Atty. Thomas E. Scott
Thomas Scott was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida from 1997-2000.
Criminal Defense: White-Collar & More Attorney · Serving Miami, FL
Profile Summary
About Thomas E. Scott at a Glance
Thomas E. Scott is a criminal defense, class action, white collar, and product liability attorney based in Miami, Florida, practicing at Cole, Scott & Kissane. Educated at University of Miami School of Law (J.D., 1972). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (2026). Serves clients in Miami, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Thomas E. Scott
- Thomas Scott was the U.S
- Attorney for the Southern District of Florida from 1997-2000
- During this time, his accomplishments include prosecution of racketeering and conspiracy charges against some of South Florida's most violent street gangs, Medicare fraud cases against four major health care companies, sweeping reforms in airline and airport security (with prosecutions ranging from cases against baggage handlers to airlines) for issues including drug smuggling and cargo safety, and prosecutions of corrupt politicians
- He is an active participant in the firm's SIU Fraud Division representing carriers by bringing affirmative complaints and counterclaims on their behalf
- Mr. Scott is listed in Who's Who in American Law and serves as the chairman of the Florida Bar Association's Standing Committee on Professionalism
- He was a Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit for Dade County from 1979 to 1984
- He was appointed as a United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of Florida where he served from 1985 to 1990
- He was also an instructor at St. Thomas University School of Law, the University of Miami School of Law, the University of Florida Law School and Nova University Law School
- He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Juris Doctor from the University of Miami and a Master of Laws from the University of Virginia
- Mr. Scott is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of Florida, and all courts within the State of Florida
- Mr. Scott is a Martindale-Hubbell rated A.V. attorney
- He is a member of The Florida Bar, The American Bar Association, The United States District Judges' Association and the Lawyers Advisory Cod States District Court of the Southern District of Florida and past Chairman of the Southern District Grievance Committee
- Selected as one of the top 1.7% of Civil Trial Lawyers in the State of Florida by Florida Trend Magazine Committee for the Southern District of Florida
- He is a member of The Judicial Nominating Committee, Northern, Southern and Middle Districts
- Additionally, he is a member and fellow of the Product Liability Advisory Council Foundation, Co-Chairman of The American Bar Association Committee on Discovery Under the Litigation Section, past Chairman on the Security Committee of the Unite (2005-2006)
- Florida Super Lawyers (2006-2007, 2009-2018)
- The Best Lawyers in America in the practice area of criminal defense: white-collar (2009 - 2025) and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2025)
- His areas of expertise include banking and financial and class action litigation, aviation and marine/admiralty claims, defense of lawyers, directors, officers and corporate clients as well as handling appellate, SIU fraud investigations, coverage and bad faith matters
- He is also a well recognized expert in the defense of white collar criminal investigations and charges from inception through trial and appeal
Practice Areas Explained
Thomas E. Scott's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas E. Scott handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Miami.
Criminal Defense in Miami
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Thomas E. Scott is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Florida →
Class Action in Miami
Thomas E. Scott is one of 26,226 class action attorneys indexed nationally. Browse class action attorneys in Florida →
White Collar Crimes in Miami
Thomas E. Scott is one of 19,824 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Florida →
Product Liability in Miami
Thomas E. Scott is one of 65,610 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Florida →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Miami
Practicing law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Miami are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Miami Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Miami-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Miami or all attorneys in Florida.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Miami Choose Thomas E. Scott
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Thomas E. Scott's practice in the field of criminal defense, class action, white collar, and product liability.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering criminal defense, class action, and white collar, Thomas E. Scott can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Miami
A Miami-based practice means Thomas E. Scott attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Thomas E. Scott's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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