E. Scott Frost

Hon. E. Scott Frost (Ret)

Of Counsel, Keith & Lorfing

Born and raised in Eastland, Texas, Judge E. Scott Frost built a career defined by toughness, integrity, and deep courtroom experience. After more than 30 years serving the law—first as a litigator for the U.S. Department of Justice, then as a federal judge—he joined Keith & Lorfing, PC in July 2025 to bring that experience to work for everyday West Texans.

Frost earned his undergraduate degree from Angelo State University and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1987. He began his legal career clerking for U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings in Lubbock, then practiced civil litigation with the Fort Worth firm McLean, Sanders, Price, Head & Ellis. In 1990, he returned to Lubbock to serve as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas—a position he held for over two decades.

As a federal prosecutor, Frost handled a wide range of civil matters, including employment law, personal injury and medical malpractice defense, civil rights claims, and farm bankruptcy litigation. He tried countless bench and jury trials and argued multiple times before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He was also trusted as the Professional Responsibility Officer for the district and taught regularly at the Department of Justice’s National Advocacy Center.

In 2011, Frost was sworn in as a United States Magistrate Judge, presiding over both criminal and civil cases in the Abilene and San Angelo divisions. His leadership on the bench earned him a nomination for United States District Judge in 2016 and a rare “Unanimously Well Qualified” rating from the American Bar Association—its highest possible evaluation.

After completing his eight-year term as Magistrate Judge, Frost returned to private practice with Richards, Elder & Gibson (now Richards, Elder & Frost), focusing on federal court litigation and mediation. He was recognized in 2018 with the Daniel H. Benson Public Service Award from the Texas Tech Law Alumni Association, honoring his decades of service and contributions to the legal field.

Now Of Counsel at Keith & Lorfing, Judge Frost brings a rare mix of courtroom grit and federal insight to every case he touches—offering our clients the kind of experience you can’t teach and judgment you can trust.

Best Kept Secrets in West Texas:

Favorite travel destination in West Texas and why?
Big Bend National Park. There’s no better place to get lost and clear your mind. I’ve been going there since I was a small child and am still in awe of the vast ruggedness, natural beauty and complete isolation.
Best kept secret in West Texas:
The crab cakes at Black Cur Steakhouse in Coleman. Seriously.
Best Restaurant in West Texas:
Not a fair question. I have favorites in multiple West Texas towns, covering all the basic food groups (chicken fried, grilled, smoked, Tex-Mex, hot sauce…). You simply can’t pick the “best” one. If it was to be my last meal on this earth, I suppose I’d have a filet from Perini’s in Buffalo Gap, with green chile hominy and bread pudding.
Biggest Surprise about West Texas –
I’ve lived in West Texas my entire life so not much surprises me anymore. Looking back on things that surprised me at some point, maybe learning that Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States, only behind the Grand Canyon?
What does West Texas Tough mean to you?
It’s a fact that West Texans are different from people who live in other parts of the state. They certainly have a toughness that’s unmatched, and are extremely resilient; they’re also independent, self-reliant and not afraid to voice an opinion; they don’t suffer fools lightly but are compassionate to those who truly need help, and they pull together as a community. I believe these traits stem from generations of having to make do with what you have in remote, less populous areas that lack some of the niceties and conveniences of the big cities. West Texans are also proud, but not too proud to ask for help – when it involves a legal issue, they expect honesty, integrity, straight talk, hard work, and results. They want an attorney who is just as tough as they are. As a West Texas lawyer and judge for four decades, I’ve always focused on doing what’s right, what’s fair, and what the law requires. Reaching those goals requires not only conviction and grit, it requires toughness. West Texas toughness.

Victories

It ain’t bragging if its true

The United States Department of Justice charged client with enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography. The federal government indicated they were going to add additional charges of production of child pornography. Client was facing life in prison. Keith & Lorfing uncovered a constitutional violation of client’s rights and moved to dismiss the case. The government reviewed the evidence found by Keith & Lorfing and agreed that his client’s fifth amendment rights had been violated. The case was DISMISSED on all counts and the client walked out of jail a free man.

West Texas Tough

What are Clients are Saying

“I cannot say enough about this law firm and the amazing people that work there!!! I needed an attorney last minute and Russell agreed to take my case.. He and his team immediately went into action and kept on fighting for me until the case was finally dismissed!!! I’d recommend Russell Lorfing and his team to absolutely everyone!!!! Russell Lorfing and Joel Wilkes are 2 people that I’ll always want in my corner!!! Thank you guys so much!!!!!”