Partner

Richard G. Scott

Project planning, Environmental Permitting & Land Use and Zoning

Richard Scott is a Partner at Rutter & Roy and a trusted adviser to clients tackling some of New Jersey’s most complex infrastructure and environmental challenges. Since joining the firm shortly after passing the bar, Rich has built a distinguished career in Natural Gas Act projects, eminent domain, environmental law, and real estate law. His current practice focuses on complex permitting matters, Green Acres diversions, Land and Water Conservation Fund conversions, condemnations, land use and planning, and related litigation.

Rich is known for his strategic approach and deep understanding of New Jersey’s regulatory landscape. He regularly represents clients before state and federal agencies, and has successfully argued cases before both the Appellate Division and the New Jersey Supreme Court. His insight and advocacy have helped shape key precedents affecting infrastructure development and land use within the state.

This is the first firm I worked at out of law school. As a young attorney, the ability to collaborate and bounce ideas off of more experienced attorneys has been invaluable for my professional growth. At Rutter & Roy, I’ve had the privilege of being ‘brought up’ around a number of excellent attorneys and their guidance has made me a better attorney.

Client Service

From preliminary site evaluations to project completion, Rich provides comprehensive counsel on permitting and land acquisition strategies. He works alongside environmental consultants, engineers, and other professionals to anticipate challenges, streamline approvals, and protect client interests. For clients with eminent domain authority, Rich offers extensive experience in preparing and litigating complex condemnation actions.

Rich takes a proactive, hands-on approach to every matter—crafting compliance strategies, coordinating with regulators, and ensuring that major capital projects move forward with confidence. Clients value his direct, solutions-driven advice and his commitment to helping them meet their project schedule and objectives.

Rich is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and a longtime member and former Vice President of the International Right of Way Association, New Jersey Chapter 15 (2011–present). He earned his J.D. from Widener University School of Law and his B.A., cum laude, from Rowan University.

Reported Cases:

  • Matter of Proposed Const. of Compressor Station (CS327), 258 N.J. 312 (2024)
  • Matter of Proposed Constr. of Compressor Station, 476 N.J. Super. 556 (App. Div. 2023)
  • Matter of Proposed Const. of Compressor Station (CS327), 250 N.J. 365 (2022)
  • 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)

Membership Activities

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

Education


  • Widener University School of Law (J.D., 2010)
  • Rowan University (B.A., cum laude, 2007)

Bar Admissions


  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit

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