Scott Patrick Burns

With 35 years of complex litigation experience reflected in a lengthy and impressive record of positive results, Scott has earned the trust of his clients, the admiration of his peers, and the respect of his adversaries in equal measure. He is the consummate advocate and counselor. Not only is Scott adept at crafting compelling arguments that shield his clients from potentially catastrophic claims at the trial and appellate levels, but he also develops and implements case strategies that incorporate his clients' broader business and precedential concerns.

Former Chair of the Firm's litigation department, Scott concentrates his practice on defending publicly traded and private corporations in products liability and personal injury cases, as well as representing businesses and individuals in complex business disputes, antitrust and intentional tort cases, and matters involving punitive damage claims. He knows that litigation does not proceed in a vacuum and that an approach focused only on "winning" the case at hand can lose sight of the bigger picture. That is why Scott works closely and collaboratively with each client to develop a complete understanding of their concerns and objectives and then adopts holistic, practical, and cost-effective approaches best suited to protecting and advancing their interests.

Scott matches his effectiveness in trial courtrooms with equally formidable appellate advocacy. Among other victories at that level, he has won several important appeals for clients in asbestos, toxic tort, and construction-related litigation. His clients come from a broad spectrum of industries, including large, publicly traded companies as well as small, closely held businesses. Among other engagements, Scott has represented a national pharmacy chain, a national cable company, a national satellite television provider, a regional distributor of plumbing equipment, and various manufacturers and businesses in the construction industry.

A proud Baltimore native, Scott contributes his time, efforts, and talents to many community and philanthropic endeavors and is active in professional organizations as well. He has also been regularly recognized by his peers for his exceptional advocacy.