Atty. Joseph Knott
Joe found his calling in the Federal and State courtrooms of North Carolina over 40 years ago. He has worked as a trial attorney ever since.
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Attorney · Serving Raleigh, NC · 46+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Joseph Knott at a Glance
Joseph Knott is a personal injury attorney based in Raleigh, North Carolina, practicing at Ward and Smith PA. They have 46+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1980. Admitted to practice in North Carolina, North Carolina Bar Association (1980). Educated at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (J.D., 1980) and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.S., 1974). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026). Serves clients in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Joseph Knott
- Joe found his calling in the Federal and State courtrooms of North Carolina over 40 years ago
- He has worked as a trial attorney ever since
- He is familiar with many of the insurance professionals, defense lawyers, and trial judges that handle these cases in our state. "We only accept cases we think are meritorious and then prosecute those cases with vigor and passion born of a clear conscience." "Seeking justice in an unjust world" is Joe's professional motto
- For the plaintiff, truth is our only asset. "Telling the truth with argument and evidence to twelve people in a courtroom who want to do the right thing is what I do
- Joe began his legal career as a trial lawyer in the United States Department of Justice under President Ronald Reagan
- There he gained experience defending the United States against federal tort claims arising from personal injury and medical malpractice, as well as prosecuting criminal cases
- In more than 40 years of practice, Joe has tried medical malpractice, personal injury, and first degree murder cases to verdict before a jury. "I stopped counting at 100—and that was a long time ago."
Practice Areas Explained
Joseph Knott's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Joseph Knott handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Raleigh.
Personal Injury in Raleigh
Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.
Joseph Knott is one of 262,557 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in North Carolina →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Raleigh
Practicing law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Raleigh are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina 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 North Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Raleigh Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Raleigh-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Raleigh or all attorneys in North Carolina.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Raleigh Choose Joseph Knott
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Joseph Knott's practice in the field of personal injury.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Joseph Knott brings 46+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Focused Personal Injury Practice
Concentrating on personal injury means Joseph Knott's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Raleigh
A Raleigh-based practice means Joseph Knott attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Joseph Knott Handles in Raleigh
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Joseph Knott has experience with under North Carolina law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Joseph Knott directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Joseph Knott Online
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Joseph Knott's Practice Areas & Specializations
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