scott@bbr.law
office: 661.864.7827
fax: 661.878.9797

Bar Admissions

State Bar of California, 1996 U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 1997
All California Federal District Courts, 1996 and 1997

Education

Bachelor of Science, cum laude,
University of Alabama, 1993
Juris Doctor, with distinction, University
of the Pacific, McGeorge School of
Law, 1996
Master of Business Administration
(Accounting and Finance), Regis
University, 2005

T. Scott Belden

1. Scott Belden, Managing Partner at Belden Blaine Raytis, LLP, brings 28 years of legal experience in Kern County with a broad and dynamic practice that spans commercial transactions, business litigation, and employment defense. Over the past 11 years, Scott has honed his focus on defending employers in high-stakes wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and wage and hour claims, becoming a trusted leader in employment law.

As the head of the firm’s litigation group, Scott plays a pivotal role in nearly all litigation matters, guiding clients through complex lawsuits with his deep understanding of Kern County and Central Valley courts. His strategic, cost-effective approach ensures that clients achieve the best possible outcomes. Scott’s extensive trial experience includes numerous victories before judges and juries, most recently leading the successful defense of a Kern County grower in a significant sexual harassment and discrimination case.

Scott’s leadership is deeply rooted in the values he cultivated during his 31 years of federal and state military service, including seven years as an OSI special agent, and 19 years as a California State Guard JAG officer. His military discipline, organizational skills, and leadership drive his passion for representing business owners and providing them with strategic solutions. Having served as Managing Partner at two law firms, Scott is committed to the success of businesses and has built Belden Blaine Raytis, LLP, on that foundation.

Outside of the courtroom, Scott is an avid University of Alabama football team, The Crimson Tide, and is a private pilot in his spare time, embracing his passion for precision and adventure in all aspects of life.

Practice Focus

Employment (Management) Litigation, Business Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Business Reorganizations, and Creditor Rights

Professional Associations and Leadership

• Kern County Bar Association, 1996-present
• Society of Human Resource Professionals, 2019-present
• Federal Bar Association, 2007-2017
  Board of Directors, 2012-2015
• Central California Bankruptcy Association, 1996-2017
  President, 2005-2006
• Professor, California Pacific School of Law; Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure 2000-2002
• Professor, Kern County College of Law: Remedies, Employment Law, 2019-present
• Lawyer Representative, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judicial Conference, 2010-2013

Reported Cases

Parker v. Community First Bank (In re Bakersfield Westar, Inc.) 123 F. 3d 1243 (9th Cir. 1997)
Parker v. United States of America, 226 B.R. 227 (9th Cir. BAP 1998)
Seed Services, Inc. v. Winsor Grain, Inc., 868 F.Supp.2d 998 (E.D. Cal. 2012)

Professional Experience

Belden Blaine Raytis, LLP, 2013-present
Klein, DeNatale, Goldner, Cooper, Rosenlieb & Kimball, LLP, 1996-2013
Judge Advocate General, California State Military Reserve, Col, 2005-present
Commander, Legal Support Command, Staff Judge Advocate, California State Guard, 2019-present
U.S. Air Force, Active Duty 1982-1992; Reserves 1992-1996; Office of Special Investigations 1988-1996