Andy R. Strait, Esq.

Andrew “Andy” Strait is a shining exemplar of unwavering commitment to service, integrity, and servant leadership—a dedication he steadfastly embodies as the senior attorney and managing director with the Marigold Law Center in Hyattsville, Maryland. His legacy is a testament to altruism, resilience, and an unshakeable commitment to enhancing the lives of others, rendering him an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.

Throughout his impactful legal and policy career, his extraordinary integrity and steadfastness have imprinted every sector he’s ventured into. From his advocacy for child welfare and expertise in family and immigration law to his invaluable contributions to government service and his role as a revered expert in migration ecosystems, his professional journey harmoniously weaves unwavering academic rigor, robust leadership acumen, and an innate ability to bridge divergent stakeholder perspectives.

His impressive credentials made him a trusted advisor on the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition Team in 2020. With the distinction of holding bar privileges in Maryland and the U.S. Supreme Court, he’s left a profound imprint on both governmental and nonprofit spheres.

His contributions have been monumental, particularly in homeland security, public health, and human services. Following his tenure in the legal landscape of Los Angeles, California, his path was pivotal when he was selected as a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) under the Bush-Cheney Administration in 2003. This appointment marked the inception of his impactful service within the esteemed U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), housed within the U.S. Department of Justice. During his PMF tenure, he significantly contributed to the DEA’s international programs division. Further, he enriched his expertise through an illuminating U.S. Senate fellowship under the guidance of senior Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan.

Beyond his weighty contributions to policy and leadership, Andy dedicates himself to an array of passions and philanthropic pursuits reflective of his profound devotion to child welfare, community service, and historic preservation. His selfless commitment as a Volunteer Park Ranger at prestigious institutions like the National Park Service, Arlington Cemetery, Arlington House, and the Robert E. Lee Memorial, mirrors his unwavering resolve to honor history while propelling positive change. His role as a Child Mentor within the Northern Virginia Aids Ministry underscores his steadfast commitment to catalyzing positive transformations in individual lives. An impactful internship within the Office of the First Lady in 1998 rekindled his love for history, ultimately steering him toward his current role as a Historical Tour guide—a manifestation of his reverence for human stories interwoven with the tapestry of history. Notably, his role as a board member of Courageous Hearts Adoptions in Greenville, Indiana—an agency pivotal in facilitating his adoption of three cherished children—illuminates his unwavering dedication to child welfare, deeply rooted in a personal connection.

Andy’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, unblemished integrity, and dedication to effecting positive change. His profound influence across his professional trajectory and selfless endeavors underscores his ceaseless efforts in sculpting a more compassionate, equitable world for individuals and communities. This legacy radiates authenticity and inspires profound respect.

Licensed to practice law in Maryland, Andy Strait is also a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. For his significant contribution of over 2,000 hours in family legal aid, he was honored as the Maryland Pro Bono Attorney of the Year in 2007.

Andy resides in Annapolis, Maryland and has three children and a miniature dachshund named “Mamie.”