Appalachian School of Law (ASL) prides itself on its distinguished faculty members who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and inspiration to their students. In this edition of our Faculty Spotlight, we shine a light on Professor Thomas Scott Jr., an esteemed professor whose passion for the law and dedication to his students have made a lasting impact at ASL.
Professor Scott joined the faculty at ASL in 2005 and has since become an invaluable asset to the law school community. With his deep understanding of the legal landscape and his commitment to fostering academic excellence, he has earned the admiration and respect of both students and colleagues.
Known for his engaging teaching style, Professor Scott has a remarkable ability to distill complex legal concepts into accessible and practical lessons. His passion for the law is infectious, and he continuously inspires his students to strive for excellence in their studies and beyond. Students often praise his engaging lectures, thought-provoking discussions, and his willingness to go the extra mile to ensure their understanding.
Beyond the classroom, Professor Scott’s scholarly contributions have significantly impacted the legal profession. His research focuses on criminal law and procedure, and his insightful publications have shed light on important issues within the field. His work often delves into the ethical considerations that arise in criminal cases, providing valuable guidance for aspiring legal professionals.
Professor Scott’s dedication extends beyond his academic pursuits. He actively supports and mentors students in their extracurricular activities, such as moot court and mock trial competitions. His guidance and expertise have helped numerous students develop their advocacy skills and achieve remarkable success in these endeavors. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals is truly commendable.
In addition to his academic and mentoring contributions, Professor Scott is known for his strong commitment to public service. He has been involved in various pro bono projects, providing legal assistance to individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford representation. Through his advocacy work, he embodies the values of justice and fairness, inspiring students to use their legal education to make a positive impact in their communities.
The Appalachian School of Law is honored to have Professor Thomas Scott as a cherished member of its faculty. Through his unwavering commitment to student success, his influential research, and his dedication to public service, he embodies the core values of ASL. Professor Scott’s ability to inspire and his genuine care for his students make him an exceptional role model at the Appalachian School of Law, leaving a lasting impact on all who have the privilege of learning from him.
Mr. Scott is an Advocate of the American Board of Trial Advocacy, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and former Chairman and current member of the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board. He has been selected by Virginia Business Magazine as one of the state’s Best Lawyers for inclusion in the Legal Elite, and Richmond Magazine for inclusion in multiple editions of Super Lawyers. Mr. Scott has also served as lead counsel and co-counsel in a number of high profile civil and criminal cases throughout far Southwest Virginia, including Commonwealth v. Roger Keith Coleman, a highly publicized capital murder prosecution in which he made numerous state, national and international television appearances. The Coleman case is the subject of John Tucker’s book, May God Have Mercy.
Mr. Scott is a past winner of the Bill Geimer Award, which is presented annually to a dedicated capital defender by the Virginia Capital Case Clearinghouse at Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. Mr. Scott is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubble for his high ethical standards and professional ability.
Scott is the senior partner in the Street Law Firm, LLP, in Grundy, Virginia where he has practiced as a criminal and civil litigator for over 42 years. Mr. Scott joined the full-time faculty at the Appalachian School of Law in 2005 and has been selected by his students on multiple occasions as Professor of the Year. He also serves as faculty advisor to a number of student organizations, including BLSA.
