Scott N. Godes, Insurance Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 28 years of legal practice
Washington, DC
Practicing insurance in Washington since 1998.
- 28+
- Years practicing
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Scott N. Godes is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Insurance. Scott has over 28 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
- Experience
- over 28 years
- Known for
- Insurance
- Handles Insurance matters from Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
- Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026).
About Scott N. Godes: Scott N. Godes is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Insurance. Scott has over 28 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Scott's practice areas in Washington
Scott concentrates on insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Scott handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Insurance cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Scott takes insurance matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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
Scott N. Godes, insurance attorney serving Washington
Scott N. Godes is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Insurance. Scott has over 28 years of legal experience. Scott works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on insurance matters across the region.
Scott works to design a creative, optimized path to problem solving that enhances their chances of recovery. Effective, thorough and practical, Scott is valued by clients and colleagues alike for his depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in insurance law, and for finding the right solution to each client’s distinct problem.Scott served co-lead counsel in a landmark class action trial, the first case of its kind to determine that insurance coverage was available, without aggregate limits, for thousands of asbestos claims. In addition, Scott represents clients facing cyber-security, data breach, cyber-attacks, privacy and other technology-related claims. He focused on insurance coverage for cyber-security and privacy risks in 2008, allowing him to join his long-standing interest in technology with a new area of insurance.
Scott represents policyholders in declaratory judgment, breach of contract and bad faith insurance coverage actions, insurance-related bankruptcies and adversary actions, federal court receiverships, insurer rehabilitation actions, and commercial arbitration. He has litigated and advised clients regarding insurance coverage for cyber-attacks, data breaches and cyber security issues, business email compromises and CEO fraud, network failures, advertising injury, libel, ransomware and personal injury claims.Scott also advises clients about the insurance coverage issues related to Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), directors and officers, securities, errors and omissions, crime and fidelity, general liability and consumer class action claims. He has effectively navigated complex litigation involving business interruption, extra expense, contingent business interruption and first-party property claims, as well as computer data, hardware and software claims, mass tort liabilities, flood, product liability and asbestos claims. Moreover, Scott also advises on insurance coverage issues related to environmental property damage involving PCBs and underground storage tanks (UST).
Scott's approach to insurance cases
Scott works to design a creative, optimized path to problem solving that enhances their chances of recovery. Effective, thorough and practical, Scott is valued by clients and colleagues alike for his depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in insurance law, and for finding the right solution to each client’s distinct problem.Scott served co-lead counsel in a landmark class action trial, the…
Clients Scott works with
Scott reviews new inquiries case-by-case for insurance matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Scott studied and practices
The George Washington University
J.D. · 1998
Middlebury College
B.A. · 1994
Jurisdictions
Scott's state bar admissions
Virginia
2015 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
2000 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1999 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1998 · ACTIVE
Scott studied at J.D. in The George Washington University and B.A. in Middlebury College.
Law school and academic background
Scott completed J.D. in The George Washington University and B.A. in Middlebury College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Scott runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Scott's legal honors and published work
Scott has received 7 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Privacy and Data Security Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Privacy and Data Security Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026).
Locations
Scott N. Godes's office in Washington
Scott's primary office is at 555 12th Street N.W., Suite 1200, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004-1275. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
555 12th Street N.W., Suite 1200
Washington, District of Columbia 20004-1275
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Scott N. Godes — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new insurance 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 insurance attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many insurance 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 insurance practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every insurance 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 insurance practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Scott N. Godes
How much does it cost to hire Scott for a insurance 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 insurance attorneys offer free consults — check Scott's current terms during booking.
How long do insurance cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple insurance 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 Washington?
Scott is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia 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 insurance 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
Insurance attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Scott handles insurance matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified insurance attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated insurance attorneys in District of Columbia
If Scott's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these insurance attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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