Stephan F. Andrews

Overview

Hobie Andrews focuses his practice on construction law, professional liability, regulatory services, and intellectual property. He works with architects, engineers, project owners, contractors, accountants, and liability carriers in a variety of construction, professional liability, insurance coverage, employment and contract disputes, as well as in other matters. His national practice includes mediation, arbitration, and litigation in both state and federal forums. What distinguishes Hobie's approach to dispute resolution is his undeniable technical fluency—he grasps the technical principles, industry standards, and contractual frameworks that underpin construction and professional liability claims, allowing him to challenge expert opinions and expose weaknesses in opposing technical arguments.

Construction and professional liability matters often hinge on nuanced interpretations of design specifications, industry governance, and standard-of-care determinations. Hobie excels at translating these complexities into accessible and easily understood legal arguments that resonate with fact-finders unfamiliar with industry practices. His experience with accountants, architects, engineers, and contractors provides insight into how projects and professional engagements unfold—knowledge that proves invaluable when reconstructing timelines, allocating responsibility among multiple parties, negotiating settlements that reflect realistic exposure assessments rather than theoretical worst-case scenarios, or trying matters before dispute resolution tribunals.

Hobie understands that professional liability and construction disputes carry reputational stakes that extend beyond immediate financial exposure. For design professionals and accountants, litigation outcomes can affect future bonding capacity, client relationships, and market credibility. He structures defense strategies that protect not only against monetary judgments but also against collateral consequences that threaten business and reputational viability. This perspective shapes everything he does—from discovery responses to settlement negotiations – ensuring that legal tactics serve broader professional and commercial interests.

Notably, Hobie is a frequent lecturer on liability and risk management issues unique to architects, engineers, contractors, and accountants. Among other honors, Chambers USA has described Hobie as a "strong player" and "especially knowledgeable in construction claims involving engineers, architects, and other design professionals.” Hobie also helped teach Construction Law at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Honors

• AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell, 2012 to Present
• Legal Elite, Litigation, Construction Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Virginia Business, 2014 to Present
• Super Lawyer, Construction Litigation, Thompson Reuter Super Lawyers, 2008 - 2023
• Lawyer of the Year, Litigation – Construction, Richmond, 2013, 2019; Construction Law, Richmond, 2016, The Best Lawyers in America
• Top Lawyer, Coastal Virginia Magazine
• Leader in the Law, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, 2010

News

Professional

• Member, Richmond Bar Association, 1987 to Present
• Member, Board of Governors, Construction Law Section, Virginia State Bar, 2008-2014
• Board Member and Chairman Emeritus, Board of Trustees, Virginia Center for Architecture Foundation 2001-2013
• Honorary Memberships, AIA Virginia and AIA Richmond