Andrew W. Li concentrates his practice on the representation of school districts across New Jersey. He provides a broad base of legal counsel to districts, administrations, and boards of education, in all aspects of school law, ranging from liability analysis, labor and employment issues, student matters, special education/IDEA matters, the bidding and procurement, compliance with OPRA and OPMA requirements, board operations and policy, and “day to day” guidance.
Education and discipline shape much of his legal philosophy. As the grandson of a dean of Jilin University who educated future national leaders, and a Chinese Nationalist Party army general who fought invading armies, Andrew brings a unique perspective to his practice.
With more than twenty years of experience in litigation, Andrew has represented a diverse group of clients, ranging from private individuals and companies (including a Fortune 500 national retailer) to public and governmental entities, authorities, and employees, as well as New Jersey school districts and their administrators, staff, and employees, in the state, federal and administrative courts. He has handled tort claims, civil rights and unlawful discrimination/employment claims, public and private contract cases, and construction defect and delay claims.
Andrew has represented school and municipal entities in a wide variety of litigation, including liability and tort claims, civil rights, labor and employment, and construction matters. When possible, he tries to resolve problems through a collaborative process, one where the different sides work together with mutual respect to reach a desirable solution. However, Andrew is not afraid to vigorously defend his clients against unreasonable and unacceptable positions.
Whether representing them in litigation, or giving them proactive advice to protect the legal rights or managerial prerogatives of school districts, Andrew is keenly aware of the regulatory, fiscal and administrative constraints under which school districts operate. Efficient and effective legal services and thoughtful counsel, responsive to the specialized needs of local boards of education, are the hallmark of Andrew’s approach to the practice of school law.
Andrew is admitted to practice in New Jersey. He is also admitted the United States District Court of New Jersey, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Judicial Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
He is a member of the School Law Special Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association, which monitors developments in education law, provides updates of same and recommends modifications to education law-related regulations.
Andrew lives in Hunterdon County with his wife and son.