For many years prior to earning his law degree in 1993, Joseph E. Scott taught courses in psychology, sociology, criminology and criminal justice as a professor at both Hanover College and Ohio State University in Columbus. Mr. Scott also spent time as a visiting professor and lecturer at numerous law schools throughout the United States and Europe, including the Leiden University Law School in the Netherlands.

Mr. Scott began his own practice of law upon retiring from Ohio State in 1994. Since that time, he has tried more than 100 cases, including numerous capital trials. His experience also includes the successful defense of clients charged with crimes such as aggravated murder, murder, rape, aggravated robbery, burglary, kidnapping, drug trafficking, securities fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy. Mr. Scott has argued cases before several appeals courts as well as the Supreme Court of Ohio. He has also represented people in federal courts in the Northern District of Ohio, the Southern District of Ohio, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the District Court of Arizona.