Atty. Scott N. Godes

Atty. Scott N. Godes

Scott works to design a creative, optimized path to problem solving that enhances their chances of recovery. Effective, thorough and practical, Scott is valued by clients and colleagues alike for his depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in insurance law, and for finding the right solution to each client’s distinct problem.Scott served co-lead counsel in a landmark class action trial, the first case of its kind to determine that insurance coverage was available, without aggregate limits, for thousands of asbestos claims.

Washington Washington 28 yrs experience 28 year
Call (202) 289-1313 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Scott N. Godes at a glance

Scott N. Godes is an attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practforg at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. They haand 28+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1998. Admitted to practice in Massachusetts (1998), District of Columbia (1999), Pennsylvania (2000), and Virginia (2015). Educated at The George Washington University (J.D., 1998) and Middlebury College (B.A., 1994). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Scott works to design a creative, optimized path to problem solving that enhances their chances of recovery
  • Effective, thorough and practical, Scott is valued by clients and colleagues alike for his depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in insurance law, and for finding the right solution to each client’s distinct problem.Scott served co-lead counsel in a landmark class action trial, the first case of its kind to determine that insurance coverage was available, without aggregate limits, for thousands of asbestos claims
  • In addition, Scott represents clients facing cyber-security, data breach, cyber-attacks, privacy and other technology-related claims
  • He focused on insurance coverage for cyber-security and privacy risks in 2008, allowing him to join his long-standing interest in technology with a new area of insurance
  • Scott represents policyholders in declaratory judgment, breach of contract and bad faith insurance coverage actions, insurance-related bankruptcies and adversary actions, federal court receiverships, insurer rehabilitation actions, and commercial arbitration
  • He has litigated and advised clients regarding insurance coverage for cyber-attacks, data breaches and cyber security issues, business email compromises and CEO fraud, network failures, advertising injury, libel, ransomware and personal injury claims.Scott also advises clients about the insurance coverage issues related to Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), directors and officers, securities, errors and omissions, crime and fidelity, general liability and consumer class action claims
  • He has effectively navigated complex litigation involving business interruption, extra expense, contingent business interruption and first-party property claims, as well as computer data, hardware and software claims, mass tort liabilities, flood, product liability and asbestos claims
  • Moreover, Scott also advises on insurance coverage issues related to environmental property damage involving PCBs and underground storage tanks (UST)

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

Practforg law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantiand law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Scott N. Godes

Where is Scott N. Godes's law office located?
Scott N. Godes's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Barnes & Thornburg LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
How long has Scott N. Godes practiced law?
Scott N. Godes has 28+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1998.
Where did Scott N. Godes go to law school?
Scott N. Godes earned their education at (J.D., 1998); (B.A., 1994).
How can I contact Scott N. Godes for a consultation?
You can contact Scott N. Godes directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Scott N. Godes receiandd?
Scott N. Godes's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Privacy and Data Security Law.

Education

J.D.
The George Washington University
- 1998
B.A.
Middlebury College
- 1994

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Privacy and Data Security Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Massachusetts
Admitted: 1998
District of Columbia
Admitted: 1999
Pennsylvania
Admitted: 2000
Virginia
Admitted: 2015

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