
Knut Johnson
- Of Counsel
- New Mexico
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense
Education
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J.D., cum laude University of San Diego School of Law, 1986
B.S., with honors in Earth Science, Tulane University, 1980
Admissions
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International Criminal Court, The Hague, Netherlands, List of Counsel
California State Bar, 1986, Certified Specialist in Criminal Law
New Mexico Supreme Court
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Second Circuit Court of Appeals,
U.S. District Court, S.D. California
U.S. District Court, Arizona
U.S. District Court, Nevada
U.S. District Court, Colorado
U.S. District Court, C.D. California
U.S. District Court, N.D. California
U.S. District Court, W.D. Tennessee
U.S. District Court, E.D. California
U.S. District Court, W.D. New York
Affiliations
Languages
- Overview
- Case Results
- News and Publications
Knut S. Johnson has a diverse litigation practice in which he appears on behalf of clients in federal and state courts across the country, at both the trial and appellate courts as well as in habeas corpus proceedings. Including his many trials and appeals, he has also represented clients before the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol and the Mueller Special Counselās Office investigation.
Before becoming a lawyer, Mr. Johnson studied petroleum engineering and geology in undergraduate and graduate school and was then a petroleum geologist for a major oil company. As a petroleum geologist, he mapped oil reserves, worked on production estimates, and worked on rigs during the final stages of drilling.Ā He also received a significant amount of professional training in areas like well completion, exploration, and related topics.
As a lawyer, he has litigated cases alleging violations of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and other environmental laws and his New Mexico work emphasizes environmental litigation. Numerous organizations have honored for trial skills and ability to put together complex cases.
A proud graduate of Monte Vista Elementary, Jefferson Jr. High, and Highland High School in Albuquerque, Mr. Johnson has been licensed to practice in New Mexico since 1991.
Awards & Honors:
American Bar Associationās Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary, Unanimous āWell Qualifiedā rating (the highest ABA rating) after nomination to U.S. District Court, 2020
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, 2020
Top 50 Attorneys, San Diego Super Lawyers, 2020
Top 50 Attorneys, San Diego Super Lawyers, 2019
University of San Diego, School of Law, Distinguished Alumni Award, 2018
Americaās Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement Selection, 2018
Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, 2017
Lawyer of the Year, White Collar Criminal Defense, San Diego, Best Lawyers in America, 2016
E. Stanley Conant Award, Defenders Organizations of San Diego, 2013
Marquis Whoās Who in the World, 2012 – present
Fellow, American Bar Foundation, 2012 – present
Top 10 Attorneys, San Diego Super Lawyers, 2011
Top 10 Attorneys, San Diego Super Lawyers, 2010
San Diegoās Top 25 Lawyers, San Diego Metro, 2010
Top 50 Attorneys, San Diego Super Lawyers, 2009 – 2012; 2017 – 2019
San Diego County Top Attorneys, 2009
Southern California Super Lawyers, 2007 – present
E. Stanley Conant Award, Defenders Organizations of San Diego, 2005
The Best Lawyers in America, 2005 – present
State Bar of California, California Board of Specialization, Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, 2002
Certificate of Commendation, United States Marine Corps, 2001 [for Pro Bono work]
Martindale Hubble AV rating, 2000 – present
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, 2002 – present