Atty. John L. Knorek

Atty. John L. Knorek

John L. Knorek, a Director at the firm, provides counsel and representation to large and small employers in all aspects of employment and wrongful discharge law.

Honolulu Honolulu 45 Years Experience 45 year
Call (808) 523-6000

Profile Summary

About John L. Knorek at a glance

John L. Knorek is a employment and litigation attorney based in Honolulu, Hawaii, practicing at Torkildson Katz, A Law Corporation. They have 45+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1981. Admitted to practice in Hawaii (1981), United States, U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii (1981), and United States, U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (1981). Educated at Georgetown University (J.D., 1981) and University of Cincinnati (B.A. and M.P.A., 1978). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Serves clients in Honolulu, HI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • John L. Knorek, a Director at the firm, provides counsel and representation to large and small employers in all aspects of employment and wrongful discharge law
  • His practice also includes collective bargaining negotiations, affirmative action compliance, mediation and arbitration
  • He provides training to businesses on employment discrimination and preventative personnel practices, including family leave, disability law and sexual harassment
  • Mr. Knorek is a founding co-editor of the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce's Desk Manual for Employers and its Model Employer Handbook

Practice Areas

Labor and Employment, Employment Litigation, Employment Compliance, Labor Relations

Practice Areas Explained

John L. Knorek's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John L. Knorek handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

John L. Knorek is one of 151,622 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Hawaii →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

John L. Knorek is one of 409,070 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Hawaii →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Hawaii

Practicing law in Hawaii. Legal matters in Hawaii are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Honolulu are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Hawaii state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Hawaii brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Hawaii courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Hawaii attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Honolulu or all attorneys in Hawaii.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John L. Knorek

Where is John L. Knorek's law office located?
John L. Knorek's law practice is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. The firm is Torkildson Katz, A Law Corporation. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John L. Knorek handle?
John L. Knorek focuses on employment, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Hawaii.
How long has John L. Knorek practiced law?
John L. Knorek has 45+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1981.
Where did John L. Knorek go to law school?
John L. Knorek earned their education at (J.D., 1981); (B.A. and M.P.A., 1978).
How can I contact John L. Knorek for a consultation?
You can contact John L. Knorek directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has John L. Knorek received?
John L. Knorek's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment; Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:; Best Lawyers in America — Affirmative Action Plans.

Education

J.D.
Georgetown University
- 1981
B.A. and M.P.A.
University of Cincinnati
- 1978

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Affirmative Action Plans
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration and Mediation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Discrimination
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Employment
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Wage-Hour Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Hawaii's Best Lawyers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA Client's Guide
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers for Employment and Labor Law
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Honolulu)
- 2021
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management (Honolulu)
- 2017
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Honolulu)
- 2015

Bar Admissions

Hawaii
Admitted: 1981
United States, U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii
Admitted: 1981
United States, U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Admitted: 1981

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