Andrew W. Homer

Partner

Location
San Diego
Phone number
(858) 795-0426
Location
Los Angeles
Phone number
(213) 547-4931

When environmental concerns or crises threaten or provide opportunities for his clients’ property, resources, business, or operations, Andrew Homer delivers forceful advocacy and pragmatic counsel to help his clients mitigate risks and maximize returns.

Focusing his practice on litigation, permitting, compliance counseling, and transactions support related to federal and state environmental laws and regulations, Andrew brings in-house insights and industry experience to his representation of both public and private entities.

In addition to focusing on environmental law, Andrew serves as a trusted advisor for clients in other areas and often leads multidisciplinary teams providing support for businesses ranging from start-ups to large, publicly traded companies.

As in-house counsel for the largest investor-owned water utility in the United States and during his years working for an environmental engineering and compliance software company, Andrew acquired an appreciation for what clients need from outside counsel – and what they don’t. That forms the foundation of his approach to every aspect of his practice: quickly providing clear answers and actionable guidance and developing strategies that account for broader business, financial, and sustainability concerns.

Andrew handles high-value environmental litigation and enforcement actions for institutional plaintiffs and defendants. His combination of legal acumen and technical knowledge allows him to craft compelling, understandable narratives for judges, juries, and other adjudicators. It also makes him particularly effective interacting with the experts whose opinions and testimony can prove determinative in many cases.

Outside of litigation, Andrew has significant experience with government investigations, administrative proceedings, environmental review, project entitlements and approvals, and business transactions with environmental components.

In his in-house role, Andrew oversaw environmental matters and advised management on a diverse range of topics, experience he now uses to provide comprehensive counseling to his clients. He handles a wide array of issues, including corporate formation and governance, mergers and acquisitions, audits, real estate transactions, zoning and land use, real property licenses and easements, public affairs, procurement, insurance coverage, intellectual property, securities law and disclosure (including, but not limited to, environment, social, and governance—ESG—issues), and California municipal law.

Andrew maintains an active pro bono practice and regularly represents indigent clients seeking asylum and other relief from removal from the United States.

“My work focuses not only on solving problems, but doing so in a way that creates synergies that allow my clients to simultaneously address environmental concerns, maximize environmental opportunities, and achieve sustainability goals.”

Representing the State of Maryland and all State agencies in bringing claims for costs and damages resulting from the DALI’s allision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Port of Baltimore in March 2024.

Represent states, ports and other institutional plaintiffs seeking recovery and/or contribution and natural resource damages for significant historical contamination.

Conduct internal investigation for water system operator in connection with possible violations of environmental laws by former employee, including voluntary self-disclosure to California State Water Resources Control Board and cooperation/defense in connection with State’s parallel investigation.

Represent numerous states, municipalities, investor-owned water utilities, and industrial clients as plaintiffs in products liability and related litigation seeking cost recovery and damages caused by lawful use of materials that include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”).

Advise large biotech company on wastewater issues throughout California, including NPDES and National Pretreatment Program permitting and compliance and associated enforcement activity.

Represent largest wholesale nursery in California with respect to water rights and water supply transactions.

Represent small and large California school districts on environmental matters, including but not limited to Toxic Substances Control Act and Safe Drinking Water Act compliance and litigation.

Represent acquiring parties and targets with respect to environmental issues in complex mergers and acquisitions, including but not limited to deals involving companies in the natural resource industries.

Advise manufacturers and retailers with respect to nationwide chemical regulatory requirements, including requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act, California’s Proposition 65, and nationwide toxics in packaging laws.

Advise national retailers, distributors, and manufacturers on compliance with CalRecylce’s Extended Producer Responsibility / Product Stewardship programs and regulations, including but not limited to compliance with the California Mattress Stewardship Law.

Represent developer of low-income housing in connection with Brownfields transactions and site remediation.

Negotiate resolution of liability to United States and multiple states in connection with largest oil spill in U.S. history, including $20MM in Supplemental Environmental Projects.

Defend major financial institution in connection with threatened CERCLA enforcement action and counterclaims against the United States for cleanup at historical mining facility.

Represent major U.S. water utility in permitting and related litigation for large desalination facility.

Negotiate multi-party / stakeholder application to amend State Water Resources Control Board Cease-and-Desist order.

Recommended in the US Legal 500 for his work in the Environment Litigation area, 2021-2024.

Industrial Environmental Association, Sustainability Committee, co-chair

American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources - Superfund and Natural Resource Damages Litigation Committee, past vice-chair

California Lawyers’ Association, Environmental Law Section