Scott has more than 35 years of experience in the employee benefits arena, having practiced exclusively in this area of law since his admission to the bar in 1987. He serves as lead counsel to a wide range of multiemployer fringe benefit funds, primarily located in the upper Midwest. Throughout his decades-long practice, Scott has developed a keen understanding of the issues affecting benefit funds and their boards of trustees. This allows him to provide experienced, thoughtful, confident, and consistent guidance to those parties.
Scott grew up on a dairy farm in New Hampshire. The work ethic he developed then stays with him today in his legal practice. The men and women who participate in the funds he serves work hard every day to earn valuable retirement and health care benefits; in turn, Scott works hard to assure that the benefits they have earned will be available when needed.
The aspect of practicing law that Scott enjoys the most is communicating complex legal concepts in a practical and relatable manner. A significant portion of his practice involves teaching—providing his clients with sound, meaningful information and advice that they can then use to make the best possible decisions. Scott also prizes the strong working relationships he has developed through the years with countless fellow plan professionals and trustees.
Scott is a cum laude graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School and completed his undergraduate studies at Marquette University, majoring in political science with minors in business administration and philosophy. He has also obtained the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist designation through the Wharton School of Business and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. Additionally, Scott has been selected as a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law and Politics Magazine.
Outside of work, Scott has served on various nonprofit boards, including tenures on the Boards of the Academy of Holy Angels High School and Mendakota Country Club. He previously participated as a Public Member on the Certification Commission of the American Culinary Federation. In addition, Scott served as an adjunct faculty member teaching employee benefits topics at the University of Minnesota’s College of Continuing and Professional Studies
In his free time, Scott enjoys traveling, cooking (he is always on the hunt for new recipes), reading, and playing golf. He and his wife Julie are proud parents of two grown sons, Andrew and Bryan, and the world’s friendliest Maltipoo, Vini.
Media Mentions:
06.14.2023 Shumaker Adds Employee Benefits Team From Two Firms, Law360