The Hon. Donald L. Knapp, Jr. is a judge for the Third Circuit Court in Michigan. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor Rick Snyder on April 4, 2018, filling a vacancy created by the passing of the Hon. Richard Skutt.
Prior to his appointment, Knapp spent sixteen years as an attorney in private practice. He supplemented his practice with service as the City Attorney for the City of Livonia, a position to which he was named in 2009.
Knapp earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, Dearborn in 1993. He then completed a J.D. at the Detroit College of Law in 1996.
After graduating from law school, Knapp began his legal career as a legislative aide to Thad McCotter of the Michigan State Senate. He then clerked for the Hon. Tim Kenny of the Third Circuit Court of Michigan.
His memberships have included the Federalist Society, Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys, the Livonia Bar Association, the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, and the Livonia Kiwanis Club. He also served on the Livonia City Council (2002 to 2009).