A headshot of Andrew Yates.

Andrew G. Yates

Partner He / Him / His
Seattle

Andrew Yates represents a wide variety of businesses in complex civil litigation and regulatory enforcement actions. He has tried numerous cases to verdict in state and federal court. He also regularly handles arbitrations. In addition to general commercial litigation, Andrew regularly represents clients in disputes arising in the railroad, aviation, insurance, financial services, and food and beverage industries.  

Railroad Litigation Experience

Andrew represents several of the nation's largest freight and passenger railroads, including BNSF Railway Company, Union Pacific Company, and Amtrak. He has defended these and other rail companies in Federal Employers' Liability Act, Federal Railroad Safety Act, and tort claims involving derailments, grade crossing accidents, and other incidents in state and federal court and before federal administrative tribunals. Andrew is a member of the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel and the Association of Transportation Law Professionals.

Professional Highlights

Professional Activities

Amicus Curiae Brief on behalf of Association of Transportation Law Professionals, Inc. in the Supreme Court of the United States in Stephen Douglas et. al v. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, January 13, 2023

Recognition & Accomplishments

The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, Railroad Law, Transportation Law, 2024-2025

Thomson Reuters, "Washington Super Lawyer," Business Litigation, 2017-2024

Thomson Reuters, "Washington Rising Star," Business Litigation, 2009-2016

Thomson Reuters, "Top 100: Washington Super Lawyers," 2022

Judicial Clerkships

Hon. David H. Armstrong, Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II

Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II

Credentials 

Education

Seattle University School of Law (J.D., cum laude)
Seattle University Law Review, Associate Editor
National Appellate Advocacy Competition Moot Court Team, Captain

Whitman College (B.A.)

Admissions

Washington

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington