Patricia McGarvey Knebels, Esq.

About The Lecturer

Patricia McGarvey Knebels is a seasoned civil rights attorney, dynamic speaker, and dedicated public servant with over 34 years of experience advancing justice, equity, and inclusion through the law. She recently concluded her distinguished legal career at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where she led impactful civil rights enforcement efforts across HUD’s Region III, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Patricia earned her Juris Doctor from Temple University Beasley School of Law, while simultaneously teaching full-time. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of the Holy Cross, and is certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through Cornell University.

As a HUD Trial Attorney and Acting Regional Director of HUD’s Office Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Patricia investigated, litigated, and resolved housing discrimination cases, including collaborating with the U.S. Department of Justice on pattern-and-practice cases. On behalf of victims of discrimination, she filed Charges of Discrimination, negotiated settlements totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars and successfully litigated a fair housing case against a Philadelphia-based Neo-Nazi organization resulting in a damages award of over $1,000,000 judgment. Patricia also trains legal professionals, members of the public, housing providers, and government staff nationwide on civil rights, disability discrimination, social justice and inclusive leadership. Her professional excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Secretary’s Award for Excellence, Region III Director’s Award, and the Curry Award for Distinguished Public Service.

Patricia is focused on speaking, consulting, and legal advocacy in service of justice and community well-being. Her talks blend deep legal knowledge with powerful storytelling, humor, and heart—offering audiences insight, inspiration, and practical tools for change.

Areas of Focus:

• Title VIII and Fair Housing laws
• Disability Rights Law & Reasonable Accommodations
• Civil Rights Enforcement
• Ethics & Public Service
• Implicit Bias & Equity in Legal Practice
• Restorative Justice Practices
• Mindful Living and Work/Life Balance

Education

J.D., Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law

B.A., Psychology, College of the Holy Cross