Scott Richards
For nearly 15 years, Scott’s practice has spanned multiple, substantive areas with a wide range of skills developed in litigation, transactional, and in-house roles. He offers thoughtful guidance and targeted strategies based on a genuine understanding of his clients’ needs, values, and priorities. His varied experience in the legal field allows him to deliver individual, tailor-made services to each of his clients.
Scott's experience includes advising clients on software contracts, business and commercial disputes, construction claims and defects, consumer protection, creditors’ rights, securitization, bankruptcy, data privacy, admiralty/maritime issues, and class actions.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Scott worked as a geotechnical engineer. Scott’s hands-on practical experience allows for deeper understanding of design issues or practical disruptions that may be relevant to pending or threatened claims. Scott applies his real world experience from working as an engineer in order to counsel contractors and professionals in the construction realm.
Scott’s in-house role with an international software company included negotiating all types of contracts with customers consisting of privately held companies to governmental entities. He was tasked with handling various legal matters across the spectrum of international business demands. Scott’s pressure-tested approach permitted him to advise board members on a variety of domestic and international legal matters. He was one of the lead attorneys in the expansion of the company’s international footprint, including the opening of two, new international offices.
Scott has also represented hospitals and insurers in various matters. Such efforts include advising on compliance policies and transactional issues, as well as litigating a broad swath of legal claims. Scott has counseled clients on guardianship matters, access to patient health records, billing and collection efforts, and consumer protection.
Scott’s consumer protection practice includes a strong working knowledge of statutes such as the Truth in Lending Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act.
He has experience in admiralty and maritime matters, including vessel arrests, attachment proceedings, vessel auctions, maritime liens, ship mortgages, salvage claims, limitation of liability proceedings, defense of personal injury and wrongful death claims, USCG investigations, and drafting and review of charter parties.
Scott utilized his maritime training to represent numerous individuals and businesses through the claims process for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In that regard, Scott successfully recovered millions in damages for his clients. Scott was also part of the legal team representing the State of Florida in its record recovery of $2 billion.
Pro Bono
Among his various pro bono endeavors, Scott has found most enjoyment rendering pro bono legal services in matters of public significance, including serving as a guardian ad litem. He advocates for the rights of children and minors in the Central Florida area that are facing neglect, abuse, or inadequate support.
Admissions and Recognitions
Scott is admitted to practice law in the State of Florida, the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida.
He has further been selected for inclusion in both Florida Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2013–2019), and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Construction (2021–2022).
Education and Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, University of South Florida (2006)
- 4-Year Honors Degree, University of South Florida (2006)
- Juris Doctor, Stetson University College of Law (2009)
- Leadership Development Certificate, Stetson University College of Law (2009)
- Tampa Connection (Class of 2013)
- Leadership Orlando, Class 98 (2020)
Personal Interests and Community Involvement
Born and raised in Florida, Scott grew up enjoying all things the outdoors has to offer. His passion continues for the outdoors, along with a newfound appreciation for spending time with his family at the numerous theme parks in the Central Florida region. When not practicing law, Scott enjoys fishing, golfing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, or indoor rock climbing and bouldering. He also invests in community improvement efforts, which include coaching youth soccer and volunteering at the local elementary school.
Scott recognizes that he is in a unique position as an attorney to be the voice for others, and the only way to prevail is to step up and take action.
