Originally from Schuyler, Eric Knutson came to Wayne State College and earned a bachelor's degree. Since that time, his career path brought him back to Wayne and since 2012 he has served in numerous capacities in the community, both professionally as an attorney and through his volunteer work.
Knutson graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in history from Wayne State College in 2009. He graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2012, J.D., with distinction
His legal work includes the following:
Wayne Deputy County Attorney from 2012-2023 where he was involved with General criminal work, including several jury trials; Juvenile cases, including multiple cases at the Nebraska Court of Appeals level; Civil work; Safety Committee Member;
Pierce Deputy County Attorney from 2012-2015 where he was involved with General criminal work, including several jury trials.
He was an Associate at Pieper & Miller from 2012-2015 and Partner at Pieper & Knutson from 2015-2018;
Knutson Law in Wayne from 2019-2023 which included all general practice law
Knutson established Knutson Law in Pierce in 2021 where he took over for Verlyn Luebbe and added income tax returns.
In terms of volunteer work, Eric has been a part of numerous boards and organizations, including:
Wayne Area Legacy Fund Board Member & Vice Chair (2016-2023);
Wayne Library Foundation, President (2017-2023);
Providence Medical Center Board of Trustees (2017-2023);
Wayne Civil Service Committee (2016-2021);
Wayne State College RLOP Committee Member (2016-2019);
Wayne Rotary Club (2015-2023);
TeamMates mentor (2014-2018);
Wayne Area Economic Development Organization Committee Member (2015-2023);
Through the Eyes of the Child Initiative Member (2022-2023).
At St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Knutson served as a sixth grade CCD teacher for two years and was part of the Winter-Spring Fest Committee. He is also a Third Degree Knights of Columbus member.
Other volunteer activities Knutson has been a part of include being a speaker/lecturer/presenter at many classes and events at Wayne State College and Wayne High School regarding Juvenile Law, Immigration Law, Business Law, and Criminal Law.
He has volunteered with the Nebraska Supreme Court 7th Judicial District Judge Nominating Committee, was a Wayne High School Junior Job Shadow Day Host and UNL Extension Career Day Presenter.
Knutson has served as Legal Counsel for the Wayne Community Schools since 2012 and has "attended countless City Council, Planning Commission, Problem Resolution Team, and County Commissioner meetings."
He is a member of the 7th Judicial District Bar Association, the Nebraska County Attorney’s Association and the Nebraska School Attorney’s Association.
"On the private side of my law practice, I love hearing people’s stories, so I’ve come to enjoy getting to know clients. Many clients just come see me for a one-time deal, but I’ve worked with others for years. I’ve learned more from my clients than they have from me. I will really miss chatting with them, whether it’s a 97-year old great-grandmother, or a 25-year old entrepreneur starting a new business. I’ve really enjoyed the people.
Eric and his family, wife, Lindsey, and children, Kiley, 7, Caleb, 5 and Collin, 2, will be moving to Lincoln later this month to start a new chapter in their lives.
