Scott E. Knox
Fighting for Equality and Justice Since 1989
Scott retired January 1, 2026, but is often at the office completing ongoing cases and providing "senior counsel" services to coworkers.
With over 40 years of legal experience, Scott E. Knox has established himself as Cincinnati's leading advocate for LGBTQ rights and Social Security disability claims. His unique background combining law with a Master's degree in Environmental Health from the University of Cincinnati Medical College provides exceptional insight into disability cases requiring medical evidence analysis.
Scott's practice focuses on protecting relationships, families, and rights through comprehensive legal services. He has successfully argued before the Ohio Supreme Court and is recognized nationally for his pioneering work in LGBTQ legal advocacy and civil rights.
Education
1983-1985
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
University of Cincinnati College of Law
1980-1983
Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Health
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Specialization: Industrial Hygiene/Air Pollution
Specialization: Industrial Hygiene/Air Pollution
1979-1980
Graduate Studies (Non-matriculated)
Wagner College, Staten Island, NY
Courses in Epidemiology, Pathology, and Microbiology
Courses in Epidemiology, Pathology, and Microbiology
1974-1978
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology/Chemistry
Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ
Professional Experience
Scott E. Knox Attorneys at Law
1989 - Present
Sole Proprietor (formerly Adams & Knox Attorneys at Law - Partner)
Practice focusing on LGBTQ legal issues, Social Security disability/SSI claims, HIV/disability discrimination, gestational carrier agreements, asbestos-related injury litigation (plaintiffs), and probate. Successfully argued before the Ohio Supreme Court. Frequently presents seminars on HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ legal issues to bar associations, HIV organizations, support groups, government agencies, health professionals, medical doctors' grand rounds, social workers, and legal committees.
Kircher & Phalen Attorneys at Law
1985 - 1989
Associate Attorney
Handled cases primarily in plaintiffs' asbestos-related injury litigation, OSHA litigation, Social Security disability, employee-side labor law, and Workers' Compensation.
Board Positions & Community Leadership
2022 - Present
Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center
Board member and Governance Committee member, working to ensure Holocaust lessons inspire action today through education and remembrance.
2022 - Present
The Public Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
Board member and Governance Committee member, strengthening library collections, programs, and services.
2020 - Present
Ohio Lesbian Archives
Board member preserving LGBTQ+ history through collections of literature, artifacts, and facilitating educational events.
2008 - 2023
Strategies to End Homelessness
Board member, Secretary, and Governance Committee Chair developing coordinated homeless assistance systems and securing HUD grants.
2011 - 2016
Cincinnati Citizen Complaint Authority
Appointed by two Cincinnati Mayors to serve on police oversight board. Served as Vice-Chair (2014) and Chair (2015).
2005 - 2021
Equality Cincinnati
Board member advocating for equal rights for LGBTQ citizens throughout Cincinnati.
Awards & Honors
2025
Good Guy Award
Cincinnati Women's Political Caucus
Recognition for advancing women's rights and gender equality in the legal profession.
Cincinnati Women's Political Caucus. (2025). Annual Awards Ceremony. Cincinnati, OH.
2022
Nicholas J. Longworth III Alumni Achievement Award
University of Cincinnati College of Law
Prestigious recognition for outstanding professional achievement and service to the legal community.
University of Cincinnati. (2022). 2021-2022 UC Law Highlights. Retrieved from UC News.
2021-2023
Above & Beyond
Volunteer Lawyers For the Poor Foundation
Recognition for taking four or more pro-bono cases in their respective years.
2018
David C. Crowley Leadership Award
Human Rights Campaign, Cincinnati Chapter
Recognition for exemplary legal work within the LGBTQ community and advancing equality.
Human Rights Campaign Cincinnati. (2018, June). Annual Leadership Awards Gala. Cincinnati, OH: HRC Cincinnati Chapter.
2018
Christopher Rees Petersen Legacy Award
Cincinnati Men's Chorus
Honoring community leadership at the forefront of LGBTQ issues and equality advocacy.
Cincinnati Men's Chorus. (2018). Annual Legacy Awards Program. Music Hall, Cincinnati, OH.
2016
Best Lawyer
Cincinnati CityBeat Magazine
Reader's choice award recognizing excellence in legal services. Also received in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019.
Cincinnati CityBeat. (2016). "Best of Cincinnati: Professional Services." Cincinnati, OH: CityBeat Media.
2013
Volunteer Lawyer of the Year Award
Cincinnati Bar Association
Recognizing exceptional pro bono service to the community.
Cincinnati Bar Association. (2013). Annual Awards Banquet Program. Cincinnati, OH: CBA Publications.
2014
Andrew B. Dennison Courageous Advocate Award
Cincinnati Bar Association Potter Stewart Inn of Court
Honoring lawyers who uphold the professional obligation to represent the poor, unpopular, or friendless.
Potter Stewart Inn of Court. (2014). Awards of Excellence. Cincinnati Bar Association Archives.
2013-2016
Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
Top category recognition for exceptional client satisfaction and service.
Martindale-Hubbell. (2013-2016). Peer Review Ratings. LexisNexis Legal Marketing Solutions.
2011
Dr. Peter T. Frame Humanitarian Award
Cincinnati Health Network
Recognition for pro bono legal work for people with mental and physical challenges.
Cincinnati Health Network. (2011). Annual Humanitarian Awards. Cincinnati, OH: CHN Foundation.
2009
Living Award
Caracole, Inc.
Honoring work providing safe, affordable housing and services for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS.
Caracole, Inc. (2009). Annual Recognition Ceremony. Cincinnati, OH.
2006
Award for Outstanding Service in Promoting Human Relations
National Conference for Community and Justice, Cincinnati Chapter
Recognition for advancing human rights and community relations.
NCCJ Cincinnati. (2006). Brotherhood/Sisterhood Awards. Cincinnati Chapter Archives.
2005
Grand Marshall
Cincinnati Gay Pride Parade
Selected to lead the annual Pride celebration in recognition of LGBTQ advocacy.
Cincinnati Pride. (2005, June). Pride Festival Program. Cincinnati, OH: Equitas Cincinnati.
2002
Lawyer of the Year
Lawyers Weekly U.S.A.
Named one of ten national Lawyers of the Year for exceptional legal achievement and community service.
Lawyers Weekly USA. (2002). "Lawyers of the Year: Ten Who Made a Difference." Boston, MA: Lawyers Weekly Publications.
1999
Community Service Award
Cincinnati Bar Association
Recognizing outstanding service to the Cincinnati legal community and citizens.
Cincinnati Bar Association. (1999). Annual Report. Cincinnati, OH: CBA Publications.
Publications
2015-2016
"Law You Can Use" - Same-Sex Marriage Legal Issues
Ohio State Bar Association
2002-2004
Regular "Local Voices" Op-Ed Columnist
Cincinnati Enquirer
1990-1992
Monthly Legal Column
Gaybeat Magazine (Statewide Publication)
May 1978
Phenol Interference in the Chromotropic Acid and Pararosaniline Methods of Formaldehyde Quantitation
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
Pro Bono & Community Service
Throughout his career, Scott has maintained an unwavering commitment to pro bono work and community service:
- Volunteer Lawyers for the Poor (1991-Present): Providing pro bono representation, primarily for people with HIV/AIDS-related legal problems and children with disabilities seeking SSI appeals
- Ohio State Bar Association Pro Bono Taskforce (2006-Present): Committee member developing plans to increase pro bono legal services; helped establish free legal clinic for low-income residents
- HIV/AIDS Legal Education: Faculty member and regular lecturer for numerous organizations including AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati, Cincinnati STD/HIV Prevention Training Center, and Greater Cincinnati AIDS Consortium
- Political and Social Advocacy: Active in campaigns for equal rights, including serving as Chair of Legal Committee for Citizens to Restore Fairness P.A.C., which successfully removed discriminatory language from Cincinnati's City Charter