Meet Our Experienced Attorneys and Staffs

Get to know the skilled and dedicated attorneys at Zappolo Law, P.A. Our team brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to providing exceptional legal representation.

Scott W. Zappolo

Florida Bar No. 132438

Scott Zappolo has built his practice on hard work and a determination to be worthy of those who entrust him with their significant legal matters.

His many successful legal battles include representation of a small, independent salesman against a major retailing chain, which resulted in a multi-million dollar verdict; defense and dismissal at trial of a million-dollar claim in a shareholder dispute; defense of a manufacturer in a $20 million product defect case before the International Court of Arbitration in London, Great Britain; and oversight and strategy of a horrific wrongful death matter, defended by insurance under a reservation of rights.

A Practice with a Personalized Approach

Although he is based in South Florida, his practice requires traveling throughout the country on various matters, most of which involve complex business litigation and related insurance matters. His corporate clients range from mom-and-pop businesses to much larger corporations, all of whom are treated with a distinctive hands-on approach.

Scott is a regular speaker at legal education events, covering topics like legal drafting, trial skills, and evidentiary matters. He was selected as a Top Lawyer in the areas of civil practice, corporate, and business litigation by the South Florida Legal Guide in 2012 to 2018.

Educational Background

Undergraduate in Criminology from Florida State University, 1991

Master’s with Honors in Criminology from Florida State University, 1994

Juris Doctor with Honors from St. Thomas University School of Law, 1997 (Served on Law Review, Moot Court Team, and Argued Appeals for the Appellate Litigation Clinic)

Admitted to Practice

Florida Bar

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit

U.S. District Court, Southern and Middle Districts of Florida

Memberships

Palm Beach County and Martin County Bar Associations (Commercial Litigation Committee and Judicial Relations Committee)

North County Section, Palm Beach County Bar Association (Past President)

Emeritus Member, Craig S. Bernard Inn of Court, LIV (Master of the Bench and Former Pupilage Leader)

View Profile on AVVO

Jeffrey Van Treese

Florida Bar No. 84765

Jeff Van Treese, Esq., Ph.D., (of counsel) has been practicing law since 2010. When not assisting clients through Zappolo Law, he serves as a professor of paralegal studies (formerly department chair) and environmental science at Palm Beach State College. In addition to his juris doctor, Jeff also has a Ph.D. in Ecology (Soil and Water Science) and has conducted research in soil biogeochemistry, nematology, and horticulture. Jeff is a leading authority on the legal protection of homeowners to utilize xeriscaping and other sustainable landscaping practices in their yards.

Colleen Schroeder

Commitment to Community Involvement

Our attorneys are deeply embedded in the local community, ensuring they never lose sight of the importance of practical solutions to everyday challenges. They have served on the boards of charitable organizations, organized 5K runs and golf tournaments for various causes, and volunteered with organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity, and numerous pro bono and Dial-A-Lawyer programs.

Additionally, they actively contribute to Junior Achievement Law Day, serve as counselors for the Volunteers in Public Schools program, and teach a college-level law and economics course, with their salary donated to an endowed need-based scholarship.