Erich A. Knorr
Partner, AWI-CH
Erich Knorr is a Partner at Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation and he leads the Tempe, Arizona office. He is a licensed attorney in Arizona and California. His practice focuses on workplace investigations related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and misconduct.
For nearly a decade, Erich has been committed to conducting complex investigations across diverse industries in the public and private sectors. Erich’s clients appreciate his thoughtful, professional approach and his unwavering commitment to being prompt and thorough in every matter. In 2023, Erich spearheaded the opening of Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation’s first office outside of California, establishing a new presence in Tempe, Arizona. This strategic expansion has allowed VM Law to help a wider array of employers improve their workplaces.
In the public sector, Erich is a go-to investigator for state and local government agencies, public safety departments, universities, community colleges, and high schools. Erich is well-versed in the laws related to sworn peace officers and fire personnel. He is adept at managing investigations that involve complex dynamics and significant public interest, including matters involving department heads, media attention, and elected government officials.
In the private sector, Erich has investigated high-stakes claims for organizations ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Erich is experienced across diverse industries such as high-tech, telecommunications, biotechnology, data management, trucking, waste management, construction, medical, emergency response, and food production. Erich’s clients trust him to handle high-profile investigations involving top executives and he is experienced in testifying in support of his investigations.
Erich is committed to advancing the field of workplace investigations and is a frequent speaker on workplace investigations topics and best practices. He is an active member of the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) and serves on the Seminar and Webinar Committee. Erich is also a co-convener for AWI’s Phoenix Local Circle and a convener of AWI’s nationwide Public Sector Affinity Group.
Before joining Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation, Erich represented public safety labor associations and their members in civil litigation, administrative proceedings, and labor disputes. His extensive experience with discipline and discharge proceedings, critical incidents such as officer-involved shootings, and high-stakes investigations provides him with a unique and valuable skillset as a neutral investigator.
Erich graduated with Distinction from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and is a member of the Roger J. Traynor Honor Society. He was an Associate Articles Editor for the Global Business and Development Law Journal. Erich served as an extern for the Honorable Ronald H. Sargis of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California. He also studied Fundamental Human Rights in the U.S. and Europe under Supreme Court Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy.
CA State Bar No. 294562
AZ State Bar No. 038028