Scott Burnett Smith, Appellate Attorney in Huntsville, Alabama
focused on Appellate, Business, and Litigation
Huntsville, AL
Trusted appellate attorney serving Huntsville.
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Quick answer
Scott Burnett Smith is an attorney based in Huntsville, ALABAMA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Litigation.
- Based in
- Huntsville, ALABAMA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Litigation
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Litigation matters from Huntsville, ALABAMA.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Huntsville) (2026).
About Scott Burnett Smith: Scott Burnett Smith is an attorney based in Huntsville, ALABAMA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Litigation.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Scott Burnett Smith
Scott concentrates on appellate, business, litigation, product liability, and class action. Each area below outlines the kind of case Scott handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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Class Action
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Employment
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Appellate cases in Huntsville, Alabama
Scott takes appellate matters in Huntsville, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Scott agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Huntsville, Alabama
Scott takes business matters in Huntsville, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Scott agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Huntsville, Alabama
Scott takes litigation matters in Huntsville, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Scott agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Huntsville, Alabama
Scott takes product liability matters in Huntsville, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Scott agrees to represent you.
Class Action cases in Huntsville, Alabama
Scott takes class action matters in Huntsville, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Scott agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Scott Burnett Smith — Attorney of Alabama appellate experience
Scott Burnett Smith is an attorney based in Huntsville, ALABAMA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Litigation.
Scott Burnett Smith is a partner in the firm’s Huntsville office. His practice covers class actions, complex litigation, and appeals. Scott has been involved in dozens of nationwide class actions in state and federal courts, and he has handled over 30 class action appeals. He is also regularly involved as the appellate lawyer embedded with a trial team in complex civil litigation. In that role, he has succeeded in having several multi-million dollar injury verdicts (including punitive damages) remitted by the trial court or reversed and rendered by the appellate court.
The founder of the firm's Appellate Litigation Group, Scott has been involved in 15 cases (2 on the merits) before the U.S. Supreme Court. He has also been involved in over 140 appeals to the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, D.C., and Federal Circuits, the Alabama Supreme Court, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, and the Arkansas Supreme Court. Scott has presented oral argument 21 times before appellate courts, including the Alabama Supreme Court and several federal courts of appeals.
Scott is active in DRI - The Voice of the Defense Bar. He currently serves as a National Director on DRI’s Board of Directors. He is the past-Chair of DRI’s Amicus Committee and past-Chair of DRI’s Appellate Advocacy Committee. He also served as Chair of DRI’s national Class Action seminar, held July 21-22, 2011, in Washington, D.C. He writes and speaks regularly on class actions and appellate practice.Working with Scott on a appellate matter
Scott Burnett Smith is a partner in the firm’s Huntsville office. His practice covers class actions, complex litigation, and appeals. Scott has been involved in dozens of nationwide class actions in state and federal courts, and he has handled over 30 class action appeals. He is also regularly involved as the appellate lawyer embedded with a trial team in complex civil litigation. In that role,…
Clients Scott works with
Scott reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and litigation matters in Huntsville and the surrounding Alabama area.
Credentials
Scott Burnett Smith's legal education and bar admissions
Auburn University
B.A. · 1991
Vanderbilt University
JD · 1997
Jurisdictions
Scott's state bar admissions
Alabama, Alabama Sta
ACTIVE
Scott studied at B.A. in Auburn University and JD in Vanderbilt University.
Law school and academic background
Scott completed B.A. in Auburn University and JD in Vanderbilt University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Scott runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Scott Burnett Smith
Scott has received 14 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Huntsville)
2026
Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Huntsville)
2024
Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Huntsville)
2022
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - ERISA
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in Benchmark Litigation, "Appellate Star," Alabama, 2012-2013
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in Alabama Super Lawyers, Appellate, 2011-2013
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Huntsville) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Huntsville) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Huntsville) (2022). Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).
Locations
Scott Burnett Smith's office in Huntsville
Scott's primary office is at 200 Clinton Avenue West, Suite 900, Huntsville, Alabama, 35801-4900. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Scott Burnett Smith
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Scott Burnett Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Scott usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Scott charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Scott's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Scott will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Huntsville, Alabama
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Scott
Scott discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Scott confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Scott's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Scott Burnett Smith
How much does it cost to hire Scott for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Scott walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Scott offer a free consultation?
Scott charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Scott's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Scott's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Alabama typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Scott gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Scott take my case if I'm outside Huntsville?
Scott is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Scott will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Scott?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Scott will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Scott accepting new appellate clients right now?
Scott's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Huntsville, Birmingham and Montgomery in Alabama
Scott handles appellate matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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