Andrea Steinacker

About

Andrea Steinacker

Mediator, Attorney, Consultant, Trainer

Mediation

I have two decades of investigation, litigation, and negotiation experience from an uncommon perspective. As a government attorney, I valued the ability to review complaints, investigations, and cases from a neutral perspective. Because my focus was the public interest, I could set aside many considerations that other plaintiff-side attorneys can’t, such as attorney’s fees. I often found myself serving in a mediator role between the individuals who had alleged they had been harmed and their attorneys (if they were represented), and the defendants and their attorneys. Because I had no personal stake in the dispute, I could often see what neither side could and provide a valuable perspective. I have experience explaining to both plaintiffs and defendants the practical risks of litigation and the benefits of settlement.

Legal Consulting

There is nothing more frustrating to me than litigating an issue that could have been entirely avoided with the right advice and education at the outset. Unfortunately, this describes most of my litigation career. With more than 20 years of experience investigating federal fair housing violations, litigating and resolving cases, and tracking post-settlement compliance, I am uniquely positioned to understand and address the challenges faced by companies in the rental housing and multifamily housing construction businesses. I am eager to help you focus on solutions that keep your business running smoothly and avoid future conflict.

Experience

Special Litigation Counsel and Trial Attorney

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (2004–2024)

As a Trial Attorney:

  • Investigated and litigated all aspects of civil rights matters under:
    • The federal Fair Housing Act, including:
      • Discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status
      • Reasonable accommodations
      • Sexual harassment
      • Multifamily housing accessibility
      • Zoning and land use
    • Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)
    • Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Accommodations)
    • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
    • Other statutes enforced by the Civil Rights Division
  • Negotiated and settled numerous cases through settlement conferences, mediation, and direct communication with cooperating and opposing parties
  • Hired through the Attorney General’s Honors Program

As Special Litigation Counsel for Fair Housing:

  • Supervised investigations and cases
  • Acted as lead attorney on complex litigation
  • Consulted with case teams on litigation strategy and civil procedure
  • Developed skills trainings for attorneys and support staff

Significant Case Examples

Reasonable Accommodations in Housing

Multifamily Housing Accessibility (Design and Construction)

Race/Color

Land Use and Zoning

Sexual Harassment in Housing

Interference with Fair Housing Rights (§ 3617)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

RLUIPA

Education

  • J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University — J.D. cum laude, 2004
  • Brigham Young University — B.A. in English, 2000

Awards

  • The Attorney General’s John Marshall Award for Outstanding Legal Achievement for Participation in Litigation, 2010 — Presented to the litigation team in United States v. Sterling (C.D. Cal.)
  • Civil Rights Division Assistant Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award, 2018 — Presented to the team in United States v. Webb (E.D. Mo.)
  • Civil Rights Division Assistant Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award, 2012 — Presented to the team in United States v. JPI Construction, L.P. (N.D. Tex.)
  • Civil Rights Division Special Commendation Award, 2008, for United States v. Sarasota County (M.D. Fla.)

Training

  • Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, Mediating the Litigated Case 40-hour course
  • Settlement Conference Panelist Training with the Center for Dialogue & Resolution in Pierce County
  • Multiple trainings hosted by DOJ’s Civil Rights Division in trauma-informed interviewing and unconscious bias

Memberships and Volunteer Experience

  • Washington State Bar Association
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, attorney and ADR neutral
  • M. Margaret McKeown Federal Bar Association
  • Federal Civil Rights Legal Clinic, attorney volunteer

Ready to talk?

Contact me to discuss your needs.