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    1. Home
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    3. Mark KnightsPeople

    Mark Knights

    Partner


    • Manchester, Boston
    • Office603.628.4027
    • mknights@nixonpeabody.com

    I'm a 2023 Nixon Peabody Pro Bono Champion.Read more about our Pro Bono program

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    Introduction

    Mark Knights is a member of the Government Investigations & White Collar Defense practice group and lead of the Global Compliance & Investigations team. He represents individuals and businesses across a variety of industries in connection with matters involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, and other federal and state laws.
     

    Prior to joining Nixon Peabody, Mark served as a law clerk for Judge Mary Beck Briscoe of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and Chief Judge Joseph Laplante of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.

    Practice Areas

    Government Investigations & White Collar DefenseLitigationLife Sciences & Healthcare Compliance and InvestigationsPublic CorruptionGlobal Compliance & InvestigationsFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam MattersForeign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)Securities & Governance LitigationState Attorneys General

    My focus

    My practice encompasses a broad range of complex criminal and civil matters.

    I help businesses mitigate the risk of investigation and prosecution by designing and implementing strategies to prevent—and, if necessary, detect and remedy—corruption risks and other wrongdoing by employees. When government investigations, prosecutions, and enforcement actions do arise, I draw on my experience to guide my individual and institutional clients through all stages of the case up to and including trial. Among other things, I have helped secure written declinations to prosecute for both a major technology company faced with a Korean government investigation into alleged theft of trade secrets and a large manufacturer of highway safety products in a federal investigation into allegations of false claims.

    I also represent both plaintiffs and defendants in a number of commercial litigation matters. I have extensive experience defending against putative class actions, and previously represented a major national bank in a multi-district federal litigation comprised of over 30 different consolidated class actions. I am currently defending the founder and former CEO of a specialty pharmaceutical company against nearly 250 civil actions in state and federal courts throughout the country.

    In addition to this work, I am devoted to providing pro bono representation to individuals and organizations in need. I have helped Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Hampshire protect the interests of abused or neglected children in a number of matters before the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Together with Nixon Peabody’s partners at AARP Foundation, the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire, and New Hampshire Legal Assistance, I am representing a class of older adults and people with disabilities who are suing the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services to ensure their right to live independently in the community instead of being placed in institutional care.

    Looking ahead

    Countries around the globe are devoting more resources and attention to combatting public corruption. With the renewed focus on anti-corruption measures, expect increased cross-border cooperation between DOJ and its analogues.

    Insights

    • “Border Law & Confidential Client Information,” NH Bar live webcast, November 3, 2021
    • “Confidentiality of Client Identity,” NH Bar live webcast, June 26, 2020

    In the news

    • New Hampshire Bulletin

      ‘We’re teetering on the edge.’ Are Medicaid rates making it harder to age at home?

      This article, focusing on roughly 600 New Hampshire residents at risk of losing at-home care in July if the state doesn’t increase its Medicaid-funded Choices for Independence (CFI) payments to providers, refers to a pending CFI federal lawsuit filed against the state Department of Health and Human Services by NP, New Hampshire Legal Assistance, Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire, and the AARP Foundation. The NP team involved in the case is led by Manchester Complex Disputes counsel Kierstan Schultz and includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights and Cybersecurity & Privacy partner Dan Deane, both of Manchester, and Complex Disputes associates Scott Dinner of Washington, DC and Tammy Nguyen of Chicago.

      March 22, 2023
    • WMUR News 9

      Accuser settles with New Hampshire over claims of abuse at Youth Detention Center

      This broadcast report features an interview with Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights, who discusses how the team is fighting to get justice for nearly 1,000 victims of child abuse in New Hampshire’s state-run youth housing facilities.

      Feb 16, 2023
    • The Deal

      Resonetics to acquire two SAES units

      The following article covers Resonetics LLC’s $900 million agreement to acquire Memry Corp. and SAES Smart Materials Inc. from NP client SAES Getters SpA. The article mentions Manchester partner and Private Equity & Family Offices team leader Phil Taub and Boston partner Amy O’Keefe, both of the Corporate group, for leading the NP team representing SAES Getters on U.S. legal matters. The team also includes Chicago partner and Global Finance co-leader Rob Drobnak; Corporate partners Alexandra Lopez-Casero and Thomas McCord from Boston, Andrew Share from Manchester, and Sean Clancy from Washington, DC; Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Mark Beaudoin from Manchester and Alison Torbitt from San Francisco; Boston Labor & Employment partner Jeff Gilbreth; Rochester Intellectual Property partner Kristen Walsh; Washington, DC Complex Disputes partner and Antitrust leader Gordon Lang; Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights; Rochester counsel and Cybersecurity & Privacy deputy leader Jenny Holmes; Boston Corporate counsel David Crosby; Washington, DC Complex Disputes counsel Brian Whittaker; Albany Affordable Housing & Finance counsel Dana Stanton; Corporate associates Shaziah Singh from New York, Anthony Bova from Boston, Corey Habib from Manchester, and Hrishikesh Shah from Chicago; and Manchester Corporate department attorney Dave Zimmermann.

      Dec 9, 2022
    • Associated Press

      Fund urged for sex abuse victims at youth detention center

      This article covering New Hampshire’s proposed $100 million settlement fund related to claims of child sex abuse by former workers at a state-run youth detention center quotes Manchester partner and Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense leader David Vicinanzo, who is representing alleged victims in the case. The NP team also includes Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane and associates Kierstan Schultz and Nate Warecki, and GIWC partner Mark Knights and associate Michael Strauss, all of Manchester.
      Jan 20, 2022
    • Associated Press

      Settlement fund proposed for youth center sex abuse victims

      This article covering New Hampshire’s proposed $100 million settlement fund related to claims of child sex abuse by former workers at a state-run youth detention center quotes Manchester partner and Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense leader David Vicinanzo, who is representing alleged victims in the case. The NP team also includes Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane and associates Kierstan Schultz and Nate Warecki, and GIWC partner Mark Knights and associate Michael Strauss, all of Manchester.
      Jan 18, 2022
    • Granite State News Collaborative

      Lawsuit alleges DHHS fails to properly administer Medicaid waiver program

      This article covers a federal judge’s decision that a class-action lawsuit over the plaintiffs’ right to live independently instead of being placed in institutional care may proceed, quoting Manchester Complex Commercial Disputes associate Kierstan Schultz. In addition to Kierstan, the NP team working on the case includes Complex Commercial Disputes partner Daniel Deane, Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights, and paralegal Sharon Willier, all of the Manchester office.
      Dec 4, 2021
    • New Hampshire Union Leader

      Judge allows health care lawsuit vs state to proceed

      This article, covering a federal judge’s ruling that a class-action lawsuit over the plaintiffs’ right to live independently instead of being placed in institutional care may proceed, quotes Manchester Complex Commercial Disputes associate Kierstan Schultz on the decision. In addition to Kierstan, the NP team working on the case includes Complex Commercial Disputes partner Daniel Deane, Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights, and paralegal Sharon Willier, all of the Manchester office.
      Nov 29, 2021
    • New Hampshire Bar News

      Off Track: Federal court dismisses false statement charge because, well, the government didn't allege a false statement

      Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights and associate Michael Strauss contributed this article summarizing and analyzing a federal judge’s dismissal of a 1001 charge against a New Hampshire home exterior company related to alleged false statements.
      July 21, 2021
    • New Hampshire Business Review

      A new president's administration takes a different tack on enforcement

      Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice group leader and partner David Vicinanzo, GIWC partner Mark Knights and associate Michael Strauss, and Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane, all in Manchester, contributed this article on the Biden administration’s enforcement priorities, outlining a response plan for businesses faced with government investigations.
      June 11, 2021
    • The Herald News

      Lakeville marijuana application for Northeast Alternatives still on hold after court hearing

      This article, covering a client’s long-pending application for a provisional license to open a cultivation facility, quotes Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights from arguments on Monday before a Suffolk Superior Court judge, stating that NP client Northeast Alternatives deserves an answer.
      April 28, 2021
    • Concord Monitor

      Lawsuit Seeks Stop to Unnecessary Placements in NH Nursing Homes

      Manchester Complex Commercial Disputes associate Kierstan Schultz is quoted in this article covering a class action complaint filed against the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services for failing to properly administer its CFI Medicaid waiver program. NP—together with NH Legal Assistance, Disability Rights Center-NH, and the AARP Foundation—filed the lawsuit in federal court on behalf of older adults and persons with disabilities enrolled in the CFI program. In addition to Kierstan, the NP team includes Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane, paralegal Sharon Willier, and Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner Mark Knights, all of Manchester.
      Jan 12, 2021
    • McKnight’s Senior Living

      Medicaid waiver enrollees put at risk of unnecessary nursing home placement, lawsuit claims

      The following article covers a class action complaint filed against the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services for failing to properly administer its CFI Medicaid waiver program. NP—together with NH Legal Assistance, Disability Rights Center-NH, and the AARP Foundation—filed the lawsuit in federal court on behalf of older adults and persons with disabilities enrolled in the CFI program.

      The NP team includes Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane, associate Kierstan Schultz and paralegal Sharon Willier, and Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner Mark Knights, all of Manchester.

      Jan 12, 2021
    • Reuters Legal

      New Hampshire Sued over 'Unnecessary' Nursing Facility Placements

      The following article covers a class action complaint filed against the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services for failing to properly administer its CFI Medicaid waiver program. NP—together with NH Legal Assistance, Disability Rights Center-NH, and the AARP Foundation—filed the lawsuit in federal court on behalf of older adults and persons with disabilities enrolled in the CFI program.

      The NP team includes Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane, associate Kierstan Schultz and paralegal Sharon Willier, and Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner Mark Knights, all of Manchester.

      Jan 11, 2021
    • New Hampshire Public Radio

      Lawsuit Alleges New Hampshire Is Failing to Administer Program for Seniors, People with Disabilities

      The following article covers a class action complaint filed against the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services for failing to properly administer its CFI Medicaid waiver program. NP—together with NH Legal Assistance, Disability Rights Center-NH, and the AARP Foundation—filed the lawsuit in federal court on behalf of older adults and persons with disabilities enrolled in the CFI program.

      The NP team includes Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane, associate Kierstan Schultz and paralegal Sharon Willier, and Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner Mark Knights, all of Manchester.

      Jan 11, 2021
    • New Hampshire Union Leader

      Lawsuit: State Shirking Responsibility for At-Home Care Services

      The following article covers a class action complaint filed against the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services for failing to properly administer its CFI Medicaid waiver program. NP—together with NH Legal Assistance, Disability Rights Center-NH, and the AARP Foundation—filed the lawsuit in federal court on behalf of older adults and persons with disabilities enrolled in the CFI program.

      The NP team includes Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane, associate Kierstan Schultz and paralegal Sharon Willier, and Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner Mark Knights, all of Manchester.

      Jan 11, 2021
    • The Associated Press

      New Hampshire House to Hold Hybrid Public Hearings on Bills

      The following article covers a class action complaint filed against the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services for failing to properly administer its CFI Medicaid waiver program. NP—together with NH Legal Assistance, Disability Rights Center-NH, and the AARP Foundation—filed the lawsuit in federal court on behalf of older adults and persons with disabilities enrolled in the CFI program.

      The NP team includes Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane, associate Kierstan Schultz and paralegal Sharon Willier, and Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner Mark Knights, all of Manchester.

      Jan 11, 2021
    • Law360

      Mass. Pot Co. Says Regulator Sat On Application for Months

      Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights is quoted in this article on a Massachusetts marijuana dispensary’s lawsuit alleging the state’s Cannabis Control Commission has failed to take action on the dispensary’s license application for nearly three times the 90-day prescribed turnaround time. The article mentions Mark and Boston Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense associate Charles Dell’Anno for representing the dispensary, Northeast Alternatives.
      Sep 21, 2020
    • Law360

      2nd Circ.'s Seminal Rejection of FCPA Conviction Challenge

      New York City partner Isabelle De Smedt (CORP), Manchester partner Mark Knights (GIWC), Boston counsel Robert Fisher (GIWC), Manchester associate Michael Strauss (CDPG) and Boston associate Scott Seitz (GIWC) authored this column about the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit’s recent decision regarding the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act’s anti-bribery provisions and what the decision means for companies needing to comply with the law.
      Aug 28, 2019
    • Foster’s Daily Democrat

      Learn about the 2019 10 to Watch winners and all 20 finalists

      Manchester Government Investigations and White Collar Defense partner Mark Knights was among the finalists in the sixth annual “10 to Watch” Seacoast Young Professionals.
      May 22, 2019
    • Reuters’ Government Contract

      Get the message: Update to the FCPA corporate enforcement policy

      Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner Mark Knights and Complex Commercial Disputes associate Michael Strauss, both of the Manchester office, co-wrote this contributed article outlining changes in the way the Department of Justice expects companies to preserve “ephemeral communications” such as WhatsApp messages.
      May 20, 2019
    • New Hampshire Business Review

      The Latest

      The promotion of Manchester Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner Mark Knights is mentioned in this roundup of notable business moves.
      March 1, 2019
    • New Hampshire Business Review

      Avoiding corrupt practices abroad: When doing business internationally, compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act is essential

      Manchester Government Investigations & White Collar Defense associate Mark Knights wrote this contributed article on how cautious companies can comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and avoid corruption when doing business internationally.
      Aug 31, 2018

    Admitted to practice

    Massachusetts
    New Hampshire
    U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
    U.S. District Court, District of New Hampshire
    U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit

    Education

    George Washington University Law School, J.D., cum laude
    University of New Hampshire, B.A., summa cum laude

    Professional activities

    • Chair, Criminal Justice Section, NH Bar Association
    • Vice Chairperson, Board of Directors, NH Children’s Trust
    • Past Chair, Federal Practice Section, NH Bar Association
    • Ethics Committee, NH Bar Association
    • Hearings Committee, NH Attorney Discipline System

    Insights And Happenings

    View All
    • Press Release

      Nixon Peabody secures acquittal for former police captain accused of criminal tax charge

      Jan 13, 2023
    • Press Release

      Federal judge allows lawsuit seeking protection for New Hampshire residents facing dangerous institutional placements in nursing facilities to proceed

      Nov 29, 2021
    • Alert

      Fixing Immigration through a corruption crackdown: DOJ Task Force takes aim at the Northern Triangle

      Oct 20, 2021
    View All

    Professionals in the Practice Area

    View All
    • Robert Fisher

      Partner / Practice Group Leader, Government Investigations & White Collar Defense
      • Boston
      • Office:617.345.1335
      • rfisher@nixonpeabody.com
      Robert Fisher
    • Hannah Bornstein

      Partner / Deputy Practice Group Leader, Government Investigations & White Collar Defense
      • Boston
      • Office:617.345.1217
      • hbornstein@nixonpeabody.com
      Hannah Bornstein
    • Brian T. Kelly

      Partner
      • Boston
      • Office:617.345.1065
      • bkelly@nixonpeabody.com
      Brian T. Kelly
    • John Sandweg

      Partner
      • Washington DC
      • Office:202.585.8189
      • jsandweg@nixonpeabody.com
      John Sandweg
    • David A. Vicinanzo

      Partner
      • Boston
      • Office:617.345.1177
      • dvicinanzo@nixonpeabody.com
      David A. Vicinanzo
    View All

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