Anna Knouse is a litigator who represents institutions of higher education and education-focused organizations in complex disputes involving employment matters, regulatory enforcement, government investigations, accreditation issues, contractual disputes, and other business-critical challenges. She regularly advises clients navigating federal and state regulatory frameworks and develops litigation strategies that align legal objectives with institutional priorities.
Anna has experience handling emergency and expedited matters, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and other forms of emergency relief when institutional operations, enrollment, funding, accreditation, or reputational interests are at stake. She also represents clients in administrative proceedings, arbitrations, and state and federal court litigation.
Known for her practical, solutions-oriented approach, Anna works closely with institutional leaders, in-house counsel, and compliance professionals to assess risk, manage crises, and advance strategic objectives. She is valued for her clear communication, attention to detail, and ability to distill complex legal issues into actionable guidance that helps clients make informed decisions under pressure.
Anna is passionate about supporting educational institutions and understands the unique legal, operational, and regulatory challenges they face. Her work helps clients protect their missions while navigating an increasingly complex legal landscape. Understanding the critical role education plays in society, Anna finds great fulfillment in empowering the education sector, knowing that her efforts contribute to their mission of providing quality education to future generations.
experience
- Johnathan Wynn v. Inteva Products, LLC (Etowah County, Alabama): Obtained a defense verdict at trial as first chair on a former employee’s claims against an employer.
- Calhoun v. Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC, et al., No. 2:21-cv-1417-AMM (N.D. Ala. March 12,2024): Obtained summary judgment for a multinational financial services company.
- Ricky Woods v. Samsung, et al., No. 48-CV-2022-0900041 (Ala. Cir. Ct. July 2023): Obtained voluntary dismissals of products liability claims on behalf of a cell phone manufacturer and a nationwide cell phone service provider.
- Schmitz v. Target Corp. et al., No. 2:21-cv-435-WKW (M.D. Ala. Dec. 12. 2022): Summary judgment victory on behalf a national retailer in a premises liability action based on theories of ADA and building code violations, premises liability, negligence per se and wantonness, for which the plaintiff sought punitive damages.
- Tunstall v. Captain D’s LLC, 2020 WL 362845, (N.D. Ala. Jan. 21, 2020): Obtained summary judgment.
- Williams v. ATP Huntsville, LLC, 2021 WL 5277157 (N.D. Ala. Mar. 31, 2021): Obtained a dismissal in an action against a recreational trampoline park operator for claims of assault and battery.
- Presenter, “Bringing Clarity to the Chaos: A Higher Education Litigation Update”
Career Education Convention (CECU), June 2026 - Presenter, “Federal Update: Regulatory Developments, Judicial & Legislative Impacts”
State Authorization Network (SAN), Open Forum, August 2025 - Presenter, “Legal Currents: Litigation Shaping Higher Education Now”
Career Schools Private Education Network (CSPEN), 11th Annual Conference, September 2025
- “Colo. College Drops Suit Against State’s Higher Ed Dept.”
Law360, April 10, 2026 - “Colo. College Says State’s Higher Ed Dept. ‘Ambushed’ It”
Law360, February 3, 2026 - “New York Reverses Position on Issuing X-Ray Technician Licenses to John Patrick University Grads”
Newsday, July 8, 2025 - “State Briefly Bans University from Issuing New Radiologic Technologist Licenses, Leaving Hundreds ‘In Limbo’”
Radiology Business, July 1, 2025
- Rising Star in Mid-South Super Lawyers, (by Thomson Reuters) 2025