Scopelitis Law Firm - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, commonly known as Scopelitis Law Firm, stands as a preeminent legal practice focused exclusively on the transportation and related industries. Established in March 1978 in Indianapolis by Alki Scopelitis and Norm Garvin, the firm initially specialized in regulatory services for motor carriers before the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). Over more than four decades, it has evolved into the only full-service, multi-office law firm in the United States dedicated to this sector. The firm's mission is to provide in-depth, current, innovative, and business-minded legal solutions, drawing on active engagement within the industry. With a client base exceeding 5,000 transportation-related companies globally, including Fortune 500 entities and smaller family-owned businesses, Scopelitis plays a significant role in shaping the legal landscape for motor carriers, private carriers, shippers, warehouses, logistics companies, trucking insurers, industry associations, and private equity investors.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Scopelitis Law Firm aims to deliver in-depth, current, innovative, and business-minded legal solutions by maintaining active engagement within the transportation industry. The firm prioritizes accessible and responsive client service, operating with a 24/7/365 approach.

Their short-term and long-term goals include:

Providing expert counsel across virtually every segment of the transportation industry.

Continuously evolving its practice areas to adapt to the changing needs of the industry and its clients.

Offering strategic advocacy support for issues critical to clients' long-term business success or those with immediate industry impact.

Expanding its talent base with experienced and newer attorneys passionate about transportation law.

Specialization Areas

Scopelitis offers a broad range of legal services encompassing over 35 practice areas, reflecting its deep specialization in transportation law. Key areas of expertise include:

Corporate Structure and Strategy: Assisting transportation companies in allocating operations, assets, and business risk among affiliates, including for-hire and dedicated transportation companies, logistics companies, independent contractor fleet companies, equipment leasing companies, and real estate holding companies.

Class Action Defense & Complex Litigation: Defending clients against significant legal challenges.

DOT Regulations & Federal and State Authorities, Licensure and Specialized Taxes: Navigating complex regulatory frameworks.

Insurance & Risk Management: Providing counsel on insurance programs, audits, and disputes.

Labor & Employment: Addressing issues such as independent contractor relationships and employment law matters.

Highway Accident, Wrongful Death & Personal Injury Defense: Representing clients in accident-related litigation.

Independent Contractor Counseling & Litigation Defense: Developing industry-leading contractual products and guidance to ensure legal compliance and practical application for independent contractor relationships.

Litigation of Business Disputes: Handling commercial conflicts and other business-related legal disputes.

Transportation Taxation: Advising on federal and state tax issues relevant to transportation.

Mergers & Acquisitions: Supporting clients through all stages of buying and selling transportation companies across various segments, including over-the-road trucking, passenger carriers, logistics, warehousing, freight forwarding, and last-mile/courier services.

Brokerage & Non-Asset Logistics: Addressing legal needs specific to these segments.

Warehousing Legal Liability: Expertise in warehousing and fulfillment contracts, commercial disputes, and property damage litigation.

Cargo Claims & Freight Disputes: Managing legal matters related to freight and cargo.

The firm's subsidiary, Scopelitis Transportation Consulting LLC (STC), augments these legal services by offering specialized consulting and advisory services related to safety, regulatory compliance, and business needs for motor carriers, trucking technology companies, and transportation associations.

Target Markets

Scopelitis Law Firm's primary market segments include a wide array of entities within the transportation and related industries globally. These encompass:

Motor carriers

Private carriers

Shippers

Warehouses

Logistics companies, including licensed property brokers and freight forwarders

Trucking insurers and insurance brokers

Industry associations

Private equity investors

The firm serves over 5,000 transportation-related clients, ranging from many Fortune 500 transportation companies to numerous smaller, family-owned businesses.

2. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Scopelitis Law Firm provides comprehensive legal and consulting services tailored specifically for the transportation industry. Its offerings are broadly categorized into legal counsel and specialized consulting.

Legal Services:

Practice Areas: Encompassing over 35 distinct areas, the firm provides guidance on corporate structure and strategy, class action defense, DOT regulations, federal and state authorities, licensure, specialized taxes, insurance and risk management, labor and employment, highway accident defense, independent contractor counseling and litigation, business disputes, transportation taxation, mergers and acquisitions, brokerage and non-asset logistics, warehousing legal liability, and cargo claims and freight disputes.

Strategic Advisory: Attorneys offer proactive advice and preventative strategies, engaging in strategic advocacy support for legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry.

Litigation and Defense: The firm handles complex appellate and trial court litigation across various areas, including insurance coverage, state tax disputes, highway accident defense, business conflicts, and employment law matters.

Scopelitis Transportation Consulting LLC (STC) Services:

Company Policies: Development of complete fleet safety policies and issue-specific policies (e.g., Drug and Alcohol Testing, Distracted Driving, ELDs).

Mock Audits: Preparation for and conduct of DOT audits, both on-site and remotely, following US DOT protocol.

Gap Analysis: Detailed analysis of carriers’ safety policies and programs to assess effectiveness and compare against industry best practices.

CSA Score Improvement: Strategies and plans to address and improve carriers' CSA scores.

General Consultations: Expertise on a range of motor carrier-related safety, technology, regulatory, and compliance issues.

Program Implementation: Assistance with implementing new programs and policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and analyzing success.

Virtual and On-site Training: Delivery of training sessions on various topics in both virtual and in-person formats.

3. Technology & Innovation

Scopelitis Law Firm leverages its deep industry knowledge to craft innovative solutions for its clients. While specific proprietary technologies are not detailed, the firm's approach to innovation is evident in several areas:

Industry-Leading Contractual Work Products: In its Independent Contractor (IC) practice, the firm develops cutting-edge contractual work products and counseling guidance. This addresses both legal compliance and practical industry application, adapting to the complex and evolving nuances of independent contractor relationships in transportation.

Internal Technology Focus: Attorneys serve on internal committees, including technology committees, indicating a commitment to leveraging technology to enhance their legal services and internal operations.

Corporate Restructuring for Compliance: The firm's corporate restructuring team assists motor carriers in reviewing their business structure to preserve independent contractor status and provides legislative support on related issues, showcasing an innovative application of legal and business strategy.

Digital Engagement: The firm utilizes platforms for regular news and analysis, publishing "The Transportation Brief®" and various legal alerts on topics such as independent contractor status rules, tariffs, and regulatory changes, highlighting its thought leadership and digital content strategy.

4. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Gregory M. Feary (President & Managing Partner): Mr. Feary specializes in transportation and related industry laws, including independent contractor issues, legislation, insurance, corporate structure designs, and contract matters. He is a primary contact for mergers and acquisitions due diligence and advises on corporate structure and risk mitigation. Recognized as a USA Chambers Ranked Attorney in Transportation: Road (Carriage/Logistics) from 2019-2025 and awarded the 2023 National Home Delivery Association Pinnacle Award for Lifetime Achievement. He earned his B.A. from Eastern Illinois University and J.D. from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

Prasad Sharma (Partner): Based in the D.C. office, Mr. Sharma’s practice covers state and federal legislative and regulatory advocacy, as well as regulatory compliance issues. He leads legislative support and legal liaison functions for clients with national and state transportation associations. He was Senior Vice President and General Counsel at American Trucking Associations, Inc. for 15 years, where he crafted federal legislation and conceived motor carrier anti-indemnification legislation enacted by over 40 states. Mr. Sharma holds a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University and a J.D. from Emory University and has been recognized as a 2024 USA Chambers Ranked Attorney in Transportation: Road (Carriage/Logistics).

Andrew K. Light (Partner): Mr. Light's transportation practice spans over forty years, working with national and international clients in for-hire and private motor carriage, third-party logistics, shipping, and equipment leasing. His practice areas include federal and state regulatory compliance, tax, vehicle titling and registration, contracts, acquisitions, corporate structuring, and liability risk management. He regularly interacts with federal, state, and provincial agencies and has been recognized as a BTI Client Service All-Star and an Indiana Super Lawyer. He received his B.A. and J.D. from Indiana University and Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, respectively.

Shannon M. Cohen (General Counsel, DEI Committee Co-Chair, Firm Management Committee Member): Ms. Cohen focuses her practice on emerging technologies, independent contractor issues, and legislative services, particularly legislation and regulation impacting motor carriers and owner-operator status. She also holds internal leadership roles, including General Counsel and co-chair of the DEI Committee, and serves on the technology, hiring, and ethics committees.

Allison O. Smith (Chief Marketing Officer, Partner): Ms. Smith oversees all branding, strategic communication, media relations, client-service programs, and national marketing efforts, specifically for the transportation and related industries. She collaborates with partners and the management committee for strategic growth, business development, marketing campaigns, and industry association initiatives. She also serves on the firm hiring committee, co-leads the summer law clerk program, and is a member of the Firm's management committee. She earned her B.A. from the University of Colorado-Boulder and J.D. from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

Becky Trenner (Partner, Indianapolis Office): Appointed to the Women in Trucking Association's Content Advisory Counsel.

W. Todd Metzger (Partner): Served as buyer counsel for Adams Resources & Energy's acquisition of Firebird Bulk Carriers and Phoenix Oil, a deal honored by the Association of Corporate Growth (ACG) Houston in 2022.

Recent Leadership Changes

June 2021: Scopelitis Transportation Consulting (STC), a subsidiary, announced a leadership transition with P. Sean Garney and Steve Keppler appointed as co-directors. They worked with President and CEO Emeritus Dave Osiecki during his transition into retirement in late 2021. Sean Garney previously served as vice president of STC, and Steve Keppler joined from the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), where he was vice president of member services.

November 2024: Meg Hogan joined the Chicago office as a Partner, specializing in Highway Accident, Wrongful Death & Personal Injury Defense.

Fall 2024: Matthew Chinn started his law practice as an associate in the Indianapolis office.

Sara Butler, an Associate in the Wisconsin office, was appointed to a 3-year term on the Ethics Committee for the State Bar of Wisconsin.

Fall 2023: Amanda M. Daoud, Jordan A. Jacob, Kelsey M. Napier, and Rachael A. Satz began their law practice as associates in the Indianapolis office.

2025: Sue Lawless joined the Washington, D.C. office, practicing in the DOT Safety Practice Area. She previously served as Acting Deputy Administrator and Chief Safety Officer at the FMCSA.

5. Talent and Growth Indicators

Scopelitis Law Firm has consistently been recognized as a "Top Workplace" for 11 consecutive years, including 2025, indicating a positive employee environment and sustained organizational health. The firm demonstrates ongoing growth through strategic recruitment and the integration of new talent. Recent additions include new associates in the Indianapolis office in Fall 2023 (Amanda M. Daoud, Jordan A. Jacob, Kelsey M. Napier, and Rachael A. Satz) and Fall 2024 (Matthew Chinn). The firm also expanded its partnership in November 2024 with Meg Hogan joining the Chicago office, and welcomed Sue Lawless to the Washington, D.C. office in 2025, bringing significant federal experience. The consistent appointment of new associates and partners across its offices signifies a commitment to expanding its capacity, deepening its expertise, and maintaining its leadership position in transportation law. The firm currently employs 92 individuals.

6. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Scopelitis Law Firm maintains an active digital footprint, providing regular news and analysis on developments affecting the transportation industry.

The Transportation Brief®: The firm publishes a quarterly newsletter, "The Transportation Brief®," which delivers legal news and insights to its clients and contacts.

Thought Leadership: Attorneys frequently publish articles and legal alerts, covering critical topics such as updates on independent contractor status rules, tariffs, and regulatory changes, positioning the firm as a thought leader in transportation law.

Industry Engagement: Firm attorneys are actively involved in various transportation industry organizations, where they serve on committees and boards, sponsor events, and participate in interactions with media members. They regularly give keynote presentations and participate in meetings with industry leaders, sharing valuable insights on current legal topics impacting the transportation sector.

The firm has a presence on platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

7. Recognition and Awards

Scopelitis Law Firm and its attorneys have received significant industry recognition and various awards:

Chambers USA Legal Guide: For seven consecutive years, the firm and Partners Greg Feary and Prasad Sharma have been recognized by the Chambers USA Legal Guide for their work in Transportation: Road (Carriage/Logistics), including in the 2024 and 2025 guides. This is a highly selective recognition, with only two percent of lawyers and 0.5 percent of law firms in the U.S. receiving a Chambers ranking.

U.S. News & World Report: The firm has been named to U.S. News & World Report's "Best Law Firms" list for the eleventh consecutive year, including 2024.

Top Workplace: Scopelitis was recognized as a "Top Workplace" for the 11th consecutive year in 2025.

Gregory M. Feary:

2023 National Home Delivery Association Pinnacle Award Honoree for Lifetime Achievement.

2023 Thomson Reuters Client-Nominated Stand-Out Lawyer.

Selected to Super Lawyers for 2004 - 2005.

W. Todd Metzger: Served as buyer counsel for Adams Resources & Energy's acquisition of Firebird Bulk Carriers and Phoenix Oil, a deal honored in the 2022 Deal of the Year and Transportation & Logistics Deal of the Year categories by the Association of Corporate Growth (ACG) Houston.

Andrew K. Light: Recognized as a BTI Client Service All-Star and an Indiana Super Lawyer.

8. Competitive Analysis

Scopelitis Law Firm distinguishes itself as the sole full-service, multi-office law firm in the United States exclusively dedicated to the transportation and related industries. This singular focus, combined with over four decades of experience, positions the firm as a preeminent legal advisor within its niche. Its comprehensive suite of over 35 practice areas specifically tailored to the sector, along with a client base exceeding 5,000 transportation-related companies globally, including 90 of the top 100 motor carriers, highlights its strong competitive stance.

The competitive landscape for legal services in the transportation sector likely includes:

Specialized Transportation Law Groups within larger, general practice law firms.

Boutique specialized regulatory counsel firms focusing on specific aspects like DOT compliance or independent contractor issues.

General litigation firms that may handle transportation-related cases but lack the industry-specific depth and breadth offered by Scopelitis.

Scopelitis' ability to offer both legal services and augmented consulting through its subsidiary, Scopelitis Transportation Consulting (STC), provides a holistic approach that general