James A. Scott, a former member of the Florida Senate, is chairman and a founding director of Tripp Scott. He has more than three decades of experience as a lawyer in Florida and has an accomplished tenure as a legislator. He focuses his practice on government relations, commercial and civil litigation, real estate and healthcare law.

Scott has handled numerous high-profile and complex matters on behalf of his clients, including representing the Florida Senate in the 2002 redistricting plan and related federal and state litigation.

While serving in the Senate, Scott earned a reputation as a highly effective legislator and successfully spearheaded reforms in healthcare, public education and criminal justice. He served as Senate president from 1994 to 1996 and in many other of the Senate's most important roles, including chairman of the appropriations committee and leadership positions with the banking and insurance, regulated industries and judiciary committees.

Scott recently was reelected unopposed as a Broward County Commissioner, a position that was originally appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush.  Scott served as lieutenant commander and legal officer of the U.S. Coast Guard. He is a founding member of the board of directors of Legal Aid Service of Broward County and is active in the Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton chambers of commerce.

Scott holds a law degree and a bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.

Licensed to practice:

Florida
Kentucky
U.S. Supreme Court