Scott D. Piper

Partner; Co-leader, Labor and Employment Practice Group,
Harris Beach PLLC

Years in current role: 15

What is your biggest professional goal for the rest of this year?

In May, Harris Beach and Murtha Cullina LLP announced a Combination Agreement was signed for the creation of one firm. As a co-leader of our labor and employment practice group, I look forward to collaborating with my counterparts at Murtha Cullina to integrate our team and our practice. The combined firm will offer our clients an enhanced Labor and Employment counsel across an expanded regional presence.

What do you expect to be the biggest challenges for the legal industry locally in the near future?

In my opinion, a challenge firms will face locally will be the competition for talent, especially considering the increase in remote work. Small and mid-sized firms will compete with larger firms outside the region that allow for remote work and pay larger salaries.

A challenge Labor and Employment practitioners face is to stay up-to-date and ready to advise clients as they navigate the ever-changing and complex rules, regulations and laws in New York state.

What are your favorite aspects of the types of law you practice?

I enjoy building and maintaining relationships with clients. The labor and employment landscape is always changing, and I enjoy the challenge of finding creative solutions to meet my clients’ needs.

What is your favorite time of year in the Rochester region and why?

I like the cool weather and changing leaves in the fall. I am an avid hiker, and the scenery is beautiful at that time of year.

What career do you think you would have if you weren’t a lawyer?

If I was not a lawyer, I would like to have pursued a career in medicine because it’s such an important role that people rely on, and I like to work with and help people. I also like the thought of becoming a business owner to create a successful business that addresses a need.

This profile is part of our Labor & Employment Law Power List for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at nydailyrecord.com.