About

L. Scott Sherman is a trial attorney who has spent two decades defending individuals in catastrophic, high-exposure criminal prosecutions. Since entering criminal practice in 2006, Mr. Sherman has led more than 50 felony jury trials to verdict across state and federal courtrooms, establishing a reputation for fearless advocacy in homicide, sex offense, and complex racketeering (RICO/VICAR) litigation.

Headquartered in New York City with an active criminal practice across the country, Mr. Sherman’s work is anchored by a tri-coastal footprint. He is formally admitted to practice in New York, California, Louisiana, and the District of Columbia, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), Eastern District of New York (EDNY), and Northern District of California (NDCA).

The Crucible: New Orleans Public Defense (2006–2015)

Mr. Sherman forged his trial skills in New Orleans, serving as a front-line public defender in one of the nation's most demanding criminal court systems. Over nine years, he tried dozens of major felony trials before Louisiana juries, developing an aggressive, forensic-centered trial approach. As lead trial counsel, he secured complete acquittals and favorable verdicts in high-profile violent crime prosecutions, including the landmark 2015 trial victory in State of Louisiana v. Jerel Clavo.

California Practice & Defense Leadership (2015–2024)

In 2015, Mr. Sherman relocated to Northern California, building a private criminal defense practice in San Mateo County focused on serious felonies, homicides, and capital-exposure litigation in California state courts. Among his notable matters, Mr. Sherman served as defense counsel in People v. Daniel Contreras—a capital murder case in which he and co-counsel successfully persuaded prosecutors not to pursue the death penalty, followed by aggressive pretrial litigation that culminated in the prosecution offering an indeterminate non-capital resolution.

Recognized for his courtroom command and institutional leadership, Mr. Sherman was appointed Managing Attorney of the San Mateo County Private Defender Program (PDP) in 2020. For almost four years, he directed training and recruitment for one of California’s most respected defender institutions, overseeing casework and mentoring trial lawyers.

Return to New Orleans & Exoneration Record (2024–2025)

In 2024, Mr. Sherman reopened his solo criminal defense practice in New Orleans, returning to high-exposure felony litigation. His advocacy led to a historic trial victory in State of Louisiana v. Kendall Harrison (2025), in which Mr. Sherman’s lead trial defense resulted in his client's complete vindication and subsequent enrollment in the National Registry of Exonerations.

New York City & Federal Defense (2025–Present)

Since establishing his practice in New York City in 2025, Mr. Sherman has immediately stepped into high-profile federal courtrooms, serving on trial defense teams in two highly complex, multi-defendant RICO prosecutions. Among these, he served as trial co-counsel defending the alleged leader of an international criminal gang against sweeping federal racketeering and enterprise charges.

These proceedings highlight Mr. Sherman's ability to master vast evidentiary records—including Title III wiretaps, cell phone evidence, cross-border intelligence, financial forensics, and cooperating co-conspirator testimony. Whether litigating federal racketeering indictments in Manhattan and Brooklyn, or handling complex trials or post-conviction matters in Louisiana or California, he brings twenty years of front-line trial experience to every case and every client.

Trial Advocacy Faculty & Professional Training

A dedicated mentor to the defense bar, Mr. Sherman actively trains the next generation of trial litigators. Each summer, he serves on the training faculty for young public defenders at an intensive advocacy program hosted by Stanford Law School. Additionally, following his tenure as Managing Attorney of the San Mateo County Private Defender Program, he was retained by the organization to train its incoming attorneys using an intensive trial-advocacy curriculum he personally developed.

State Bar Admissions

State of California

State of Louisiana

State of New York

District of Columbia

U.S. District Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY)

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY)

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (NDCA)

Education

J.D. - Tulane University Law School

B.A. - New York University