005, Judge Knights graduated from Western Michigan Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. While in law school, he interned with the Innocence Project and the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office in Ann Arbor, MI. In 2006, he became an Assistant Solicitor General in Georgia, then an Assistant District Attorney. After seven years as a Prosecutor and following in his father’s footsteps, he was appointed as a Magistrate Court Judge in 2012. In the same year, he joined the Knights Law Group, LLC., and specialized in criminal defense and personal injury litigation.
In his current role as a State Court Judge, Judge Knights handles misdemeanor criminal matters, traffic offenses, county ordinance violations, and civil matters that include personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, dispossessory appeals from Magistrate Court, and other matters.
Judge Knights is also an academic scholar. In 2021, he graduated with his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice. Judge Knights (or Dr. Knights) has taught courses in Law, Legal Studies, Sociology, Business Law, Criminal Justice, Legal Ethics, and Employment Law on the undergraduate and graduate levels at various colleges and universities such as Strayer University, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and DeVry University. Additionally, portions of his scholarly work are published. Judge Stephen N. Knights, Jr. also joined the faculty of The National Judicial College in 2023. When he is not on the bench, Judge Knights enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, playing chess, reading, and movies.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road the success is often paved with obstacles. It has not always been an easy road, but you just have to keep going forward on that road to get to the next level. However, Judge Knights has always been a natural leader. For example, as a student in Law School, he was the Features Editor for the Pillar Newspaper (the Law School’ Newspaper). He was active in Moot Court and Mock Trial competitions and represented his school nationwide in Competitions. He was the Chairman of the Moot Court Board. And Vice-Magister for Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity. He was a Senior Research Editor for the Law Journal. He was also an Editor with the “The Docket,” a monthly Legal magazine. Knights was the Winner of the First-Year Moot Court Competition, Best Advocate of Intra-School Mock Trial Competition, and the Intra-School Alternative Dispute Resolution Competition winner. He received the Distinguished Student Award and other notable awards. Additionally, Knights gave the valedictory speech at his law school graduation in May 2005.
With all of these achievements, prior to even becoming a lawyer, and then a Judge, Judge Knights remained hardworking and diligent to become better. “There were times when opportunities passed by me; but I knew that meant that I just had to work harder, continue to learn from others, and maintain my faith that the outcomes would be different.” With the right attitude, guidance, and preparation, anything is possible. You can hope and pray, but you still have to do you part and put in the work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Honorable Judge Stephen N. Knights, Jr. is a State Court Judge. As State Court Judge, Judge Knights presides in Henry County, GA over the following matters: misdemeanor criminal offenders, traffic offenses, county ordinance violations, and civil matters that include personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and dispossessory appeals from Magistrate Court, and other matters.
What sets Judge Knights apart from others is his background. He has been in the courtroom from a very young age. His passion for the law is undeniable. He saw his father in Court, and many Judges and lawyers. Because he has seen many Judges preside throughout his life and career, Judge Knights is always fair, impartial, respectful, and follows the law. Judge Knights is aware that these qualities are essential for being a good Judge. He is also always on time and prepared.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Always be grateful. Take the moments to learn from your losses and your wins. Be aware that you are where you are for a reason. You can make a change and a difference, big or small. It is up to you to determine how you will handle your present situation. Be grateful, have faith, work hard, and never give up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.judgeknights.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judgeknights/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judgeknights/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/judgeknights
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpAB0g0xPH4mqeKtF1cV-qg
Image Credits
Andreal Mallard (image credit)
