Scott E. Atwood

Scott E. Atwood is a Florida employment law attorney with three decades of experience representing businesses, entrepreneurs, and public entities. He advises employers across Florida and throughout the United States on workplace disputes, legal compliance, and daily employment concerns. His practice includes defending discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims, along with handling business litigation. He also counsels employers on employee leave, wage requirements, whistleblower claims, and agreements that govern employment relationships. His work combines employment counseling with representation when workplace issues lead to litigation.

Scott earned his B.A., with honors, from Dartmouth College in 1990. He received his M.A. from the College of William & Mary in 1991 and his J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law in 1995. During law school, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Florida Journal of International Law and received the President’s Award for service. He is admitted to the Florida, Georgia, and District of Columbia bars.

Scott handles employment matters involving federal discrimination laws, disability protections, age discrimination, and civil rights claims under Section 1983. He also advises on family and medical leave, wage-and-hour compliance, non-compete agreements, trade secrets, and employment contracts. His business work includes drafting and negotiating confidentiality, operating, and shareholder agreements. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator, he helps parties resolve employment, business, and other civil disputes while assessing litigation risks, potential resolutions, and costs.

Scott E. Atwood has received recognition from Best Lawyers in America, Florida Super Lawyers, and Naples Illustrated for his employment law work. He chaired the Florida Bar’s Labor and Employment Section from 2021 to 2022 and previously served on the Bar’s Board of Governors. His leadership also includes past service as president of the Lee County Bar Association and its foundation. He continues to serve on the University of Florida Law Alumni Council.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
• Member, Board of Governors, The Florida Bar
• Member, State Bar of Georgia
• Member, District of Columbia Bar
• Past President, Lee County Bar Association Foundation
• Past President, Lee County Bar Association
• National Alumni Relations Chair, University of Florida Law Alumni Council
• Chair, The Florida Bar Labor and Employment Section (2021-2022)
• Past President, Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division
• Vice Chair, Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Committee
• Chair, Small Firm Section, Atlanta Bar Association
• Member, Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
• Member, Florida Bar Inaugural Diversity Committee
• Chair, Board of Directors, Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center
• Legislative Chair, SHRM Naples
• Member, Allocations Committee, United Way of Lee County
• Member, Executive Committee, Dartmouth Club of Georgia

Licensed State

• Florida
• Georgia
• District of Columbia

Education

• University of Florida College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Dartmouth College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• College of William & Mary
  Master of Arts (MA)

Awards & Badges