The Attorneys of Knopp, Biggs & Renz:
Joe Knopp, Partner
Joe engages in the general practice of law assisting families and businesses. These matters range from divorce and estate planning to real estate development, zoning and corporate organization. He has been involved in litigation for personal injury and commercial transactions.
Born in Junction City Kansas in 1952, Joe grew up on their family farm south of Chapman Kansas. He attended Kansas State University, where he was student body president and earned a B.S. in 1974. Joe received his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in 1977 and has been practicing law in Manhattan since 1978.
For over 15 years, taught Engineering Law at Kansas State University. Joe is a past president of the Solo and Small Firm Section of the Kansas Bar Association and in addition serves on the legislative affairs committee of the Kansas Bar Association.
In addition to his law practice, Joe served in the Kansas Legislature from 1980-1988. He served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, the Chairman of the House -Senate Committee on Medical Malpractice and as House Majority Leader.
Joe was president of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce in 1995. Joe is a member of the Manhattan Sunset Zoo Trustees, Friends of McCain Auditorium, Advisor to the Delta Upsilon Fraternity at K-State and member of the First United Methodist Church. Read More
Chris Biggs, Partner
Chris has extensive experience in lengthy, complicated, and high-stakes jury trials to include homicides, securities fraud and public corruption cases. He received the Outstanding Prosecutor Award from the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association in 1988.
He has both prosecuted and defended capital criminal cases. He also serves as a regular instructor in trial advocacy programs and as a lecturer on trial organization and skills.
Chris handles all types of trial work but focuses on criminal defense in state and municipal courts, appellate practice, family law and construction cases.
Chris, a Manhattan native, is a Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Kansas State University and is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law. He is member of the Kansas Bar since 1983 and is also admitted to practice before the Federal District Court and Supreme Court of the United States. He served as Kansas Securities Commissioner, Kansas Secretary of State, Geary County Attorney (14 years), Assistant Shawnee County District Attorney, and as a Public Defender. Read More
Lucas Renz, Partner
Born in Salina, Kansas, Lucas attended Kansas State University where he earned a B.A. in 2018, and was awarded his Juris Doctor in 2021 from Washburn University School of Law. He was admitted to the Kansas Bar in 2021.
While at Kansas State University, Lucas served as the Interfraternity Council President, served as a senator for the Student Governing Association, was awarded Greek Man of the Year for 2017 and 2018, and was one of just a few students in the Country to be awarded the Undergraduate Award of Distinction.
While at Washburn University School of Law, Lucas was actively involved with the Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity and served as a representative for the Washburn Student Bar Association. Lucas graduated from Washburn University School of Law in 2021 with Deans Honors.
Lucas joined the firm immediately after graduation and became a partner within two years. Lucas has a general practice and represents clients in matters ranging from family law, criminal defense, business and contracts, estate planning, landlord/tenant disputes, and more. Lucas is a registered athlete agent in the state of Kansas, and available to represent student athletes.
Lucas is a member of the Kansas Bar Association and Riley County Bar Association.
Hunter Mussetter-Negron, Partner
Born in Lawrence, Kansas, Hunter attended Kansas State University where she earned a B.S. in 2021, and was awarded her Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law in 2024 . She was admitted to the Kansas Bar in 2025.
Hunter joined the firm in 2019 while she was still completing her undergraduate studies and spent several years working alongside the attorneys at our firm as a legal intern before becoming an attorney. Hunter became a Partner at our firm in 2026. Hunter helps clients with estate planning and administration, probate matters such as guardianships/conservatorships, business and contracts, family law matters, criminal defense, landlord/tenant disputes, and more.
Hunter is a member of the Kansas Bar Association and Riley County Bar Association.