Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore: Scott Rhodes

In the intricate world of law, attorneys, law firms, and even government agencies sometimes find themselves navigating highly sensitive ethical dilemmas, professional responsibility matters, or disputes related to their conduct. The rules governing the legal profession are stringent, and adherence to ethical standards is paramount. When faced with State Bar complaints, fee disputes, disciplinary actions, or complex professional conduct issues, having specialized counsel who understands these unique challenges is critical. In Austin, Texas, Scott Rhodes, a distinguished lawyer at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, provides trusted and expert guidance in these often delicate legal areas.

Scott Rhodes offers unparalleled counsel to attorneys, law firms, legal departments, in-house counsel, and government agencies. His practice is specifically focused on identifying and addressing legal issues related to professional conduct, ensuring clients can navigate complex ethical landscapes with confidence. With an extensive and distinguished background in legal ethics, Scott regularly advises clients on a wide array of matters, including State Bar complaints, fee disputes and arbitrations, disciplinary actions, bar admissions, and other licensing, ethics, and professional responsibility issues. He understands that legal strategy in these matters must incorporate a business perspective and align with each client's broader goals. Prior to entering private practice, Scott gained valuable experience serving as managing attorney and general counsel for a Phoenix law firm, further enhancing his practical insight into the operational side of legal practice. He also serves as an expert witness in legal malpractice and other cases related to the practice of law, showcasing the depth of his expertise and reputation within the legal community.

McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, the respected firm where Scott Rhodes practices, boasts a rich history of over 90 years protecting client interests. Known for providing senior-level attention to every legal matter, the firm ensures maximum value, efficiency, and results. Their comprehensive breadth of practice areas means that clients can rely on McGinnis Lochridge as a trusted, single-source advisor for their most challenging business and legal needs, including the specialized counsel Scott Rhodes provides.

The Austin office of McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore is prominently located at 600 Congress Ave. #2100, Austin, TX 78701, USA. This central downtown Austin address offers exceptional accessibility for clients across the city and throughout Texas. Being situated in the state capital's bustling downtown core provides convenient access to state and federal courthouses, as well as various governmental agencies, which is particularly advantageous given the regulatory and ethics-focused nature of Scott Rhodes' practice. Austin's robust transportation network, including major highways like I-35 and the MoPac Expressway, ensures straightforward travel. Additionally, numerous public transportation options serve the downtown area, making the firm easily reachable for all. This strategic location underscores McGinnis Lochridge's commitment to serving the legal community and providing readily accessible expert legal counsel.

Scott Rhodes's primary area of expertise lies in legal ethics and professional responsibility. His comprehensive services for attorneys, law firms, and legal departments include:

• State Bar Complaints and Disciplinary Matters: Representing attorneys in investigations and formal disciplinary proceedings initiated by state bar associations, from initial response through hearing and appeal.
• Fee Disputes and Arbitrations: Advising and representing clients in disputes over legal fees, including participation in mandatory or voluntary arbitration processes.
• Bar Admissions and Licensing Issues: Assisting individuals with challenges related to bar admission applications or other professional licensing matters.
• Legal Malpractice Defense: Serving as an expert witness and providing counsel in cases involving claims of legal malpractice.
• Ethical Compliance Counseling: Providing proactive advice to law firms and legal departments on ethical compliance, conflicts of interest, attorney-client privilege, confidentiality, advertising, and other professional responsibility rules.
• Professional Corporate Governance and Structure Litigation: Advising and advocating for clients in litigation related to the governance and structure of professional corporations and partnerships.
• Internal Investigations: Conducting sensitive internal investigations for law firms or legal departments regarding alleged ethical breaches or professional misconduct.
• Expert Witness Testimony: Offering expert opinions in cases that involve the standard of care for attorneys or other complex legal ethics issues.

Beyond Scott Rhodes' specific focus, McGinnis Lochridge offers a comprehensive range of legal services including general commercial litigation, local government matters, and professional corporate governance and structure litigation, leveraging all manners of traditional and alternative dispute resolution.

Scott Rhodes and McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore distinguish themselves through several key features and highlights that underscore their preeminence in legal ethics and professional responsibility:

• Specialized Expertise: Scott Rhodes’ practice is exclusively dedicated to legal ethics and professional responsibility, providing an unmatched depth of knowledge and up-to-date understanding of these highly specialized and often nuanced areas of law.
• Recognized "Lawyer of the Year": He has been repeatedly named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America© for Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law (2013, 2018, 2020, 2022) in Phoenix (as his prior firm was in Phoenix), an exceptional recognition based on peer review. He is also recognized for Commercial Litigation in Best Lawyers in America® 2025.
• Extensive Background as General Counsel: His prior experience as managing attorney and general counsel for a law firm provides invaluable insight into the operational and business challenges faced by legal professionals.
• Proactive and Strategic Counsel: Scott understands that legal strategy in professional conduct matters must integrate a business perspective and align with client goals, focusing on practical and effective solutions.
• Highly Respected Expert Witness: His role as an expert witness in legal malpractice and other practice-related cases speaks to his authoritative knowledge and standing within the legal community.
• High Client Satisfaction: Clients consistently praise his "knowledge, expertise and personality," noting his ability to "get things done and never backs down from a challenge," and expressing a desire for continued collaboration.
• AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated™ by Martindale-Hubbell®: This rating signifies the highest level of professional excellence, reflecting the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and Judiciary.
• Comprehensive Firm Support: Clients of Scott Rhodes benefit from the extensive resources and broad expertise of McGinnis Lochridge, a firm with a long-standing history of excellence and a wide range of practice areas.

As a highly specialized and distinguished law firm, McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, and particularly attorney Scott Rhodes, do not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer-facing sense. Their value proposition is rooted in their unparalleled expertise, their proven ability to navigate complex ethical and professional responsibility challenges, and the strategic advantages they bring to their clients. Prospective clients, whether individual attorneys, law firms, or governmental entities, are encouraged to contact the Austin office for a confidential consultation. This initial discussion provides an opportunity to comprehensively review the specific ethical or professional conduct issues at hand, understand the potential legal implications, and learn how Scott Rhodes’ deep experience and strategic insight can provide tailored, effective solutions. Their focus is on delivering superior legal counsel and protecting the professional standing of their clients.

For attorneys, law firms, legal departments, or government agencies in Texas seeking trusted and expert counsel on legal ethics, professional responsibility, or related business matters, connecting with Scott Rhodes at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore is the first essential step:

Address: 600 Congress Ave. #2100, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Phone: (512) 495-6000

His team is prepared to offer the discreet, highly skilled, and effective legal representation you need.

For legal professionals and entities throughout Texas, especially those in Austin and its surrounding areas, Scott Rhodes at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended resource. His dedicated focus on legal ethics and professional responsibility means that Texans have access to an attorney with a truly specialized understanding of these critical and often sensitive issues. His repeated recognition as "Lawyer of the Year" in this field by Best Lawyers in America©, along with positive client testimonials highlighting his "knowledge, expertise and personality," underscore his exceptional capabilities. The strategic central Austin location of McGinnis Lochridge ensures convenient access, and the firm's long-standing reputation provides a solid foundation of comprehensive legal support. When facing State Bar complaints, fee disputes, or any complex matter of professional conduct, Scott Rhodes offers the precise, experienced, and confidential counsel that Texas's legal community can rely on to navigate challenges and protect their professional integrity.