Richard G. Scott, Partner
Richard Scott is a Partner with Rutter & Roy. He joined the firm shortly after passing the bar and has remained here ever since. He has in-depth experience in pipeline law, condemnation, environmental law and real estate law, and currently focuses his practice on complex permitting issues, Green Acres diversions, land and water conservation fund conversions, condemnations and various litigation matters.

As a practitioner, Rich works closely with clients to guide them through the regulatory intricacies required for projects, particularly those involving linear construction. He also works closely with third-party experts such as environmental consultants, engineers and relevant stakeholders.

Rich’s work often begins when a client is considering a site for development or a facility, and requires guidance concerning potential land and permitting issues. Rich uses his experience and knowledge of environmental laws and regulations to analyze the strengths and pitfalls of a site, necessary mitigation costs, and, in the end, environmental permitting implications.

Once a client determines its land requirements, Rich assists in the land acquisition process, including contract drafting and negotiations. For those clients that have eminent domain authority, Rich has extensive experience in preparing for and litigating condemnation actions.

Rich also works with clients and their environmental consultants in preparing and filing environmental permit applications. He takes a hands-on approach in crafting statements of compliance and assisting clients in responding to information requests from agencies.

In the end, permitting is always a moving target. Rich’s role is to help clients who are contemplating large projects with major capital investments through the process. He strives to provide direct, honest, business-oriented advice that ultimately helps clients hit their target, wherever and however it happens to move.

Rich is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and is a member and former Vice President of the International Right of Way Association, New Jersey Chapter 15 (2011 – present).

He earned his J.D. degree from Widener University School of Law and his B.A. degree, cum laude, from Rowan University.

Reported Cases:

• Twp. of Bordentown v. FERC, 903 F.3d 234 (3d Cir. 2018)
• Del. Riverkeeper Network v. Sec’y, Pa. Dep’t of Envntl. Prot., 833 F.3d 360 (3d Cir. 2016)
• Matter of Proposed Const. of Compressor Station (CS327), 250 N.J. 365 (2022).

Membership Activities

• Member and past Vice President, International Right of Way Association, New Jersey Chapter 15 (2011 – present)
• New Jersey State Bar Association

Speaking Engagements

• Pipeline Opportunities Conference, Houston, TX, April 2019
• IRWA Education Conference, San Diego, CA, Natural Gas Project: Obtaining Early Access, June 2015