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.

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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

+ Professional Degrees, Certifications, Awards and Organizations

  • Juris Doctor, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, 2013
    • Graduated with Distinction
    • Member, Roger J. Traynor Honor Society
    • Associate Articles Editor for the Global Business and Development Law Journal
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, University of San Diego, 2009
  • Member, Association of Workplace Investigators
  • Member, Maricopa County Bar Association
  • Member, State Bar of California
  • Member, State Bar of Arizona
  • State Bar of California, Labor and Employment Section
  • AWI Certificate Holder, AWI Training Institute (AWI-CH)
  • Association of Workplace Investigators, Advocacy Committee, 2020; Seminar and Webinar Committee, 2020
  • Trained in Trauma Informed Forensic Interviewing

+ Notable Publications and Presentations

  • “Public Sector Supplement” Virtual Seminar – Association of Workplace Investigators (June 25, 2024)
  • “Hot Off the Press! Top Takeaways for Investigators from the EEOC’s New Guidance” Webinar – Association of Workplace Investigators (May 28, 2024)
  • “Conducting Effective Investigations” CALPELRALearn Virtual Training – CALPELRA (May 1-2, 2024)
  • "Bridge Over Troubled Water: Key Considerations in Working with an External Investigator" Presentation – Association of Corporate Counsel Arizona Chapter (March 26, 2024)
  • “A Workplace Investigator’s Toolkit” Presentation – AZSHRM’s Employment Law and Legislative Conference in Phoenix, Arizona (February 9, 2024)
  • “Public Sector Supplement” Virtual Seminar – Association of Workplace Investigators (June 20, 2023)
  • “Conducting Effective Investigations” CALPELRALearn Virtual Training – CALPELRA (May 3-4, 2023)
  • “Three Reasons Why Impartiality in Workplace Investigations is Critical” Article – Maricopa Lawyer Volume 42, Number 5 (May 2023)
  • "Arizona Public Employers: Social Media Regulation and Free Speech – Reasonable or Overreach?" Article – Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation, (April 20, 2023)
  • “Phoenix Suns’ Investigation: What Every Employer Needs to Know” Article – Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation, (March 24, 2023)
  • “Conducting Effective POBR Investigations” – University of California | Ethics, Compliance & Audit Symposium (November 7, 2022)
  • “Public Sector Workplace Investigations Basics” Virtual Seminar – Association of Workplace Investigators (September 20, 2022)
  • “Workplace Investigation Basics” Virtual Seminar – Association of Workplace Investigators (May 18, 2021)
  • “Strategically Navigating POBR/FBOR Investigations’ Three Biggest Challenges” – CALPELRA’s 45th Annual Conference (November 19, 2020)
  • "Snap Judgments And First Impressions: How Unconscious Bias Impairs Effective Workplace Investigations" – CALPELRA’s 45th Annual Conference (November 17, 2020)
  • “Quick Tips for Conducting Remote Interviews – Lessons Learned from the First Six Months” Article – Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation, (September 14, 2020)
  • “Public Sector Workplace Investigations Basics” Virtual Seminar – Association of Workplace Investigators (July 29, 2020)
  • “Public Sector Workplace Investigations Basics” Virtual Seminar – Association of Workplace Investigators (June 24, 2020)
  • "Elevating the Remote Interview – Conducting Effective Remote Interviews" Webinar – Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation, (July 9, 2020)
  • "Elevating the Remote Interview – Setting the Stage for an Effective Remote Interview" Webinar – Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation, (June 4, 2020)
  • “COVID-19: California Deadline Extension for Investigations of Public Safety Officers and Service of Adverse Action on State Employees Article – Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation, (April 3, 2020)
  • “Fair And Balanced POBR/FOBR Investigations” – CALPELRA’s 42nd Annual Training Conference, in Monterey, CA (December 6, 2017)