77 West Wacker Dr.//Chicago, IL 60601-5094//United States
Scott Schutte represents companies and individuals in commercial and civil litigation, with an emphasis on the defense of consumer class actions in US state and federal courts. He regularly defends consumer service providers, financial services companies, and product manufacturers against high-exposure claims both in the class action and commercial litigation settings. Scott serves as managing partner of the firm’s Chicago office, a deputy chair of Morgan Lewis’s global litigation practice, and co-chair of the Class Action Working Group.
Scott counsels companies in a wide variety of industries against private class action claims brought under a range of legal theories, including claims based on state deceptive and unfair practices acts, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Truth in Lending Act, and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. He frequently handles bet-the-company cases in difficult jurisdictions, and represents companies in investigations by State Attorneys General and state and federal regulators.
Scott also represents companies in single-plaintiff litigation, including both commercial and personal injury lawsuits. In doing so, Scott has appeared in courts in more than 25 states around the United States.
Scott also counsels clients and writes and speaks frequently on the consequences that stem from the US Supreme Court’s decision in AT&T v. Concepcion, a major decision that affects class action litigation.
In his active pro bono practice, Scott seeks justice for the wrongfully accused. In a 2007 landmark victory, he convinced a Chicago judge to vacate two murder convictions for a man who had served 24 years in prison. He has also represented defendants in death penalty cases in Illinois and Texas.
selected representations
Represented one of the nation's largest tax preparers in a variety of class action lawsuits and other matters brought by consumers or State Attorneys General based on claims of deceptive or unfair practices
Represented some of the country's largest banks in class action lawsuits relating to mortgage lending practices, and in single-plaintiff lender-liability lawsuits.
Represented a large computer manufacturer in class action claims relating to its advertising and marketing practices.
Acted as lead counsel for a large product manufacturer in a multi-defendant class action lawsuit. Mr. Schutte subsequently served as national coordinating counsel for more than 100 related lawsuits and claims that were outside the scope of the class action settlement.
Represented a company that provides software for personal lines insurance carriers in numerous class action lawsuits asserting RICO and conspiracy claims.
Awards and Affiliations
Director, Chicago Children's Museum
Member, Chicago-Kent Alumni Board of Advisors
Treasurer, Illinois State University Attorneys Advisory Board
Former Chair, Insurance Law Committee, Chicago Bar Association (2005–2006)
Former Member, Board of Advisors, DePaul University Center for Justice in Capital Cases (2004–2006)
