Andrew Rau

Contact Information:

17 West Gay Street, Suite 200
West Chester, PA 19380

Phone: 610.692.1371
arau@utbf.com

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Andrew D.H. Rau

Andrew Rau has more than two decades of experience as lead solicitor and counsel for both municipal bodies and private clients. His practice includes municipal, governmental and public education law, as well as land use, zoning and real estate development. Andy advises non-profit corporations, business improvement districts, and other organizations with unique and specialized business and regulatory needs. He also represents diverse development interests in navigating the complex land use approval process.

On the municipal side, Andy’s clients include townships, school districts and other municipalities, providing real-world solutions for these public entities and helping to streamline decision making paths. In the area of real estate development, Andy assists developers with their most unique and sophisticated plans, including redevelopment projects. He has developed ordinances and gained approvals for projects ranging from custom single unit initiatives to larger mixed use developments in town centers.

Andy’s private and public entity clients appreciate his steadfast ability to solve complicated problems. He consistently provides the often necessary “deep dive” into the research and analysis required to effectively apply the law in a practical manner and achieve client objectives. Whether considering terms of an approval for a municipality or advising on the applicant side, Andy is known for smart planning, fact-based persuasion and strategy grounded within the intricate web of laws and regulations. Andy’s depth of knowledge and consensus building skill allow him to serve as an effective advocate for his clients at every turn.

A member of the firm’s Executive Committee, Andy has been engaged as an expert on land development matters in litigation. He is trained in mediation services by the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and has led state-wide educational programs addressing legal ethics, eminent domain, cable franchising and cellular tower regulation. Named a “Top Lawyer” by Main Line Today magazine, Andy has also been recognized as a leading attorney by Suburban Life magazine, received a preeminent “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell recognizing his superior legal ability as judged by his peers, and has been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers on multiple occasions.

Prior to practicing law, Andy served as a writer and producer for CNN. His newsroom experience helps him assimilate and analyze divergent viewpoints, an essential component to success in both the private and public sectors.

Practice Areas

Education

  • Dickinson School of Law, J.D. (1993)
    • Order of the Barristers
    • ABA Urban, State & Local Government Award (Land Use)
    • Jessup International Law Moot Court Team
      • Best Oralist, Mid-Atlantic Region
    • Appellate Moot Court Board
  • Bucknell University (1986)
    • B.A., Political Science

Admissions

  • Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (1993)
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania (1994)
  • United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit (1999)
  • United States Supreme Court (1997)

Memberships and Community Service

  • Eagles Mere Foundation
    • Trustee (2017 to present)
  • Eagles Mere Conservancy
    • President (2012 to 2015)
    • Board of Directors (2009 to 2015)
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
    • House of Delegates (2011 to present)
  • Chester County Bar Association
    • Municipal and Land Use Section
      • Chair (2008 to 2011)
    • Board of Directors (1996 to 1998, 2004 to 2006)
    • Judicial Evaluation Committee (1999 to 2002)
      • Chair (2001)
    • Young Lawyers Division
      • Chair (1997)
  • Chester County Bar Foundation
    • President (2005)
    • President Elect (2004)
    • Treasurer (2003)
    • Board of Directors (2001 to 2006)
  • Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania & Community Impact Legal Services
    • Board of Directors (2001 to 2006)
  • Legal Aid of Chester County, Inc.
    • Board of Directors (1999 to 2000)

Publications and Presentations

  • Author and Presenter, The Impact of Reed v. Town of Gilbert on Municipal Sign Ordinances, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) Annual Educational Conference, Hershey, Pennsylvania, 2016
  • Author and Presenter, Legal Ethics for Solicitors and Labor Counsel, Public Employee Labor Relations Advisory Service (PELRAS) Annual Conference, State College, Pennsylvania, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
  • Presenter, Role of the Solicitor, Municipal Law Colloquium 2015; PBI No. 2015-8658
  • Author and Presenter, Student Discipline in Public Schools, Chester County Bench Bar Conference, Crystal Springs Resort, 2012
  • Author and Presenter, Legal Ethics for Solicitors and Labor Counsel, Public Employee Labor Relations Advisory Service (PELRAS) Annual Conference, State College, Pennsylvania, 2011, 2012
  • Author and Presenter, Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law: Recent Cases & Legislative Developments, Chester County Bench Bar Conference, Bedford Springs Resort, 2010
  • Presenter, Zoning Hearing Board Practice, Chester County Bar Association MCLE Program, 2001
  • Presenter, Eminent Domain and Related Issues, Pennsylvania Bar Institute Municipal Law Colloquium Program, 1999
  • Presenter, Cellular Communications Towers & Local Zoning, Chester County Bar Association MCLE Program, 1999
  • Author and Presenter, Cable Television Issues, Pennsylvania Bar Institute Municipal Law Colloquium, (1995) Pennsylvania Bar Institute Publication 1995-958

Martindale Hubbell Rating

  • AV Rated*

*CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards. For more information, see http://www.martindale.com.

Latest From Andrew Rau

26

Aug

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Assists Avon Grove School District with Acquiring Approvals to Add a School Police Officer

As solicitors to the Avon Grove School District, Unruh Turner Burke & Frees attorneys Andrew Rau and Matthew Korenoski worked throughout the summer to help our client navigate the legal procedures necessary to authorize Avon Grove’s first school police officer under the Pennsylvania Public School Code. The required court petition …

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21

Aug

2025 Best Lawyers In America® And Ones To Watch® Recognizes 15 Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Lawyers

Eleven Unruh Turner Burke & Frees lawyers were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and four in The Best Lawyers: One to Watch® in America 2025 editions.

Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers® has earned a reputation as the ultimate benchmark of legal excellence. The recognitions are determined through an extensive Purely Peer …

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24

Jul

17 Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Attorneys Named Top Lawyers By Main Line Today

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees is proud to announce that 17 firm attorneys have been named to the 2024 Top Lawyers List by Main Line Today. This recognition highlights our attorneys’ skill, dedication, and professionalism across multiple practice areas.

Main Line Today, a prominent regional magazine showcasing the best of Philadelphia’s western suburbs, curates this …

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22

Jul

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Attorneys Named to Chester County’s Top Lawyers List for 2024

We are thrilled to announce that 21 of our attorneys have been named to the Daily Local News’ Reader’s Choice Top Lawyers of Chester County list for 2024! This is the fourth consecutive year firm attorneys have received this honor.

We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the following attorneys for being recognized …

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17

May

Sixteen Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Attorneys Selected To The 2024 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers List

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees is proud to announce that eleven firm attorneys have been selected to the 2024 Super Lawyers list and five firm attorneys have been selected to the 2024 Pennsylvania Rising Stars list. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas …

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29

Feb

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees’ Andrew Rau Leads Educational Session at Local Government Seminar

Andrew Rau of Unruh Turner Burke & Frees recently led an educational session at the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s “Local Government 201” event held at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus on February 24th. The program was designed to empower local municipal officials and staff with information about the many …

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17

Aug

13 Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Lawyers Recognized In The 2024 Editions Of The Best Lawyers In America® And The Best Lawyers In America: Ones To Watch®

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees is proud to have ten lawyers recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and three in The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2024 editions. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.

Best Lawyers recognitions are compiled …

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7

Aug

Fourteen Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Attorneys Named to Main Line Today’s 2023 Top Lawyers List

We are pleased to announce that fourteen Unruh Turner Burke & Frees attorneys have been recognized on Main Line Today’s distinguished “2023 Top Lawyers” list!

Main Line Today, a prominent regional magazine spotlighting the essence of Philadelphia’s western suburbs, annually curates this prestigious list featuring outstanding legal professionals. The selection process involves nominations from peers …

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21

Jul

Every Attorney At Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Named To The Daily Local News 2023 Top Lawyers List For The Second Consecutive Year

Daily Local News readers voted for Chester County’s Top Lawyers in the annual Top Lawyers Readers’ Choice Poll earlier this year. Readers voted online for their favorite lawyers in various practice areas.

This is the second year that every lawyer at the firm has been recognized and the third consecutive year that firm attorneys have …

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19

May

Fifteen Attorneys at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Recognized by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® for 2023

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees (“UTBF”) is pleased to announce that eleven attorneys have been selected to the 2023 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list and four firm attorneys have been selected to the 2023 Pennsylvania Rising Stars list. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice …

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14

Apr

Andy Rau Attends Ribbon Cutting for Avon Grove’s New High School

UTBF partner Andy Rau attended the formal ribbon cutting for the new Avon Grove High School in Penn Township on April 14th. District Superintendent Chris Marchese thanked Andy for his work as Avon Grove’s long-time solicitor in shepherding the district through the complex process of land acquisition, zoning approvals and final …

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28

Nov

UTBF Receives National Ranking for Land Use and Zoning Law by U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms in America”, and Ranks Regionally in Multiple Practice Areas

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees (UTBF) was honored to be named among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms in America” again for 2023. The firm earned a National “Tier 1” ranking in Land Use and Zoning Law for the second year in a row; a Metropolitan “Tier 1” ranking for Philadelphia …

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31

Aug

Eleven UTBF Attorneys Recognized By Best Lawyers In America®

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees (UTBF) is pleased to announce that eleven UTBF attorneys have been recognized in the 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™.

For more than 40 years, Best Lawyers has been recognized as a reliable and unbiased resource to identify top legal professionals. …

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25

Jul

Every Attorney at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Receives the Daily Local 2022 Top Lawyers Reader’s Choice Award

Chester County has voted and the results are in. Every attorney at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees (UTBF), one of Chester County, Pennsylvania’s largest law firms, has been voted a Top Lawyer for 2022 by Daily Local readers. Unruh Turner Burke & Frees’ attorneys were recognized in the following practice areas:

Brian D. Boreman

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10

Jun

Eleven UTBF Attorneys Recognized by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers in 2022

Ten attorneys at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees have been named to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list for 2022, in addition to an attorney being named among the 2022 Pennsylvania Rising Stars. The Rising Stars list includes attorneys who are 40 years old or younger or who have been practicing law for 10 years or …

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10

Nov

UTBF Listed Among U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms in America”

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees (UTBF) was honored to be named among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms in America” again for 2022. The firm earned a National “Tier 1” ranking in Land Use and Zoning Law; a Metropolitan “Tier 1” ranking for Philadelphia in three practice areas: Land Use …

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9

Sep

UTBF Attorneys Recognized By Best Lawyers In America®

WEST CHESTER, PA ─ Unruh Turner Burke & Frees (UTBF) is pleased to announce that ten UTBF attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America.

In the area of Real Estate Law, partners William J. Burke, III, Theodore F. Claypoole and Donald C. Turner were named to the Best Lawyers …

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6

Aug

Andrew Rau Attends National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum’s Grand Opening of the Charles L. Huston, III Visitor Center

UTBF Partner Andy Rau was pleased to attend the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum’s grand opening of the new Charles L. Huston III Visitor Center in Coatesville on August 6th. This rehabilitated space is the first step in helping museum visitors become immersed in two centuries of iron and steel manufacturing history, and …

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16

Jul

Twenty UTBF Attorneys Named Best Lawyers in Chester County by the Daily Local News Readers Choice

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees is honored to have twenty attorneys named to the Daily Local News 2021 Best Lawyers Readers Choice list. UTBF attorneys recognized are:

Brian D. Boreman was selected in Labor & Employment and Employment Discrimination William J. Burke, III was selected in Real Estate Theodore F. Claypoole was …

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28

May

Twelve UTBF Attorneys Recognized by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers in 2021

Twelve attorneys at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees have been named to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list for 2021. Additionally, three attorneys were named among the 2021 Pennsylvania Rising Stars. The Rising Stars list includes attorneys who are 40 years old or younger or who have been practicing law for 10 years or less.

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23

Dec

UTBF Listed Among U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms In America”

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees (UTBF) was named among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms in America” for 2021. The firm earned a Metropolitan “Tier 1” ranking for Philadelphia in Land Use and Zoning Law; a National “Tier 2” ranking in Land Use and Zoning Law; and a Metropolitan “Tier 3” …

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3

Sep

Seven UTBF Attorneys Recognized By Best Lawyers in America

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees (UTBF) is pleased to announce that six of our partners are listed among 2021’s Best Lawyers in America®. This year’s honorees include William J. Burke, III and Theodore F. Claypoole for Real Estate Law, David M. Frees, III for Trusts and Estates, Amanda J. Sundquist and …

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31

Jul

Fifteen Attorneys at UTBF Named Top Lawyers by Main Line Today Magazine

We are proud to announce that fifteen attorneys at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees were named to the 2020 “Top Lawyers” list by Main Line Today magazine. Main Line Today is a regional magazine focusing on the communities, traditions and lifestyles of Philadelphia’s western suburbs. Attorneys are nominated by their peers and vetted through …

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29

Jun

Andrew D.H. Rau and UTBF Attorneys Lead Avon Grove School District through Land Use Process for New Avon Grove High School

UTBF’s Andrew D.H. Rau was pleased to participate in the June 24th groundbreaking for the new Avon Grove High School, set to be built upon the “Jennersville Campus” site located in Penn Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. As Avon Grove’s solicitor, Andy worked with the school board, administration and development team in leading Avon Grove …

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9

Jun

Ten UTBF Attorneys Named Among 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Honorees

Eight attorneys at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees have been recognized by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for 2020. Additionally, two attorneys were named among the 2020 Pennsylvania Rising Stars. The Rising Stars list includes attorneys who are 40 years old or younger or who have been practicing law for 10 years or less.

The UTBF attorneys …

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13

Sep

Three UTBF Partners Recognized by Best Lawyers

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees (UTBF) is pleased to announce that three of our partners are listed among 2020’s The Best Lawyers in America. This year’s honorees include David M. Frees, III for Trusts and Estates Law in Phoenixville, PA, as well as Andrew D.H. Rau and Ross A. Unruh for …

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23

Jul

Every Partner at UTBF Named a Top Lawyer by Main Line Today Magazine

For the second year in a row, every partner at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees was named to the 2019 “Top Lawyers” list by Main Line Today magazine. Attorneys are nominated by their peers and vetted through the magazine’s editorial process. Sixteen attorneys at the firm, including all partners, were named to the list in …

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13

May

Nine UTBF Attorneys Named Among 2019 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Honorees

Eight of UTBF’s lawyers were named to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Lists for 2019. Included among this year’s Pennsylvania Super Lawyers are:

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28

Aug

Andrew D.H. Rau and Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Appointed Solicitor For Valley Township

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees is pleased to announce that the Board of Supervisors for Valley Township unanimously appointed Andrew D.H. Rau and Unruh Turner Burke & Frees at its August 21, 2018 meeting to serve as its Solicitor. Valley Township is located in Western Chester County and utilizes a manager-board form of government.

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27

Jul

Every Partner at UTBF Named a 2018 Top Lawyer

The results are in…

Every partner in our firm was named among the 2018 “Top Lawyers”

We are pleased to announce that 16 attorneys at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, including all partners, are named to Main Line Today’s “Top Lawyers” list for 2018.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Stephen P. Lagoy*

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22

May

Ten UTBF Attorneys Recognized By Super Lawyers® This Year

UTBF is pleased to announce that nearly half of the firm’s attorneys were included among this year’s “Super Lawyers” and “Rising Stars” lists.

This year’s “Super Lawyers” include:

Brian D. Boreman William J. Burke, III John K. Fiorillo David M. Frees, III Stephen P. Lagoy Andrew D.H. Rau READ MORE

18

May

Nearly Half of UTBF’s Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers in 2017

Eight of the 19 attorneys at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees have been recognized by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for 2017. Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service and publication, selects outstanding attorneys by utilizing a multi-phase selection process involving peer nomination, independent research and peer evaluation. Only 5 percent of Pennsylvania attorneys receive the …

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6

Mar

Transgender Policy Issues: New Developments and Legal Uncertainty

By: Andrew D.H. Rau and Amanda J. Sundquist

School administrators and legal practitioners across Pennsylvania and the nation are digesting the latest, and sometimes conflicting, developments when it comes to policy and practice concerning transgender rights.

The lead headlines have focused on the Trump Administration’s new joint Dear Colleague Letter, issued by the …

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16

Dec

2017 Township Reorganizations

By: Andrew D.H. Rau

Just as the last New Year balloon drops, a municipal official’s thoughts often turn from celebration to reorganization. Yes, it is that time of year again if you operate under the Second Class Township Code. The governing statute calls for the meeting on the first …

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2

Dec

Fair Housing Update: New Federal Guidance, and New Questions

By: Andrew D.H. Rau

Zoning and land use practitioners have long looked to federal guidance interpreting the Fair Housing Act (FHA) in order to consider its interplay with state and local land use and zoning laws. Now, the U.S. Justice Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development …

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25

May

Nine UTBF Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers

Utilizing a multi-phase selection process involving peer nomination, independent research and peer evaluation, Super Lawyers®, a Thomson Reuters publication, has named eight Unruh Turner Burke and Frees attorneys as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® for 2016. One attorney has been named as a 2016 Pennsylvania Rising Star. Each year only 5 percent of Pennsylvania attorneys receive the …

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20

May

Andrew D.H. Rau Named to the GVF Board of Directors

Andrew D.H. Rau has been named to the GVF Board of Directors. GVF is a Philadelphia-area regional transportation management authority (TMA) created to advocate and promote a viable transportation network for the region’s economic vitality. To maximize awareness and develop sustainable support, GVF partners with public and private entities. The non-profit board includes …

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24

Aug

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Attorneys Named to “2015 Top Lawyers” List by Main Line Today Magazine

Five attorneys at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees were named to the 2015 Top Lawyers list by Main Line Today Magazine. The annual list of top local attorneys, as chosen by their peers, appeared in the August 2015 issue. Brian Boreman was recognized in the area of labor law. Mr. Boreman concentrates his practice …

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25

Jun

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees Attorneys Recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees is pleased to announce that eight of the firm’s attorneys have been selected as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for 2015. One additional attorney was named as 2015 Pennsylvania Rising Stars.

The lists appeared in the June 2015 issues of Philadelphia magazine and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers magazine. Each year only 5 percent …

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16

May

U.S. Supreme Court Permits Religious Prayer at Local Government Meetings

By: Andrew D.H. Rau & Amanda J. Sundquist

Constitutional questions regarding the use of prayer to open municipal meetings have often come before the courts, as discussed in a prior blog entry in the public school context. This week, the United States Supreme Court issued an important decision upholding the right of a town …

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7

Mar

The telecommunications industry is evolving and expanding – how can your municipality stay on top of new developments?

By: Andrew Rau 

Municipalities across Pennsylvania are quickly realizing that the early stages of the cell tower and telecommunications era are giving way to a new regulatory and land use world—one of micro towers, fiber lines and new technology.

There are four areas of focus for municipalities in staying on top of the changing …

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7

Sep

School Board Prayer: The Third Circuit Rules

By: Andrew D.H. Rau

The constitutional debate surrounding student prayer in the public school setting has long been the subject of discussion in the federal courts. Now, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals has issued an important decision on a related question—the right of a school board to open its meetings with prayer.

Third …

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26

Apr

Marcellus Shale & Local Zoning

By: Andrew D.H. Rau

The oil and gas industry’s race to develop the Marcellus Shale across Pennsylvania has brought to the forefront the tension between large-scale development interests and local government.  Pennsylvania boroughs, townships and cities are grappling with the limits of local zoning power as they consider the means of regulating and controlling …

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9

Jul

New Permit Extension Law Impacts Developers and Municipalities

By: Andrew D.H. Rau

This week’s budget approvals in Harrisburg included legislation that will have an effect on landowners, as well as state and local government entities across Pennsylvania.  Senate Bill 1042, signed into law as Act 46, will extend the life of many land development and related approvals, if the approvals are in …

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17

Mar

Public Park and Field Users Beware:  Commonwealth Court Affirms Governmental Immunity 

By: Andrew D.H. Rau

In a recent case involving a broken ankle suffered during a flag football game in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the Commonwealth Court has broadly construed governmental immunity from certain lawsuits.  In Davis v. City of Philadelphia, the Court found that the Recreational Use of Land and Water Act (RULWA) protected the …

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23

Dec

Cell Towers: Municipalities Now on the Clock

By: Andrew D.H. Rau

How fast does a local government have to move in processing a cell tower application? A new federal regulatory order attempts to speed the process.

On November 19, 2009 the Federal Communications Commission issued an order that will impact municipalities and cell tower providers across the country. Known as the …

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West Chester, PA
17 West Gay Street
P.O. BOX 515
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 692-1371
Phoenixville, PA
120 Gay Street
P.O. Box 289
Phoenixville, PA 19460
(610) 933-8069