Drew Minkiewicz represents commercial fishing interests and maritime shippers.  In his second decade of practice, Drew advises on regulatory issues and strategy development, legislative initiatives and civil enforcement matters.  He actively advises a variety of clients regarding their litigation matters involving the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Magnuson-Stevens Act, Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Clean Air Act, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations.

Drew’s knowledge of complex maritime and commercial fishing regulations, and their application to real-world scenarios, allows him to offer practical guidance to clients and promote effective business strategies.  Drew is an active participant in the federal Fisheries Management Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission rulemaking, where he provides written commentary and live testimony, and works with clients to develop regulatory strategies.  He is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of the procedures, regulations, statutes and developments specific to this area of law.

Prior to joining Kelley Drye, Drew served as senior counsel and staff director of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation under Subcommittee Chair Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and under Senator John McCain (R-AZ) during his full committee chairmanship.  As a senior policy advisor, Drew proposed and executed the subcommittee’s legislative agenda, drafted legislation (including three Coast Guard reauthorizations), requested and secured appropriation requests, and prepared committee members for legislative hearings.  He moved all fishery and Coast Guard–related legislation through the Senate (from introduction to final passage) and served as principal staff person in passing the first major revision of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in ten years.

Prior to serving on the Subcommittee, Drew was a Natural Resources Sea Grant Fellow and legislative assistant to Governor Kitzhaber of Oregon.  In this position, he lobbied Congress for policies and appropriations on federal natural resource issues and helped to pass the first Marine Fisheries Policy for the National Governors’ Association.

One of very few attorneys who focus exclusively on this specialized area of the law, Drew has forged lasting relationships with agency and industry professionals, which enables him to build consensus between industry, government and NGO stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes for his clients.

A skilled communicator, effective negotiator and highly adept consensus-builder, Drew consistently anticipates the potential legal and regulatory roadblocks that his clients face.  His analytical skills and creativity are supported by proven oral and written skills, honed during years of legal and legislative practice.  Drew’s ability to manage a multitude of high value matters simultaneously while ensuring that his clients remain informed and involved throughout the process is highly regarded.

Co-litigating matters involving the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Crafting litigation strategies and drafting summary judgment motions, complaints and opposition briefs, as well as arguing motions involving commercial fisheries clients in federal court and in enforcement actions.

Participating in federal Fisheries Management Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission rulemaking.  Providing written comment, live testimony and working with clients to develop regulatory strategies.

United States Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award