Scott E. Simmons, Esq.
Co-Founding Partner and Criminal Defense Attorney
Scott E. Simmons is a co-founder and founding partner of Lawson and Simmons, PLLC, where he focuses exclusively on criminal defense throughout South Florida. A lifelong South Florida native, Scott has dedicated his career to defending individuals facing serious and high-stakes criminal allegations.
Before founding Lawson and Simmons with Susan Lawson, Scott spent more than three years practicing at another premier criminal defense firm in South Florida. While the firm was well regarded, Scott chose to leave and build his own practice to provide a more thoughtful, strategic, and individualized approach to criminal defense, one that prioritizes people, long-term consequences, and creative legal strategies over case volume.
Scott is a trial-tested criminal defense attorney with experience handling cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including offenses punishable by life imprisonment. He has tried numerous cases to verdict across Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County.
Scott has received multiple Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Hat Trick Awards for achieving three not guilty verdicts in a single year, as well as a Double Hat Trick Award for achieving six not guilty verdicts within one year.
In addition to trial advocacy, Scott has built a strong reputation for sophisticated pretrial motion practice, including successful motions to suppress evidence and statements that have resolved serious cases before trial.
Scott personally conducts Strategy Sessions and remains actively involved in every case he handles.
Defense Philosophy
Scott believes that criminal defense is not about chasing a single definition of “success,” because no two clients, and no two cases, are the same. What one client may view as an excellent outcome could be devastating result to another. Some clients want to avoid trial at all costs, while others are willing to fight for complete vindication. Some outcomes protect a client’s future; others can quietly limit it.
Being a good criminal defense attorney means being able to obtain a range of outcomes. Being a great criminal defense attorney means understanding those options, advising clients honestly about risk and consequences, and helping them decide what outcome is truly best for them—then fighting relentlessly to achieve it.
Scott approaches every case as a shield for his client. How that shield is used depends entirely on the facts, the client’s goals, and what is at stake.
Trial Experience & Courtroom Advocacy
Scott is a trial-tested criminal defense attorney with extensive experience handling cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including offenses punishable by life imprisonment. He has tried numerous cases to verdict across Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County, and has served as lead counsel in many high-stakes felony trials.
His trial experience includes violent crimes, serious DUI cases, complex felony matters, and cases where the client’s freedom, reputation, and future were on the line. Scott is known for his preparation, courtroom presence, and ability to adapt strategy in real time, skills that only come from actual trial work, not theory.
Strategic Motion Practice
In addition to trial advocacy, Scott has built a strong reputation for sophisticated and aggressive pretrial motion practice. He believes that some of the most important work in a criminal case happens long before a jury is ever selected.
Scott has successfully litigated motions to suppress physical evidence and statements, motions challenging unlawful stops and searches, and motions that have dramatically altered, or ended, serious criminal cases before trial. His motion practice has impacted cases involving allegations such as sexual battery, traffic homicide, felony battery, and complex DUI prosecutions.
By identifying legal and constitutional issues early, Scott aims to put his clients in the strongest possible position, whether that leads to dismissal, favorable resolution, or a trial with less evidence.
Client-Focused Representation
Scott personally conducts Strategy Sessions so prospective clients understand the legal approach, potential risks, and available options before deciding how to proceed. He believes clients deserve clear, honest advice, not pressure, and that informed decision-making is a critical part of effective representation.
Once retained, Scott remains actively involved in every case he handles. He is known for being accessible, prepared, and deeply invested in protecting his clients’ interests at every stage of the process.
Background & Education
Scott earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, cum laude, from Florida Atlantic University. During his undergraduate studies, he interned with the Broward County Public Defender’s Office, an experience that solidified his commitment to criminal defense.
He went on to earn his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law, where he excelled in trial advocacy and legal writing. His accomplishments include:
- Winning the nation’s largest moot court criminal procedure competition
- Receiving the Second-Best Brief award in the same national competition
- Top performances in national trial competitions
- Earning the highest grade in his Trial Advocacy course
- Induction into the Order of Barristers, a national honor recognizing excellence in courtroom advocacy
Awards & Recognition
- Super Lawyers – Rising Stars
- Order of Barristers – National Recognition for Trial Advocacy
- Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers – National Trial Lawyers
- Top 40 under 40 – National Trial Lawyers
- Elite Lawyer Since 2022
- Recognized Legal Speaker & Trial Skills Mentor
Professional Involvement & Leadership
- Member, The Florida Bar
- Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Vice President, Broward County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
- The Basics of “DUI Science and SFSE’s” (2021)
- Handling Your First DUI (2022)
- Trial Preparation Strategies for Success: Building a Winning Case Before You Step into Court (2025) MyLawCLE, Florida Bar CLE
Media Features
Scott also regularly gives back to the legal community by coaching mock trial and moot court teams. Since graduating law school, he has coached mock trial teams helping develop the next generation of trial advocates.
Beyond the Courtroom
Scott has lived in South Florida his entire life and has spent his entire legal career practicing here. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two dogs—Pinot, a goldendoodle, and Phin, a rescued golden retriever. He enjoys being on the water whenever possible and is a devoted fan of the Miami Dolphins and Florida Panthers.
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