Kristie A. Scott

Biography

Kristie A. Scott is an Assistant Professor of Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research at Ave Maria School of Law. An experienced attorney, educator, and public speaker, she brings more than 13 years of legal practice to the classroom.

Before joining Ave Maria Law, Professor Scott founded and managed Light Path Law, P.A. Her practice concentrated on church law, business law, labor and employment law, and civil and business litigation. She has represented and advised businesses, nonprofit organizations, governing boards, churches, employers, and other clients in a wide range of legal matters. Her work has included civil litigation, business and employment counseling, contract matters, legal research and analysis, depositions, mediations, and court proceedings.

Before founding Light Path Law, Professor Scott practiced business litigation with both a boutique law firm and a national law firm. Prior to entering the legal profession, she worked in the investment and insurance industries, where she served high-net-worth clients and was the primary point of contact for a client base with more than $400 million in investments.

Professor Scott has been recognized throughout her career for professional excellence. She has held an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 2020 and was named to Best Lawyers’ Ones to Watch in Florida in 2022. She was selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2019 through 2023 and as a Florida Super Lawyer in 2024. Her additional honors include recognition by the National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 and the Leader in the Law Award from the Florida Association for Women Lawyers.

Professor Scott is also an experienced educator and public speaker. She taught Business Law for six years as an adjunct professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, concluding her service there in December 2023. She has lectured and participated in panels at Florida Gulf Coast University and has appeared in local and regional media. Her speaking experience includes serving as keynote speaker for the 2017 Cape Coral Technical College Commencement and speaking at professional and community events throughout Southwest Florida.

Professor Scott has maintained an extensive record of professional and community service. She serves on the board of Pace Center for Girls, Lee, and is a member of the Christian Legal Society and DRI. Her previous service includes the Florida Bar’s 20th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee, a federal magistrate judge Merit Selection Committee for the Middle District of Florida, the Golisano Community Council, the Florida Bar, the Lee County Bar Association, and numerous legal and community organizations.

Professor Scott earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Charlotte School of Law. During law school, she competed in national civil and criminal mock trial competitions, served as President/Justice of the Alexander Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity and Vice President of the Black Law Students Association, and graduated with pro bono honors.

Professor Scott is admitted to practice in Florida and before the United States District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.

Education

• J.D., Charlotte School of Law, cum laude
• B.S., University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Professional Experience

Professor Kristie A. Scott brings more than 13 years of legal experience in church law, business law, labor and employment law, and civil and business litigation to Ave Maria School of Law.

Before joining the faculty, Professor Scott founded and managed Light Path Law, P.A. Her practice included advising and representing businesses, nonprofit organizations, governing boards, churches, employers, and other clients in transactional and litigation matters. Her work included civil litigation, business and employment counseling, contract matters, legal research and analysis, depositions, mediations, and court proceedings.

Before founding Light Path Law, Professor Scott practiced business litigation with both a boutique law firm and a national law firm. Prior to law school, she worked in the investment and insurance industries, including serving as the primary point of contact for a client base with more than $400 million in investments.

Professor Scott also served for six years as an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she taught through December 2023.

Honors & Professional Affiliations

• AV Preeminent® Rating, Martindale-Hubbell (2020-present)
• Florida Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers (2024)
• Rising Star, Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers (2019-2023)
• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Florida (2022)
• National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
• Leader in the Law Award, Florida Association for Women Lawyers (2017)
• Board Member, Pace Center for Girls, Lee (2024-present)
• Member, Christian Legal Society
• Member, DRI
• Former Member, The Florida Bar 20th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee, Group C
• Former Member, Federal Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Committee, Middle District of Florida (2022)
• Former Member, Florida Bar
• Former Member, Lee County Bar Association
• Former Member, Golisano Community Council
• Former Associate Member, Calusa Chapter of the American Inns of Court
• Former Treasurer, Lee County Association for Women Lawyers
• Former Guardian ad Litem, 20th Judicial Circuit
• Former Secretary, Isaac Anderson Jr. Chapter of the National Bar Association
• Greater Fort Myers Leadership Class of 2016