Overview
Andrew Rafter is a founding partner of Ward & Rafter, LLP. With over 15 years working in the legal industry, Andy brings a breadth of knowledge and experience shaped by diverse interests and wide-ranging life experience. His practice philosophy centers on solving problems and seeking justice by tailoring goals and methods to each individual client's needs and circumstances.
Andy's approach is collaborative and client-centered. He doesn't tell clients what's best for them. Instead, he helps them understand their circumstances and the choices available so they can make informed decisions and achieve the outcomes they need.
Litigation Experience
Andrew Rafter brings over 15 years of litigation experience to every matter he handles. Before founding Ward & Rafter, he honed his trial skills at Howard M. File, P.C., one of Staten Island's most respected litigation firms, where he practiced for eight years. That experience gave him a deep foundation in courtroom advocacy and complex civil litigation that he carries into every case at Ward & Rafter today.
Andy's litigation experience encompasses all phases of civil litigation, from investigating claims and drafting pleadings through discovery, motion practice, trial, and appeals. His work has included:
• Commercial Litigation
• Condominium and Homeowners Association Law
• Appellate Advocacy
• Commercial and Residential Landlord/Tenant
• Personal Injury (plaintiff's and defense)
• Employment Discrimination
• Environmental Law and Land Use
Environmental Law Background
Andy has deep roots in environmental law and conservation. While a student at Brooklyn Law School, he interned at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Riverkeeper, Inc., and the Kings County District Attorney's Environmental Crimes Unit. This work involved tracking down industrial polluters, holding them responsible for cleanup costs of hazardous contaminants, and serving on inter-agency task forces addressing environmental issues including Jamaica Bay cleanup and proposed legislation.
After law school, Andy co-founded a public interest environmental litigation practice on the East End of Long Island based in his hometown of Sag Harbor, New York. As part of the Northern Environmental Law Center, Andy spearheaded efforts to stop the illegal sale of public parkland, curtail the impacts of over-development on sensitive ecosystems, and ensure that local agencies and developers followed the law.
Andy cites his firm's successful effort to stop the sale of Fort Pond House in Montauk as one of his signature achievements during this period. This work demonstrated his commitment to environmental protection and his ability to achieve meaningful results for communities and conservation.
Precedent-Setting Work
In 2014, Andy authored an amicus brief in the matter of Capruso v. Village of Kings Point, 23 N.Y.3d 631, in which the New York State Court of Appeals made new law regarding the Parkland Alienation Doctrine. The Court quoted directly from Andy's brief in explaining its reasoning for the new rules it created. That kind of direct citation is rare, and it speaks to the quality and persuasiveness of his legal analysis.
This achievement exemplifies Andy's ability to handle complex legal issues, craft compelling arguments, and contribute to the development of New York law.
Practice Philosophy
Andy's philosophy on litigation and client relationships is shaped by his diverse experience and collaborative approach:
Problem-Solving Focus: Andy views his role as helping clients solve problems. This means understanding not just the legal issues but the practical realities and client objectives that drive decision-making.
Informed Decision-Making: Clients make the best decisions when they fully understand their circumstances and options. Andy ensures clients have the information they need to make choices aligned with their goals.
Tailored Strategies: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to litigation. Andy tailors strategies to each client's unique needs, circumstances, and desired outcomes.
Always Willing to Listen: Effective representation starts with listening. Andy takes the time to understand his clients' concerns, priorities, and goals before formulating strategy.
Education
Brooklyn Law School
Juris Doctorate, 2009
University of Chicago
Advanced Bachelor's Degree, Anthropology, 2003
Bar Admissions
• Appellate Division, Second Department
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
Practice Areas
• Commercial Litigation
• Condominium and HOA Law
• Real Estate Litigation
• Environmental Law
• Zoning & Land Use
• Personal Injury
• Employment Discrimination
• Landlord-Tenant Law
Professional Memberships
• Richmond County Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association
Conservation & Community Involvement
A committed conservationist, Andy has served as President of the New York City Chapter of Trout Unlimited and has volunteered with diverse environmental and social justice organizations. His commitment to conservation and community extends beyond his legal work and reflects his values and priorities.
Personal
In his spare time, Andy enjoys the outdoors, camping, and fly fishing. He and his wife have three small children, and family time is a priority. Andy's wide-ranging interests and life experience inform his approach to law and his ability to connect with clients from all backgrounds.