Calfee Mourns the Passing of Our Former Managing Partner, F. Rush McKnight

Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP mourns the passing of our former Managing Partner, colleague, and friend, F. Rush McKnight

Rush began his professional career at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Washington, D.C. serving as an attorney adviser to the Chairman of the Board and as an attorney in the NLRB’s Regional Cincinnati office. But he found his true home in 1961, when he joined Calfee.

Rush was elected as Managing Partner of the firm in 1985 after serving in many different capacities, including Vice Chairman, Chairman of the firm’s Operating Committee, and Labor Law and Employee Relations department chair for many years.

Working primarily in labor law, Rush was instrumental in developing a national labor practice for the firm and aiding in growing the firm when most were shrinking. He started the Intellectual Property practice with the hiring of a key partner, began the Bankruptcy practice, opened the Columbus office, and helped raise the firm’s community profile.

After 35 years of service with the firm, Rush officially retired in 1996, although he continued to refer clients and serve the business community.

Civic involvement was imperative to Rush. He served on a number of corporate boards, including Figgie International, and performed civic charity work for United Way, Cleveland Growth Association and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. He was active at The Country Club, Union Club, Pepper Pike Club, Hermit Club, Nisi Prius, and Quail Creek Club in Naples, FL. He served as a trustee and committee member with the Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

We extend our sincere sympathies to Rush’s three daughters and sons-in-law, his seven grandchildren, his brother, and his extended family and friends.

While saddened by his passing, we remain grateful for the enduring example Rush shared with us at Calfee for giving back to the community, taking tremendous pride in serving our clients, and instilling a sense of family and fun within our culture. Rush will always be known for his generosity, humor, intelligence, unpretentiousness, and his tremendous heart.