October 13, 2014
Andrew H. Ernst, a partner and environmental law attorney at leading business law firm HunterMaclean, was recently recognized by Armstrong State University with its Distinguished Alumni Award for excellence in professional, community or public service.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Drew Ernst has demonstrated a deep understanding of the federal and state laws affecting our unique coastal Georgia environment,” said HunterMaclean managing partner Frank S. Macgill. “He is a tremendous resource for our law firm and for the entire community.”
Ernst has practiced law for more than 30 years in the areas of environmental law, land use, commercial real estate development and industrial development. He has represented clients on wetland issues and coastal development matters specifically related to various facets of Georgia’s Marshlands Protection Act and Shore Protection Act. He was also instrumental in the creation of a unique Section 404 Permit for an 1,800-acre industrial park.
In addition to his professional work, Ernst serves on the board of directors of the Savannah Harbor Foundation, which supports local children’s charities. He developed coastal ecology programs for the Leadership Savannah Youth Program, a leadership development program for outstanding public and private high school students sponsored by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Ernst is a past trustee and current advisory board member for the Georgia Conservancy, the state’s oldest organization addressing environmental concerns in Coastal Georgia.
Ernst has been recognized for his work by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers of America, Georgia Trend Legal Elite, and Super Lawyers. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and is a fellow in the American College of Environmental Lawyers.
Ernst received his J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from Armstrong State College. A proud alumnus of Armstrong State University, he worked to get the first dormitories at Armstrong and saw the school’s enrollment nearly triple. He continues his work for Armstrong, serving as a trustee for the university’s Foundation.
