Andrew Westley

Andrew Westley is a full-time mediator who brings forty years of legal and dispute resolution experience to his work helping parties resolve complex landlord-tenant, business, and employment disputes. Known for his calm presence, careful preparation, and ability to balance empathy with objectivity, he creates a mediation environment that allows parties to be heard, respected, and understood. Andrew believes that meaningful resolution comes from listening and identifying the human and practical interests beneath every dispute. His approach is rooted in patience, insight, and a steady focus on helping parties find clarity and common ground.

Andrew’s mediation practice draws on decades of litigation experience across California and New York. Since 2020, he has mediated and settled hundreds of cases, developing a reputation for his attentive listening, analytical skill, and thoughtful guidance through even the most emotionally charged matters. His background as both a trial lawyer and an advocate for housing justice enables him to navigate the legal, financial, and interpersonal dynamics of conflict with equal care. He views every case as an opportunity to foster understanding and achieve resolution that endures beyond the immediate settlement.

Before focusing exclusively on dispute resolution, Andrew built a distinguished legal career spanning both coasts. He began his practice in New York City at Rosenberg & Estis, one of the city’s leading real-estate law firms, representing corporate and business clients in complex commercial matters. He later joined Summit, Rovins & Feldesman as a senior litigator, handling high-stakes disputes for multinational companies. In 1994, he relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area and founded his own practice dedicated to housing justice and tenant advocacy. Drawing from his own experience growing up in public housing, Andrew committed himself to ensuring access to justice for underrepresented communities throughout California.

In addition to his work as a mediator, Andrew is an accomplished author and educator. He is co-author of California Landlord-Tenant Litigation (LexisNexis), a leading practice guide offering practical insight and strategies for navigating landlord-tenant disputes. He is also a contributing author and editor for the Federal Litigation Guide (LexisNexis) and a frequent contributor to San Francisco Apartment Magazine. Andrew has presented on landlord-tenant law and dispute resolution for numerous organizations, including the San Francisco Bar Association, San Francisco Apartment Association, Alameda County Bar Association, San Francisco State University, Continuing Education of the Bar, and Small Property Owners of San Francisco.

Andrew’s long-standing commitment to public service is reflected in his decades of volunteer work with the AIDS Legal Referral Panel (ALRP), where he provides pro bono counsel and mentorship. His dedication to the program earned him ALRP’s Attorney of the Year Award in 2002 and the Clint Hockenberry Leadership Award in 2016.

Guided by fairness, preparation, and compassion, Andrew brings a lifetime of legal experience and human understanding to his work as a mediator, helping parties move forward with confidence and mutual respect.