Overview

Andy collaborates with clients to develop and expand their businesses across the country. Clients regularly seek his help to resolve corporate, project development or regulatory issues, and he is often asked to represent clients before local, state and federal agencies.

Project Development

Andy has assisted clients with corporate development, regulatory, finance, economic incentive and tax projects related to facilities and industries such as:

  • Agribusiness and food processing
  • Seed and crop protection
  • Renewable fuels
  • Industrial and manufacturing facilities
  • Technology and data facilities
  • Casinos and lotteries
  • Penitentiaries
  • Electric cogeneration
  • Energy companies
  • Insurance industry
  • Resorts
  • Water and wastewater facilities
  • Pipelines
  • Water reservoir/recreational lakes

Regulatory & Government Contracting

With over 25 years of administrative law, regulatory and government contracting experience, Andy has represented private clients before all levels of government — local, state and federal. That work includes vendor and administrative appeals, regulatory approvals, professional licensing matters, government contracts and the general resolution of regulatory issues.

Government Relations

Andy understands all levels of government in Iowa from his time as a law clerk and assistant attorney general. He has represented private clients before local, state and federal agencies on all types of issues including regulatory and litigation matters. He has also registered as a lobbyist with the Iowa General Assembly on behalf of several nationally recognized clients. Andy has also been engaged by governmental agencies for large financing projects such as the Iowa State Penitentiary and the Honey Creek Resort.

Industry Experience

Andy has substantial experience representing national and international agribusiness, insurance, energy, gaming, utility, bank and manufacturing clients.

Legal Background

Prior to joining the firm in 2002, Andy was an Assistant Attorney General with the Iowa Department of Justice and the General Counsel of the Iowa Lottery. During his eight years of service, he represented numerous state entities, including the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Treasurer of the State of Iowa, the Iowa Lottery, the Iowa Division of Banking and the Vision Iowa Board — one of Iowa's public infrastructure financing programs.

Related Policy, Advocacy, and Consulting Services

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Arizona
Iowa
Minnesota

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court

Clerkships

Iowa State Court, 5th Judicial District, 1993-1994

Education

University of Iowa College of Law
J.D. (1992)

Australian National University
M.A. (1991)

Luther College
B.A. (1987)

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives
  • Everyone Loves Low-Carbon Energy — So Why are Nuclear and Renewables Hitting a Ceiling?
    Moderator, Energy & Environmental Symposium: A Conversation with National Stakeholders, Washington, D.C., March 2014
  • Co-Product Considerations
    Panelist, National Ethanol Conference, Renewable Fuels Association, Las Vegas, February 2013
  • Will Climate Change Heat Up in 2013?
    Co-author, Indiana Manufacturers Association Environment & Energy Forum, February 2013

Leadership & Community

Professional Associations

  • Iowa State Bar Association
  • Arizona State Bar Association

Civic Activities

  • Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation — Past Board of Directors
  • Science Center of Iowa — Past Board of Directors (Secretary-Treasurer)
  • Vision Iowa — Past Board of Directors (Chairman, appointed by Gov. Tom Vilsack)

Honors

  • Best Lawyers® — Government Relations Practice, 2023-25; Energy Law, 2025
  • BTI Client Service All-Star, 2018 
  • Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2022
  • Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2014
  • Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business — Corporate/M&A, 2012-16
  • Iowa Bar Association and the Polk County Bar Association — Recognized for the firm's pro bono work on behalf of low-income home owners, 2004
  • Des Moines Business Record  — Forty Under 40, 2003