Scott L. Sroka

Special Counsel Buffalo, Washington, DC
Buffalo, Washington, DC ssroka@phillipslytle.com (716) 504-5754

A seasoned litigator with over 25 years working in the public and private sectors.

Scott is a passionate client advocate with extensive knowledge and experience in all manner of criminal and civil proceedings, including internal investigations and crisis management, white collar matters, higher education, immigration, and issues involving cross-border commerce. He served over 15 years as an Assistant United States Attorney in both Washington, DC, and in the Western District of New York, where he also served as the First Assistant United States Attorney.

Scott brings expertise from his years in the U.S. Department of Justice, the United States Senate, and the National Science Foundation’s Office of the Inspector General. His time in the federal government earned him experience in a broad range of areas that include, but are not limited to, complex civil litigation (including employment discrimination, medical malpractice, FOIA litigation, and immigration proceedings), as well as investigations of fraud, waste, abuse, and international and national security concerns. His experience includes serving as counsel in both the executive and legislative branches of the federal government, including time as counsel to U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Scott is a strategic thinker with a collaborative, results-oriented approach, who draws on his impressive track record of success as a litigator to achieve the goals and interests of his clients. His legal career has seen him representing clients in private practice, serving as a federal prosecutor in both Washington, D.C. and Western New York, and leading complex international investigations involving institutions of higher education and numerous federal agencies. He is adept at successfully bringing together diverse groups of people to accomplish short-, medium-, and long-term common goals. He also offers his expertise in navigating governmental agencies and organizations, communications and public relations, internal governance for institutions of higher education and non-profit organizations, regulatory compliance, external and community relations, and public-private partnerships.

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Education & Admissions

Education
  • University of Notre Dame Law School, J.D., 1997
  • Canisius University, B.A., magna cum laude, 1994
Admitted to Practice
  • New York
  • United States District Court for the Western District of New York
  • United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
  • United States Supreme Court
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Activities & Professional Associations

Present Activities

  • Canisius University, Raichle Pre-Law Program, Co-Director, 2024-present
  • Canisius University Urban Leadership Learning Community Program, 2000-present

Past Activities

  • Canisius College Board of Regents, 2013-2019
  • Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Board of Directors, 1999-2005
    • Chair, 2000-2003
  • Editor-in-Chief, Journal of College and University Law