Scott S. Humphreys is a versatile litigator who handles complex business, product liability, and intellectual property disputes. Based in Los Angeles, Scott has also litigated high-profile media and entertainment matters. While his practice is centered in California federal and state courts, he litigates cases nationally.
Scott understands the unique legal and business issues that in-house counsel face every day. He previously served as outside general counsel to a biotech startup, where he was part of the founding team as Chief Legal Officer. In that role, he handled all legal matters for the company, including IP protection; corporate governance; contract drafting and negotiations; labor and employment issues; and fundraising and preparing the company for a potential IPO.
Representative Experience
Representative Matters
- Complex Commercial Litigation. Represents clients in a variety of complex matters, including a $1 billion-case involving a defunct car racing enterprise, a 1,000-plus-plaintiff toxic tort action, a trade secret case involving a space rocket startup, and complex franchisee litigation.
- FDIC. Regularly represents the FDIC as Receiver in significant federal court litigation for failed banks, including First Republic Bank and Silicon Valley Bank.
- Product Liability and Mass Tort. Defends Fortune 500 companies and smaller clients in product liability cases, including silicosis and Proposition 65 claims. Representative clients include IKEA, Subaru of America, ExxonMobil, DuPont, and Corteva Agriscience.
Professional Highlights
Pro Bono Experience
Scott maintains an active pro bono docket. He has handled cases for the National Conference of Black Mayors, prosecuted a federal civil rights action against a city police department, represented undocumented immigrants in obtaining U-Visas reserved for victims of criminal activity, and prosecuted claims on behalf of a tenant who was wrongfully evicted from rent-controlled housing.
Judicial Clerkships
Hon. Ronald E. Nehring, Utah Supreme Court, 2010-2011
Professional Activities
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Ballard Spahr Inclusion Council
Credentials
Education
University of Colorado Law School (J.D. 2009)
University of Colorado Law Review
Public Service Pledge Recipient
University of San Diego (B.A. summa cum laude, 2004)
Phi Beta Kappa
Admissions
California
Colorado
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
District of California, Central District
District of California, Eastern District
District of California, Northern District
District of California, Southern District
District of Colorado