Andrew C. Cook

As a senior member of Michael Best Strategies, Andrew supports the organization’s regional state offices and those in Washington, D.C. He focuses on energy, civil liability, environmental, campaign finance, administrative law and matters before state Attorneys General.

Andrew has an extensive background in regulatory and government relations, and a keen understanding of the intersection between government and business. He has represented clients before state agencies, the legislature, as well as litigated in the court system.

Prior to joining Strategies, Andrew served as Deputy Attorney General of Wisconsin since 2014, the principal advisor to Wisconsin Attorney General Brad D. Schimel. In this position, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the nearly 700 employees; directed litigation strategy; negotiated, reviewed, and approved settlements; drafted and reviewed attorney general opinions; managed the agency’s budget; and oversaw civil and criminal investigations handled by the department.

While in Attorney General Schimel’s office, Andrew was responsible for creating the Office of Solicitor General, an elite group of attorneys that includes two former U.S. Supreme Court clerks. Under his direction, the Solicitor General’s office was instrumental in drafting several environment-focused briefs and declarations to the U.S. Supreme Court, including challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the United States and Clean Power Plan rules.

Prior to his work at the DOJ, Andrew was in private practice where he represented manufacturers and businesses, including electric companies, oil refineries, and the coal industry, before the Wisconsin Legislature and state agencies. He also led a broad coalition of business, insurance, and medical groups in passing major civil liability reforms, including changes to Wisconsin’s product liability laws.

Andy received his law degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, cum laude, where he co-founded and served as president of the Habitat for Humanity Chapter. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, cum laude, and is a member of the Washington State Bar (Inactive) and the State Bar of Wisconsin. Andy is President of the Madison Federalist Society, Lawyers Chapter.