Scott McKay

Scott McKay is a nationally recognized trial attorney with nearly three decades of courtroom experience in both state and federal courts across Idaho and the United States. As a partner at Nevin, Benjamin & McKay LLP, he has successfully obtained acquittals in major criminal cases and secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients, including a $3.79 million wrongful death judgment affirmed by the Idaho Supreme Court.

Scott earned his B.A. from Whitworth College, graduating cum laude in 1986, and his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1990. Following law school, he clerked for Justices Byron Johnson and Linda Copple Trout of the Idaho Supreme Court, experiences that deeply shaped his legal perspective and commitment to justice.

A fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Scott holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible for legal ability and ethics. Consistently named to Best Lawyers in America since 2001, he has been honored as “Lawyer of the Year” in Boise multiple times for both criminal and white-collar defense. The Idaho Statesman has described him as “one of Idaho’s best lawyers.” He has also appeared in Mountain States Super Lawyers annually since 2007.

Scott McKay’s distinguished career includes leadership roles such as President of the Board of Federal Defender Services of Idaho and service on various Idaho State Bar and Supreme Court committees. His integrity, expertise, and unwavering advocacy continue to set the standard for excellence in criminal defense and complex civil litigation across the Mountain West.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Nevin, Benjamin & McKay LLP
• President, Federal Defender Services of Idaho, Inc. (2017-2021)
• Member, Idaho State Bar, Judicial Fairness Committee
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Lifetime Member, Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers

Licensed State

• Idaho

Education

• Gonzaga University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Whitworth College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges