Andrew R. McRoberts

Shareholder

P: (804) 783-7211

F: (804) 783-7291

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“Andrew thinks on the ‘broad brush’ level, yet keeps a keen eye on detail. With a solid knowledge in a wide variety of topics and fields, he has an edge when dealing with multidisciplined issues. He brings this innate skill when working with people who come from many different backgrounds.”

Linda Wall, paralegal to County Attorney at County of Powhatan, Virginia

About

Biography

Andrew McRoberts offers specialized outside counsel for local governments and officials across Virginia. A member of the firm’s Government Group and Leader of its General Local Government Team, Andrew is a long-time litigator and Virginia local government attorney. He brings in-depth knowledge and inventiveness when helping his clients navigate complex litigation and issues in local governments. Andrew has helped many local governments and local government officials, as well as select non-government entities resolve their unique legal needs, achieve their specific goals, and come out ahead.

Andrew provides complete legal guidance primarily in:

  • Litigation
  • Land Use and Zoning
  • Tax Assessment Defense (judicial and administrative)
  • Real Estate
  • Special Service Districts
  • Subdivision
  • Utilities and Development
  • Election Law
  • Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC)
  • Economic Development
  • Virginia Circuit Courts
  • Virginia Supreme Court
  • Other specialized advice and litigation for local governments

Andrew is a shareholder and joined Sands Anderson in 2009 after many years serving Virginia localities as county attorney, legislative liaison and litigator. Throughout his experienced and successful career, Andrew has served his clients with enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism. He understands the legal issues his clients face, and how those issues directly affect the clients and their communities.

He has served in various localities and across the broad spectrum of local government law, bringing discipline and fresh perspectives to each issue. He thoroughly counsels local governments through difficult decisions and complex litigation with promptness and efficiency. Often, given his extensive local government background, he finds unexpected and interdisciplinary solutions to support his client’s needs. His significant record of success, both in and out of court, has led clients to refer to Andrew as a “lawyer’s lawyer” and a “legal scholar and a pleasure to work with.”


Professional Highlights

  • Team Leader, General Local Government Team, Sands Anderson
  • Acting Part-time City Attorney for City of Charlottesville
  • Part-time County Attorney for King William County
  • Part-time County Attorney for Richmond County
  • Part-time County Attorney for Essex County
  • General counsel to the Stafford County Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Former Acting Part-time County Attorney for Accomack County
  • Former Acting Part-time Deputy City Attorney for Hampton
  • Former Full-time County Attorney in Goochland County
  • Former Full-time County Attorney in Culpeper County
  • Former Full-time Assistant Attorney in Arlington County
  • Former Part-time County Attorney for Mathews County
  • Chief attorney in the successful defense of dozens of local governments in major SCC cases against Verizon, Dominion Virginia Power, and other public service corporations.
  • Lead attorney in the successful defense of local governments in major circuit court cases against such companies as Aggregate Industries, Dupont, Hazel Homes, International Paper, and Potomac Mills.
  • Lead attorney in successful administrative tax assessment appeals before local and state administrative assessing authorities against such companies as General Dynamics.
  • Author of many amicus curiae briefs filed with the Virginia Supreme Court on behalf of organizations including the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, the Virginia Association of Counties, and Virginia Municipal League.

Recognition

  • Virginia Association of Assessing Officers' Distinguished Service Award
    2022
  • Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Municipal
    2021-2023
  • Virginia Business magazine "Legal Elite" in Real Estate and Land Use
    2015-2017, 2019-2020, 2022
  • Local Government Attorneys of Virginia’s highest honor – the Edward J. Finnegan Award for Distinguished Service, 2012
  • Virginia Lawyer's Weekly "Leaders in the Law" List
    2010

Favorite Books

  • The Lord of the Rings
    trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien
  • To Kill a Mockingbird
    by Harper Lee

Background

Education

  • University of Richmond
    J.D. 1990
    T. C. Williams School of Law
  • College of William & Mary
    B.A. 1987
    History, Theatre & Speech

Admissions

  • Virginia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court or the Western District of Virginia

Involvement

Speaking Engagements

  • Andrew is a popular speaker at conferences and seminars for local government organizations, including:
  • American Planning Association (Virginia Chapter)
  • Commissioners of the Revenue Association
  • Virginia Association of Assessing Officers
  • Virginia Association of Zoning Officials
  • Local Government Attorneys of Virginia (the statewide bar organization for county, city, and town attorneys)
  • Land Use Education Program (Training at legal seminar, BZA and Planning Commission training sessions)

Professional Affiliations

  • Group Leader, Local Tax Practice Group, Local Government Attorneys of Virginia
  • Local Government Attorneys of Virginia (active member, Past President and former member of its Board of Directors)
  • Virginia State Bar’s Local Government Section, Former Board of Governors
  • Virginia Bar Association, Taxation Section
  • Virginia Local Government Managers' Association

Community Service

  • The Society for the College (William & Mary)
    Former President
  • First Baptist Church, Richmond
    Deacon and Member
  • City of Richmond Commission on Architectural Review
    Former Member
  • Boy Scout Troop 710, Goochland, Virginia
    Former Scoutmaster

Publications

Publications by Andrew R. McRoberts

Andrew R. McRoberts In The Media

News by Andrew R. McRoberts

News About Andrew R. McRoberts