Scott Deutsch

Scott focuses his practice on executive compensation and employee benefits, with an emphasis on advising clients in connection with complex corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, initial public offerings (IPOs) and other strategic business combinations. He works with both public and private companies on the design, negotiation and implementation of equity-based compensation arrangements, employment and severance agreements, and incentive arrangements, while also counseling on tax rules governing deferred compensation, including Section 409A and Section 280G “golden parachute” payments.

Before joining Cooley, Scott built a distinguished career in public service, culminating in serving as commissioned officer in the US Army and continuing as a federal civilian employee. His service included deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, with assignments to the United States Special Operations Command, United States Army Special Operations Command, 10th Special Forces Group, 4th Psychological Operations Group, 82nd Airborne Division. Scott’s civilian roles within the federal government included director of management risk and internal control, budget analyst and legislative policy analyst. In these roles, he also served as a lead investigator for contract fraud and Anti-Deficiency Act violations, further deepening his experience in fiscal compliance, risk management and accountability.

Scott brings this unique blend of military discipline, federal service and financial mastery to his legal practice, where he is recognized for delivering disciplined, pragmatic and business-focused advice in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

He is also a licensed certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner, strengthening his ability to advise at the intersection of law, finance and governance.