Andrea Driggs
- Firmwide Chair, Mining; Firmwide Co-Chair, Oil & Gas Industry Groups
- Phoenix
- Los Angeles
Andrea represents industrial, commercial, and municipal clients on environmental litigation and regulatory matters.
Andrea Driggs' work is focused on mining, energy, renewables, groundwater contamination, complex infrastructure siting, and remediation of contaminated sites. She is licensed to practice in Arizona, Alaska, California, Nevada, and New Mexico, enabling her to assist clients with cross-jurisdictional issues.
Mining
Andrea helps clients obtain and litigate key permits, including water quality permits, and regularly conducts due diligence for large mining transactions. She advises clients on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review for exploration and mine plans of operation, National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) review, and other use authorizations. Andrea also provides guidance on related matters, including royalties, water rights, compliance, and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) liability.
Energy
Working with developers, Andrea obtains essential permits for conventional and renewable (solar, wind, and battery storage) projects, including Certificates of Environmental Compatibility from Arizona's Corporation Commission. For example, she represented clients constructing Arizona's largest stand-alone battery storage project, helping to stabilize the electrical grid. She frequently conducts due diligence for projects and is experienced in matters ranging from site control and lease reviews to decommissioning.
Education & Credentials
Education
- UCLA School of Law, J.D., Order of the Coif, Managing Editor, Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, 2002
- University of London, M.Sc., Environmental Epidemiology and Policy, 1998
- Arizona State University, B.S., summa cum laude, with honors, 1997
Bar and Court Admissions
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Arizona
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California
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Alaska
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Nevada
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New Mexico
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona
- U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska
- U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- U.S Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada
Related Employment
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates, 2002-2006
- Judicial Extern for the Hopi Court of Appeals, Keams Canyon, AZ, Judicial Extern, 2001-2002
- Los Angeles County, Epidemiologist, 1999
Additional Languages
- Spanish
- Portuguese
Professional Recognition
Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Environmental Law; Litigation - Environmental, 2024-2025
Member of trial team that received the District of Arizona’s Pro Bono Firm of the Year award, 2023
Recipient of the Top Pro Bono Attorneys in Arizona award, Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, 2023
Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, 2021-2023
Recipient of Perkins Coie Pro Bono Leadership Award, 2022
Pro Bono Team Award for Arizona Foster Care Litigation, 2020
Impact
Professional Leadership
- American Exploration and Mining Association, Board of Trustees, 2024
- Fresh Start, Executive Board of Directors, 2023-2024
- American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources Mining Committee Co-Chair, 2022-2024
- Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel Ladder Down Class, 2021
- Arizona Center for Disability Law, former President and Board Member