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Bass, Scott

Scott Bass

Partner
Life Sciences
Food, Drug and Medical Device

Biography

SCOTT BASS is the founder of the firm’s Global Life Sciences and Food and Drug Law practices in the United States, China and Europe. He provides seasoned strategic guidance on critical innovation, compliance and enforcement issues, including in the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), pharmacovigilance, promotion and litigation arenas. Scott has led the defense of many high-stakes criminal and civil investigations and audits, and he is also a qualified Mediator under New York State rules, bringing his deep global industry background to the dispute resolution table.

Using his experience as a lead drafter of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, Scott has authored three books and is co-author of a recent New England Journal of Medicine article on necessary changes to that law. He advised U.S. FDA on its first dietary supplement website, and he serves as General Counsel to the global OTC drug association and as dietary supplement counsel to the association’s U.S. counterpart.

In China, Scott initiated the first life sciences practice, trained inspectors on GMP, and advised the Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Safety in China on the formulation of new drug and device laws. He also served on a European Commission expert panel on food safety. 

Scott is featured as a “Life Sciences Star” by LMG Life Sciences in both the FDA: Medical Devices and FDA: Pharmaceutical categories (2019–2024), and Benchmark Litigation has ranked him as a “Litigation Star” in Washington, D.C. (2022–2025). According to Chambers USA, “The ‘phenomenal’ Scott Bass leads the firm’s global life sciences group and is recognized for his strengths in the regulatory enforcement sphere, routinely handling investigations involving off-label promotion, fraud and abuse, and pharmacovigilance.” Clients say: “He is very available, very experienced and gives very wise advice.” He has received similar plaudits from other rating groups, including induction into the first LMG Life Sciences Hall of Fame.

Community Involvement

Membership & Activities

Scott has served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Graduate School, as co-chair of the ABA Food and Drug Law Committee and as chairman of the N.Y. State Bar Association Section on Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law.

Credentials

Admissions & Certifications
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, E.D. of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court, E.D. of New York
  • U.S. District Court, S.D. of New York
  • District of Columbia
  • New York
Education
  • University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 1975, cum laude
  • New York University, B.A., 1972

Related Blogs

News & Insights

Scott has published many articles and books in the pharmaceutical, enforcement and dietary supplement and functional foods fields. His publications include:

Books:

  • Co-author, “FDA Enforcement Powers, Food and Drug Regulation” chapter, Food and Drug Law Regulation, Food and Drug Law Institute, (New Edition coming Spring 2026).
  • Author, Dietary Supplement Regulation: A Comprehensive Guide, Food and Drug Law Institute, 2011.
  • Co-author, The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act: A Legislative History and Analysis, Food and Drug Law Institute, 1996.

Articles:

Podcasts:

  • Guest, “Scott Bass Shares Perspectives on 25 Years of DSHEA,” Natural Products INSIDER, April 25, 2019.