About Scott Mercer

Scott is a trial lawyer and the senior shareholder at Kesler & Rust, where he has spent his entire legal career. Scott joined the firm as a law clerk in 1981 and became an attorney following his 1982 graduation from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. Scott has enjoyed decades-long relationships with Kesler & Rust’s very first clients, most of which remain clients of the firm today.

Scott has established a robust commercial litigation practice centered on resolving matters for shopping centers, real estate management companies, construction companies, and other commercial clients. Scott regularly and skillfully handles commercial landlord-tenant disputes and other lease interpretation matters. Although Scott’s practice does not focus on tort or personal injury law, Scott recently obtained a $3.4 million verdict in a products liability case in federal court. Scott’s ability to successfully resolve varied, complex disputes undoubtedly is why his attorney peers have recognized him as among the best lawyers in Utah, as reflected by his “AV Preeminent” peer review rating from Martindale Hubbell.

Scott is admitted to practice law in every state and federal court in Utah, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Scott also successfully represents clients in mediations, arbitrations, and settlements. Scott lived in France for two years and speaks French.

Proven verdicts and settlements at Kesler & Rust

These results are credited to Kesler & Rust. A result appears under an attorney's own name only when a published source names them as counsel on the case.

$15.01 millionVerdictTop 10 in Utah · #8

Madison Jensen, 21, was booked into the Duchesne County Jail in 2016 after her father contacted authorities for help with her heroin addiction and suicidal thoughts. Over four days of withdrawal she could not keep food or water down. She died of severe dehydration. The jury found the county had failed to train its staff or set any protocol for inmate medical problems.

U.S. District Court, District of Utah · 2025Civil RightsRead the full story →

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and depends on its own facts.

Practice areas

Education

University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law
J.D., 1982

Bar admissions & credentials

State Bar of Utah

Other attorneys at Kesler & Rust

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Proven verdicts and settlements from other Salt Lake City firms

Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers
$52.2 Million Wrongful Death Verdict for the Family of Slain Polygamist Leader Rulon Allred
Christensen & Jensen, P.C.
Christensen & Jensen, P.C.
$4 million · $5 Million Verdict After Family Ended Life Support on a Wrong Terminal Prognosis
Cutt Kendell & Olson
Cutt Kendell & Olson
$3 Million Settlement for Unarmed 13-Year-Old With Autism Shot by Salt Lake City Officer After 911 Call
Dewsnup King Olsen Worel Havas
Dewsnup King Olsen Worel Havas
$16 Million Judgment Against Warren Jeffs and His Church for Girl Married at 14 to Her 19-Year-Old Cousin
Mortensen & Milne
Mortensen & Milne
$25 Million Verdict After 3-Year-Old Died in Corded Blind the Maker Could Have Fitted With a Tilt Wand

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and depends on its own facts.