D. Scott Powell

Scott Powell is a partner who splits time between Vorys' Cincinnati and Columbus offices.  Scott also chairs the firm's Strategic Operations and Planning Committee.  Scott has more than 30 years of experience as a federal tax, aviation and transactional attorney and is the former chair of the firm’s probate and tax group.  He now works closely with Vorys eControl, a nationally recognized practice that develops customized, comprehensive solutions to protect and grow brands’ value by controlling sales in the age of eCommerce.

Scott also has expertise with respect to the structural, ethical, financial, operational and tax aspects of law-firm ancillary businesses.

Scott received his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude with distinction from The Ohio State University.  In addition to being a Phi Beta Kappa, Scott was a three-year letterman on the Ohio State football team.  He went on to receive his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law where he was the articles editor of the Northwestern University Journal of International Law and Business.         

He has lectured on the topics of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, employee fringe benefits, taxation of litigation settlements, and wage and payroll reporting.

Honors & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America, Tax Law "Lawyer of the Year," 2025

The Best Lawyers in America, Tax Law, 2015-2025

Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Tax, 2005-2006

Professional & Community Activities

The Ohio State University, Department of English Alumni Advisory Committee, 2007-2015

Mental Health of America of Franklin County, 2004-2010; President, 2008-2009

Fellow of the Columbus Bar Foundation since 2005

Friendship Village of Columbus, Secretary, 2000-2019

The Unverferth House Board of Trustees, 1998-2006

Phoenix Theatre Circle, Board of Trustees, 2007-2011; Vice President, 2009

New Life Community Outreach, Board of Trustees, 2011-2013

Netcare Access, Board of Directors, 2013-2019; Vice President, 2018-2019

Melissa's House, Board of Directors, 2017-2019