Robert N. Scola, Jr.
Of Counsel
scola@robertscola-adr.com
(202) 253-2307
Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr. joined Coffey Burlington in 2026 of counsel bringing over thirty years of judicial experience to the practice.
Robert N. Scola, Jr. has served as United States District Court Judge in the Southern District of Florida since 2011. Prior to his appointment to the federal bench, he served as a Circuit Judge in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit from 1995 to 2011 where he sat in the General Jurisdiction Division, Family Division and Criminal Division. Bob received his bachelor of arts degree from Brown University, Providence, R.I. in 1977 and his juris doctor degree (cum laude) from Boston College Law School, Newton, MA (1980). Among many others, he received the following awards as a judge: “Honorable William Hoeveler Professionalism Award” from the Florida Bar 2007; “Judge of the Year Award” from the Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates 2013; “Honorable Gerald Kogan Judicial Distinction Award” from the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers on May 12, 2001; “Jurist of the Year” 2001-2002 award from the First Family Law American Inn of Court; “Judge of the Year” award for 2004 from the Florida Law Related Education Program; “Honorable Steven Levine Justice Award” from the Miami-Dade County Trial Lawyers’ Association 2005; “League of Prosecutors Justice Award” 2005.
As a former judge, Robert N. Scola, Jr. brings over thirty years of judicial experience to Coffey Burlington, including service as both a United States District Court Judge and Florida Circuit Court Judge. Over the course of his career, he presided over nearly 800 trials and handled over 50,000 cases, receiving numerous awards and earning a reputation for integrity, fairness, efficiency, and sound judgment.
Today, he applies that same commonsense approach to mediation and arbitration. He is known for cutting through the noise of conflict, focusing parties on what matters, and guiding them toward practical, durable resolutions. Having observed juries and discussed cases with his colleagues, he has an insider’s view of how decisions are made in the courtroom, and he can provide an evaluative approach that will assist parties in better understanding the possible outcomes they face.
Judge Scola has extensive experience in a wide range of practice areas. His areas of expertise include Business & Commercial Disputes, Class Action, Complex civil Litigation, Construction Law, Cruise Ship and Admiralty, Employment Law, Health Care, Insurance, Legal & Professional Malpractice, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury/Torts, Products Liability, and Real Estate & Real Property.
Hon. William Hoeveler Professionalism Award
Florida Bar Committee on Professionalism, 2007
For exhibiting highest principles of professionalism on the bench.
Florida Jurist of the Year Award, 2013
Florida Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates
For “outstanding contributions to matrimonial law by a member of the judiciary.”
Florida Jurist of the Year Award, 2011
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Florida Chapter
For “outstanding contributions to matrimonial law by a member of the judiciary.”
Honorable Theodore Klein Lifetime Achievement Award, 2021
Greater Miami Jewish Federation
Presented to a judge who has championed important issues and demonstrated significant leadership in service to our society and whose wisdom and compassion has made a real difference in our judicial or legal system and society; an individual wo possesses an open mind, as well as generous heart.
Equal Justice Judicial Leadership Award, 2025
Legal Services of Greater Miami
To a judge whose work embodies the organization’s core values of fairness, respect, and ensuring justice is accessible to all
Judge Steven Levine Award, 2006
Dade County Justice Association
To a judge who displays “integrity, fairness and professionalism towards all attorneys and litigants who appear before him.”
Justice Award, 2005
League of Prosecutors
For his “dedication to honor and fairness in the criminal justice system.”
Jurist of the Year Award, 2002
First American Family Law Inns of Court
“In appreciation and recognition of dedication, demeanor and service on the family law bench.”
Hon. Gerald Kogan Judicial Distinction Award, 2001
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Miami Chapter
“In recognition of his outstanding contributions and dedicated service to the improvement of the criminal justice system and the preservation of the Bill of Rights.
Judge of the Year Award, 2004
Florida Bar Law Related Education Program
“For outstanding service in educating the public and restoring public trust and confidence in the legal system.
Professional Activities
Administrative Office of the Courts,
Defender Services Committee, 2016 through 2022
Responsible for determining the annual budgets of $1.5 billion for the Federal
Defender’s Offices and court-appointed attorneys throughout the country.
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Miami Chapter, 1987 through 1995
President, 1994 through 1995
Department Head, Criminal Track, 1999
Florida Bar Grievance Committee 11E, 1993 through 1995
Chairperson, 1994
Florida Bar, Criminal Rules of Procedure Committee, 1999-2003
Community Involvement
Goodwill Industries of South Florida Board of Directors, 2026 to present
Representative Engagements
- Representation of The New Republic wide range of litigation and counseling matters.
- Represented multiple departing partners of multi-national law firm in arbitration proceedings brought under firm partnership agreement.
- Represented partners in major multi-national firm accused of violation of Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Defend sole practitioner against disbarment charges
- Representation of both clients and law firms in fee disputes.
- Represented major developer in wide array of cases, including litigation challenging construction of Marriott Marquis Hotel at Washington Convention Center and litigation enforcing development limits challenged by building purchaser.
- Lead Class Counsel responsible for negotiating and implementing $1.25 billion settlement for class of black farmers who were the victims of discrimination by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in farm loan program.
- Represented Denver Public School System in connection with modification of consent decree governing provision of services to non-native English-speaking students.
- Served as counsel to Special Master overseeing implementation of consent decree for Tucson United School District.
- Represented Commission on Presidential Debates in litigation brought by Presidential candidate Ralph Nader.
Professional and Community Involvement
- President, District of Columbia Bar (1998-99)
- President, District of Columbia Bar Foundation (2004-05)
- Vice President, District of Columbia Access to Justice Foundation (2010-present)
- American Jewish Committee, Member of National Executive Council and Co-Chair of AJC Arabian Gulf Institute
- Member, Maryland Civic Education Coalition
Awards and Recognition
- Recipient of the Judge Learned Hand Award from the American Jewish Committee in Washington, D.C. in recognition of his “dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and his outstanding contributions to the enrichment of the community.”
- Recipient of the Servant of Justice Award by the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
Personal
- Raised in Coral Gables
- Married, three sons
- Passionate about golf and Washington Capitals hockey
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Education
- Brown University, B.A., 1977
- Boston College Law School, Juris Doctor, cum laude 1980
Admitted to Practice
- Florida Bar
Practice Focus
- Complex Commercial Disputes
- Business & Commercial Disputes
- Class Action
- Complex civil Litigation
- Construction Law
- Cruise Ship and Admiralty
- Employment Law
- Health Care
- Insurance
- Legal & Professional Malpractice
- Medical Malpractice
- Personal Injury/Torts
- Products Liability
- Real Estate & Real Property