The City of Spearfish will have a new City Attorney later this year.
“The City of Spearfish is getting a great professional in David Knox to serve as our new City Attorney,” Mayor John Senden said. “We are very much looking forward to David starting to assist City staff and serve our great community.”
Knox, whose tentative start date with the City is in October, has worked for Federal Express Corporation in Memphis, Tennessee, since 2010. He has served in various positions for the company, including in-house litigator, business advisor, managing attorney and managing director of international e-commerce operations and commercial real estate, with the most current position as lead counsel in the Business Transactions Group, which involves negotiation and drafting of all types of contracts.
Knox earned his professional juris doctor degree and his undergraduate degree in business administration – management from the University of Memphis in Tennessee. He has practiced in both law firm and corporate environments since 1999 and has significant experience with civil litigation in state and federal courts, appellate practice, mediation, and representation before administrative agencies, giving him knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
Knox is also experienced in transactional work including negotiating and drafting a wide variety of contracts, leases, and other legal agreements. He has many years of experience representing clients in labor and employment matters and is well-suited to conduct investigations and to consult with and advise human resources on employment matters, and Knox has managed highly productive legal teams during his career.
“I am excited to serve the community and support the City’s leadership as we work to advance the vision, values, and mission of Spearfish,” Knox said. “My broad background has prepared me for the variety of issues the City may face as we work to maintain a community that the citizens love and are proud of, and that others enjoy visiting.”
Knox and his wife, Cindy, have family in the area and have visited the Black Hills, including Spearfish, numerous times over the last few years.
“We fell in love with the area and were looking to relocate here. When I saw this position, I felt it was the perfect opportunity for us,” he said.
Cindy is a professional life coach, and the couple have three adult children and three grandchildren. In their free time, they enjoy hiking, camping, riding their motorcycle, watching movies, reading, cooking, and spending time with their two dogs.
The City Attorney position has been vacant since July. The job summary on the Position Description describes, “This position is responsible for providing legal representation and guidance to city government, elected officials, and city staff.”