Andrew Rau has more than two decades of experience as lead solicitor and counsel for both municipal bodies and private clients. His practice includes municipal, governmental and public education law, as well as land use, zoning and real estate development. Andy advises non-profit corporations, business improvement districts, and other organizations with unique and specialized business and regulatory needs. He also represents diverse development interests in navigating the complex land use approval process.
On the municipal side, Andy’s clients include townships, school districts and other municipalities, providing real-world solutions for these public entities and helping to streamline decision making paths. In the area of real estate development, Andy assists developers with their most unique and sophisticated plans, including redevelopment projects. He has developed ordinances and gained approvals for projects ranging from custom single unit initiatives to larger mixed use developments in town centers.
Andy’s private and public entity clients appreciate his steadfast ability to solve complicated problems. He consistently provides the often necessary “deep dive” into the research and analysis required to effectively apply the law in a practical manner and achieve client objectives. Whether considering terms of an approval for a municipality or advising on the applicant side, Andy is known for smart planning, fact-based persuasion and strategy grounded within the intricate web of laws and regulations. Andy’s depth of knowledge and consensus building skill allow him to serve as an effective advocate for his clients at every turn.
A member of the firm’s Executive Committee, Andy has been engaged as an expert on land development matters in litigation. He is trained in mediation services by the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and has led state-wide educational programs addressing legal ethics, eminent domain, cable franchising and cellular tower regulation. Named a “Top Lawyer” by Main Line Today magazine, Andy has also been recognized as a leading attorney by Suburban Life magazine, received a preeminent “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell recognizing his superior legal ability as judged by his peers, and has been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers on multiple occasions.
Prior to practicing law, Andy served as a writer and producer for CNN. His newsroom experience helps him assimilate and analyze divergent viewpoints, an essential component to success in both the private and public sectors.
Practice Areas
- Governmental
- Municipal and School Law
- Real Estate Development
- Telecommunications, Wireless & Cable
- Zoning and Land Use Law
- Appeals
- Internal Investigations
Education
- Dickinson School of Law, J.D. (1993)
- Order of the Barristers
- ABA Urban, State & Local Government Award (Land Use)
- Jessup International Law Moot Court Team
- Best Oralist, Mid-Atlantic Region
- Appellate Moot Court Board
- Bucknell University (1986)
- B.A., Political Science
Admissions
- Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (1993)
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania (1994)
- United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit (1999)
- United States Supreme Court (1997)
Memberships and Community Service
- Eagles Mere Foundation
- Trustee (2017 to present)
- Eagles Mere Conservancy
- President (2012 to 2015)
- Board of Directors (2009 to 2015)
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- House of Delegates (2011 to present)
- Chester County Bar Association
- Municipal and Land Use Section
- Chair (2008 to 2011)
- Board of Directors (1996 to 1998, 2004 to 2006)
- Judicial Evaluation Committee (1999 to 2002)
- Chair (2001)
- Young Lawyers Division
- Chair (1997)
- Municipal and Land Use Section
- Chester County Bar Foundation
- President (2005)
- President Elect (2004)
- Treasurer (2003)
- Board of Directors (2001 to 2006)
- Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania & Community Impact Legal Services
- Board of Directors (2001 to 2006)
- Legal Aid of Chester County, Inc.
- Board of Directors (1999 to 2000)
Publications and Presentations
- Author and Presenter, The Impact of Reed v. Town of Gilbert on Municipal Sign Ordinances, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) Annual Educational Conference, Hershey, Pennsylvania, 2016
- Author and Presenter, Legal Ethics for Solicitors and Labor Counsel, Public Employee Labor Relations Advisory Service (PELRAS) Annual Conference, State College, Pennsylvania, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
- Presenter, Role of the Solicitor, Municipal Law Colloquium 2015; PBI No. 2015-8658
- Author and Presenter, Student Discipline in Public Schools, Chester County Bench Bar Conference, Crystal Springs Resort, 2012
- Author and Presenter, Legal Ethics for Solicitors and Labor Counsel, Public Employee Labor Relations Advisory Service (PELRAS) Annual Conference, State College, Pennsylvania, 2011, 2012
- Author and Presenter, Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law: Recent Cases & Legislative Developments, Chester County Bench Bar Conference, Bedford Springs Resort, 2010
- Presenter, Zoning Hearing Board Practice, Chester County Bar Association MCLE Program, 2001
- Presenter, Eminent Domain and Related Issues, Pennsylvania Bar Institute Municipal Law Colloquium Program, 1999
- Presenter, Cellular Communications Towers & Local Zoning, Chester County Bar Association MCLE Program, 1999
- Author and Presenter, Cable Television Issues, Pennsylvania Bar Institute Municipal Law Colloquium, (1995) Pennsylvania Bar Institute Publication 1995-958
Martindale Hubbell Rating
- AV Rated*
*CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards. For more information, see http://www.martindale.com.
