Attorney
Andy’s practice focuses on land use and environmental law. He advises developers, landowners, and municipalities regarding long-range planning issues, permitting, water rights, and compliance with environmental laws. Andy takes a pragmatic approach to the practice of law, recognizing that land use disputes can frequently be resolved by up-front planning and creative thinking rather than prolonged litigation. He is known for his calm and steady demeanor and concentrates on identifying practical solutions that accomplish a client’s goals within their means.
In addition to helping private and municipal clients resolve legal disputes, Andy partners with planners and engineers to provide consulting services to municipalities in land use and Growth Management Act (“GMA”) matters. It is much more efficient to consider the legal ramifications of a land use plan in its formative stages, rather than for the first time in court.
Andy has worked with numerous city and county planners, planning consultants, and state agencies on behalf of his municipal and private clients. This network of officials and planning staff provides a valuable resource, enabling Andy to save his clients time and confusion by getting quick answers from the right person. Andy also educates elected officials, planning commissioners, and planning staff regarding land use law and procedure.
Andy lives in Leavenworth and takes great joy in giving back to his community. He has served on the Leavenworth Planning Commission since 2008, providing guidance and policy recommendations to elected officials. In 2017, Andy joined the Board of Directors of Upper Valley MEND, a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the health, housing, and hunger needs of the Upper Wenatchee Valley.
Introduction
Andy’s practice focuses on land use and environmental law. He advises developers, landowners, and municipalities regarding long-range planning issues, permitting, water rights, and compliance with environmental laws. Andy takes a pragmatic approach to the practice of law, recognizing that land use disputes can frequently be resolved by up-front planning and creative thinking rather than prolonged litigation. He is known for his calm and steady demeanor and concentrates on identifying practical solutions that accomplish a client’s goals within their means.
In addition to helping private and municipal clients resolve legal disputes, Andy partners with planners and engineers to provide consulting services to municipalities in land use and Growth Management Act (“GMA”) matters. It is much more efficient to consider the legal ramifications of a land use plan in its formative stages, rather than for the first time in court.
Andy has worked with numerous city and county planners, planning consultants, and state agencies on behalf of his municipal and private clients. This network of officials and planning staff provides a valuable resource, enabling Andy to save his clients time and confusion by getting quick answers from the right person. Andy also educates elected officials, planning commissioners, and planning staff regarding land use law and procedure.
Andy lives in Leavenworth and takes great joy in giving back to his community. He has served on the Leavenworth Planning Commission since 2008, providing guidance and policy recommendations to elected officials. In 2017, Andy joined the Board of Directors of Upper Valley MEND, a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the health, housing, and hunger needs of the Upper Wenatchee Valley.
Experience & Results
- Assisting with the approval of Washington’s first Major Industrial Development under the GMA
- Helping cities and counties resolve long-running GMA compliance issues
- Advising individuals and municipalities regarding comprehensive planning requirements and strategies
- Working with landowners and developers to obtain development entitlements
- Assisting landowners with water rights and natural resource issues
Education
- University of Florida (B.S., 1982)
- Seattle University School of Law (J.D., 1996)
- Associate Editor, Seattle University Law Review
Admissions
- Washington
- US District Court, Western District of Washington
Honors & Recognition
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® in Environmental Law since 2021
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® in Commercial Litigation since 2024
- Named on the Washington Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers® Magazine
Professional & Community Involvement
- City of Leavenworth Planning Commission, Chair
- Upper Valley MEND, President of Board of Directors
- Planning Association of Washington, Chair of the Education Committee (2012-2015)
Publications/Speaking Engagements
- “A Special Short Course on Affordable Housing,” Planning Association of Washington Spring Conference, Chelan, WA, Speaker, May 1, 2019
- “A Special Short Course on Affordable Housing,” Eastern Washington Planners Spring Forum, Moses Lake, WA, Speaker, April 24, 2019
- “A Special Short Course on Affordable Housing,” City of Ellensburg, Ellensburg, WA, Speaker, March 13, 2019
- “A Short Course on Local Planning,” 2018 Planning Association of Washington Annual Conference, Chelan, WA, Speaker, May 2, 2018
- “Bike Trails for Transportation or Recreation – When Does Recreational Use Immunity Apply?” Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) “Planning Advisor” article series, Author, April 2014
- “Code Enforcement – Strategies and Considerations,” Planning Association of Washington Land Use Boot Camp, Seattle, WA, Speaker, October 15, 2013
- “Success and Sustainability – Start Your Update on the Right Foot and Step Toward a More Sustainable Future,” American Planning Association Washington Planning Conference, Bellevue, WA, Speaker, October 3, 2013
- Frequent speaker for the Short Course on Local Planning training seminars for local officials, sponsored by the Department of Commerce and the Planning Association of Washington
- Frequent speaker on GMA issues