Ferster Andrea

For nonprofit organizations, community groups, and individuals in Washington D.C. navigating the intricate legal landscapes of land use, historic preservation, environmental law, and tax-exempt status, Andrea Ferster stands as an exceptionally knowledgeable and dedicated legal advocate. Established in 1992, the Law Offices of Andrea Ferster is a public interest law office renowned for its focused expertise in these critical areas. A particularly relevant strength, as highlighted by a client review, is her deep knowledge of "501c3 orgs," indicating her proficiency in guiding nonprofit entities through the complexities of obtaining and maintaining federal tax exemption.

Andrea Ferster is not merely a practicing attorney; she is a recognized expert and a tireless advocate. She has been instrumental in helping dozens of organizations secure their federal tax exemption from the IRS and provides general counsel advice on a wide spectrum of nonprofit tax, corporate, fundraising, and personnel matters. Beyond nonprofits, her work extends to representing organizations and governmental agencies nationwide in litigation concerning the enforcement of historic preservation laws and transportation issues. As General Counsel to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy since 1992, and a past President of the D.C. Bar, Ms. Ferster brings a blend of high-level legal acumen, public interest commitment, and significant influence to her practice. For D.C. locals, especially those involved in community development, environmental protection, or nonprofit endeavors, Andrea Ferster offers invaluable, specialized legal guidance rooted in decades of experience and a passion for public good.

The Law Offices of Andrea Ferster are conveniently located in Washington D.C. at 2121 Ward Ct NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA. This address places the firm in the well-regarded West End neighborhood, offering excellent accessibility for clients throughout the District of Columbia and the wider metropolitan area. The location is particularly advantageous for those utilizing D.C.'s efficient public transportation system.

The Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station (serving the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines) is a relatively short and pleasant walk from the office, providing direct connections from various parts of the city, including downtown, Capitol Hill, and Northern Virginia. Additionally, several Metrobus routes operate along the main thoroughfares in the vicinity of Ward Court NW, offering further convenience for commuters. While street parking can be a common challenge in the central parts of D.C., there are typically public parking garages available in the surrounding blocks, providing options for those who prefer to drive. The location ensures that D.C. residents and organizations can easily access Andrea Ferster's specialized legal expertise, facilitating direct and personal engagement for their unique legal needs.

Andrea Ferster's legal practice is highly specialized, focusing on areas crucial to public interest, community development, and nonprofit organizations. Her core services include:

• Nonprofit Tax and Corporate Matters: This is a key area of her expertise, as noted by a client. She assists nonprofit organizations, including "Main Street" organizations, in successfully applying for federal tax exemption (501(c)(3) status) from the Internal Revenue Service. She also provides comprehensive general counsel advice on a wide range of nonprofit tax, corporate governance, fundraising strategies, and personnel matters.
• Land Use Advocacy: Representing individuals, neighborhood associations, and nonprofit organizations before District of Columbia land use planning agencies and courts. This involves advocacy on critical issues such as zoning regulations, historic preservation easements, building code compliance, and environmental impact assessments.
• Historic Preservation Law & Litigation: Andrea Ferster is a recognized expert in federal and local historic preservation law. She represents organizations and governmental agencies in litigation over the enforcement of historic preservation laws, addressing matters nationwide.
• Environmental Law & Litigation: Focused on litigation and advocacy to enforce federal environmental laws, particularly concerning transportation projects (highways, etc.) and other federally-assisted development projects. She represents local governments and citizen groups in these matters across various states.
• Transportation Advocacy & Trail Planning: Advising on legal issues affecting trails and greenways, including liability concerns and proceedings before the Surface Transportation Board related to rail-trail conversions. As General Counsel to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, she has extensive experience in this niche.
• Constitutional "Takings" Jurisprudence: Assisting governments in defending against Fifth Amendment "takings" challenges to environmental and land use regulations.

Her concentrated focus on these interconnected areas makes her an invaluable resource for D.C. entities and individuals deeply involved in community planning, environmental protection, and the nonprofit sector.

Andrea Ferster's professional profile is distinguished by several significant features and highlights that underscore her expertise and influence in her specialized fields:

• Recognized Expert in Nonprofit & Land Use Law: She is a leading authority on federal and local historic preservation law, nonprofit tax, and trails and transportation policy. Her knowledge of "501c3 orgs" is specifically highlighted by a client.
• Extensive Experience with Tax Exemption: Ms. Ferster has successfully assisted dozens of organizations in obtaining federal tax exemption from the IRS, demonstrating a proven track record in a complex administrative area.
• Public Interest Focus: Her practice is dedicated to public interest law, reflecting a commitment to environmental protection, historic preservation, and community development rather than solely commercial pursuits. This aligns well with the values of many D.C. organizations and residents.
• General Counsel to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: Serving as General Counsel to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy since 1992 highlights her deep and long-standing expertise in trail and transportation legal issues, and her commitment to a national public good.
• Former D.C. Bar President: Andrea Ferster served as the President of the District of Columbia Bar for the 2013-14 term. This leadership role signifies immense peer recognition, professional standing, and a deep understanding of the D.C. legal community and its needs. She also initiated discussions on addressing the "justice gap" for modest-means individuals during her tenure.
• Admitted to Numerous Federal Courts: Beyond the D.C. Bar, she is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, multiple U.S. Courts of Appeal (D.C., First, Fourth, Eleventh, Federal Circuits), the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. This broad admission speaks to her extensive litigation experience across various jurisdictions.
• Award-Winning Professional: She has received significant accolades, including the 2009 District of Columbia Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation (Chairman's Award for Excellence in Law and Public Policy) and the 2018 Fastcase 50 award for innovation in the law. She has also been selected to Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers from 2014 to the present.
• Frequent Lecturer and Author: Ms. Ferster regularly lectures and publishes on her areas of expertise, demonstrating her thought leadership and commitment to advancing legal knowledge in her fields.

These highlights collectively present Andrea Ferster as a highly respected, influential, and deeply knowledgeable attorney for D.C. clients in her specialized areas.

In the realm of highly specialized public interest law, particularly involving areas like nonprofit tax, land use, and environmental litigation, law offices like Andrea Ferster's do not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer retail sense. Her value is derived from decades of highly focused expertise, a distinguished reputation, and a deep commitment to public interest advocacy.

Instead, clients engaging with the Law Offices of Andrea Ferster can expect a professional and principled approach to legal services:

• Expert Consultation: Prospective clients, especially nonprofit organizations or groups involved in land use and environmental advocacy, can arrange consultations to discuss their specific legal needs. This initial discussion is crucial for assessing the scope of the matter and determining how Ms. Ferster's unique expertise can be applied.
• Tailored Legal Strategies: Given the complex and often precedent-setting nature of her cases, Andrea Ferster provides highly customized legal strategies designed to achieve favorable outcomes for her clients, whether it's securing tax-exempt status or litigating environmental protection.
• Transparent Fee Discussions: While specific fee structures for specialized public interest law vary, transparency is key. During the consultation, clients will receive clear information regarding the firm's billing practices, which typically reflect the attorney's extensive experience and the intricate nature of the legal work.

The most significant "offer" from Andrea Ferster is access to a rare blend of deep legal knowledge, influential advocacy, and a long-standing commitment to public interest outcomes. Organizations and individuals in Washington D.C. seeking such specialized counsel are encouraged to reach out directly to discuss their specific legal challenges.

For nonprofit organizations, community groups, or individuals in Washington D.C. seeking specialized legal counsel from Andrea Ferster, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 2121 Ward Ct NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
• Phone: (202) 974-5142
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-974-5142

It is advisable to call during standard business hours to schedule a consultation or to inquire about her specific areas of legal practice.

For residents and organizations within the District of Columbia that are deeply invested in community development, historic preservation, environmental advocacy, or the establishment and maintenance of nonprofit entities, Andrea Ferster stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal resource. Her office's convenient location at 2121 Ward Court NW ensures easy accessibility for D.C. locals, placing unparalleled expertise within comfortable reach via the city's public transportation.

What truly makes Andrea Ferster an ideal choice for the D.C. community is her profound, decades-long specialization in niche but vital areas of law. As noted by a client, her knowledge of "501c3 orgs" is a testament to her deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by nonprofits in our capital. Her significant experience in land use, historic preservation, and environmental litigation, combined with her role as General Counsel for a national advocacy group and her past leadership as D.C. Bar President, demonstrates a rare blend of high-level legal acumen and unwavering commitment to public interest. For D.C. locals whose goals involve navigating complex regulations for their community projects, protecting historic sites, ensuring environmental compliance, or establishing and growing a tax-exempt organization, Andrea Ferster offers not just legal counsel, but a strategic partner with an influential voice right here in Washington D.C.