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W. SCOTT HARKEY

Attorney & Managing Partner

DEFENSE ATTORNEY W. SCOTT HARKEY

W. Scott Harkey is an accomplished attorney and the managing partner of Harkey Litigation law offices, based in North Carolina. With a remarkable legal career spanning several high-profile cases, Scott has established himself as a trusted advocate for businesses and individuals in State and Federal courts.

Scott’s journey in the legal field began with a significant role as a special prosecutor, leading the Financial Crimes Unit from 2013 until 2021. During his tenure, he showcased his exceptional skills in navigating complex financial cases, earning him recognition as a formidable force in white-collar litigation.

Prior to his appointment as the Senior Financial Crimes Prosecutor, Scott honed his litigation skills by defending civil cases at a prominent law firm in Raleigh, North Carolina. This experience allowed him to gain valuable insights into the intricacies of complex disputes and develop a strategic approach to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients.

Throughout his career, Scott has successfully tried numerous jury cases in both State and Federal Courts, securing favorable verdicts in multi-million-dollar disputes. In fact, he achieved his first multi-million-dollar judgment at the young age of 28, setting the stage for a remarkable legal journey. His impressive record in complex white-collar matters is unparalleled in North Carolina, solidifying his reputation as the go-to attorney for high-stakes litigation.

With a focus on high-stakes litigation, Scott has made a name for himself by representing businesses and individuals in a wide range of cases. His remarkable achievements include securing favorable verdicts in some of North Carolina’s most notorious fraud cases, such as the $269.9 million contract fraud case, the UNC athlete agent scandal, and a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme.

As a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in state criminal law, Scott has handled cases in over 60 counties across the state. He is highly sought-after as a lecturer and adviser on economic malfeasance issues, including fraud, financial privacy, and public corruption. His profound knowledge and practical insights make him an invaluable resource in the realm of white-collar matters.

Scott’s outstanding legal achievements have gained widespread recognition, with his cases frequently featured in national publications such as USA Today, Associated Press, ESPN, Seattle Times, Washington Post, Washington Times, Newsweek, CNN, and Adweek magazine. His dedication to his clients and commitment to excellence have set him apart as a trailblazer in the field of high-stakes litigation.

With W. Scott Harkey at the helm, Harkey Litigation continues to provide unparalleled legal representation to clients facing complex legal challenges. Scott’s unwavering determination, vast expertise, and impressive track record make him a trusted advocate for those in need of a fearless champion in the courtroom.

MY PROMISE

My philosophy is to be fully engaged in the representation of my clients. I will communicate candidly, prepare thoroughly, and advocate zealously. This is my promise.

STANDING OUT

CONTACT

380 Knollwood Street, Suite 305
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
336-666-0899 (direct)

LEGAL CREDENTIALS

  • Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, J.D.
    • Honors, Advanced Trial and Appellate Advocacy
  • North Carolina State University, B.A.
    • cum laude
  • United States District Court, Middle District of North Carolina
  • United States District Court, Western District of North Carolina
  • North Carolina State Bar
  • Dispute Resolution Commission Superior Court Mediator
  • American Bar Association
    • Criminal Justice Section
  • North Carolina Bar Association
    • Criminal Justice Section, Vice-Chair, 2022-present
    • Criminal Justice Section, Executive Committee, 2020-present
    • Criminal Justice Section, Council Member, 2017-2021
    • White-Collar Task Force, PastChair
  • North Carolina Bar Foundation
    • Civic Education and Engagement Committee, 2020-present
  • Forsyth County Bar Association
  • Davidson County Bar Association
  • 18th Judicial District Bar Association
  • 21st Judicial District Bar Association
  • 33rd Judicial District Bar Association
  • Chief Justice Joseph Branch Inn of Court
  • Forsyth County Business Lawyers Association

       

2013, International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators Task Force of the Year, Member.

2013, Investigation and Prosecution of Mortgage Fraud and Vacant Property Crime. National District Attorney’s Association. Charlotte, NC.

2013, Mortgage Fraud. National White Collar Crime Center & Bureau of Justice Assistance, United States Department of Justice.

2013, Advanced Highway Safety Training. ACADEMI Training Center. Moyock, NC.

2014, Financial Investigation Practical Skills. National White Collar Crime Center & Bureau of Justice Assistance, United States Department of Justice.

2014, Financial Records Examination and Analysis. National White Collar Crime Center & Bureau of Justice Assistance, United States Department of Justice.

2015, Identity Theft Investigations. National White Collar Crime Center & Bureau of Justice Assistance, United States Department of Justice.

2015, International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators Fraud Training. Myrtle Beach, SC.

2015, Prosecutor Faculty Development Certification (Train the Trainer). Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys Council. Atlanta, Georgia.

2018. Board Certified Specialist. State Criminal Law. North Carolina State Bar.

2022. Certified as Superior Court Mediator.

2022. Elected vice chair of NCBA Criminal Justice Section.

W. Scott Harkey, The Admissibility and Presentation of Business Records, NOW COMES THE STATE, September 2020, at 18.

W. Scott Harkey, Restitution: A Prosecutor’s Guide, NOW COMES THE STATE, January 2019, at 14.

W. Scott Harkey, Necessity of Live Testimony for Business Records Evidence, The White-Collar, Issue 5, June 2014.

W. Scott Harkey, Embezzlement by Insurance Agents, The White-Collar. Issue 3, October 2013.

Harkey, W., 2021. Accessing and Organizing Records in Elder Exploitation Cases. North Carolina Partnership to Address Adult Abuse Annual Meeting. Webinar. Raleigh, NC.

Harkey, W., 2021. Using 404(b) in Financial Crimes Cases. Raleigh, NC.

Harkey, W., 2021. Admissibility & Presentation of Business Records. Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council. Phoenix, AZ.

Harkey, W., 2020. CLE Webinar, Right to Financial Privacy for Investigators. Raleigh, NC.

Harkey, W., 2020. CLE Webinar, Right to Financial Privacy. Raleigh, NC.

Harkey, W., 2019. Elder Abuse Conference Panelist. Kitty Hawk, NC.

Harkey, W., 2018. Charging Decisions in Financial Crimes Cases. Raleigh, NC.

Harkey, W., 2018. White-Collar Prosecution. Campbell Law School. Raleigh, NC.

Harkey, W., 2017. Charging Decisions in Financial Crimes Cases. Concord, NC.

Harkey, W., 2017. Getting your Documents; North Carolina’s Financial Privacy Act. Concord, NC.

Harkey, W., 2016. Financial Privacy Act. Chapel Hill, NC.

Harkey, W., 2016. Asset Seizure in Elder Exploitation Cases. Raleigh, NC.

Harkey, W., 2016. Financial Crimes in North Carolina, NICB/SCINS Insurance Fraud Summit. Greenville, SC.

Harkey, W., 2015. Charge It – Financial Crimes. Raleigh, NC.

Harkey, W., 2015. Financial Crime in North Carolina, Summer Association Meeting. Pinehurst, NC.

Harkey, W., 2014. Charging Decisions in Financial Crimes Cases. Concord, NC.

10.0W. Scott Harkey
Scott Harkey - Harkey Litigation - Attorney & Managing Partner