Olivier Moréteau: Andrew, I remember when you arrived from Uganda some six years ago with your freshly earned law degree and how quickly you became one of our most talented and dynamic students, not only in the LL.M., but on the whole campus. You graduated from LSU Law in 2009 and assisted me at the Center for Civil Law Studies during the summer. You then obtained the LL.M. in Taxation at the Georgetown University Law Center and clerked at the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division. Tell us what you are doing now.
Andrew Nyombi: I am a partner at Emejuru and Nyombi, a Washington D.C. area based law firm that specializes in commercial litigation and employment law. My practice focuses on: business torts litigation, product liability, unfair trade practices, corporate litigation involving private and public companies, securities and banking litigation, corporate taxation, commercial contracts, tax litigation, venture capital and private equity, transfer pricing, business and individual income tax controversies, financial derivatives, estate planning, wealth management and asset protection. I was admitted to the United States Tax Court in Washington, D.C. and the United States Supreme Court.
I enjoy pursuing substantial litigation shuffling between Federal courts around the country including Federal District Courts of Maryland, Colorado and Texas in high stakes commercial litigation.
OM: Tell us about a recent achievement.
AN: While arguing as Lead Counsel in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, I set a precedent under the Fair Credit Reporting Act with the Court establishing the principle that every filing of a consumer dispute restarts the clock anew and a duty to reinvestigate is imputed on a furnisher of information on receipt of the dispute notice from a Credit Reporting Agency with regards to the accuracy of a truck driver’s employment background report. Following this landmark decision, the state of Colorado went on to pass the Employment Opportunity Act and Rules 2014.
OM: To what extent did the LSU program contribute to your present success?
AN: The LL.M. at Louisiana State University prepared me for the tough world of litigation. The program is thorough, fast paced, rigorous and required meticulously focus. The combination of the civil law and common law traditions in the curriculum and teaching enabled me to think with two brains when approaching situations and to stand on two feet while practicing law. It helped me to become creative when analyzing legal controversies and applying legal principles. The faculty is warm and responsive and is always ready to give a hand in explaining any complex material.
OM: What would you say to anyone interested in the LSU program but still hesitating?
Andrew Nyombi was inducted into the United States Supreme Court by Chief Justice Roberts, on June 23, 2014
AN: When attending LSU, the student body had a strong sense of camaraderie that welcomes everyone. The regular Student Bar Association events made life in Baton Rouge interesting. The faculty is exceptional and highly accessible to students.
OM: Congratulations, Andrew, on your being sworn in the Supreme Court by Chief Justice Roberts in June 2014! This is a high honor on you and on our Law School! On behalf of LSU Law, I thank you for this interview and wish you the best of success!
