Barnes & Thornburg Adds Leading Environmental Partner Andre Monette

SAN DIEGO and WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 5, 2026) — Barnes & Thornburg, a top 75 U.S. law firm serving clients around the world, welcomes Andre Monette to its San Diego and Washington, D.C., offices, further strengthening the firm’s outstanding national environmental practice.

Monette brings nearly 20 years of experience working as a lawyer and federal lobbyist for public utilities, farmers and other entities on matters involving the federal Clean Water Act, water rights and water supply. He focuses his practice on compliance issues and on project development — helping to leverage federal resources to support major infrastructure investments.

“Andre’s wealth of regulatory experience and deep experience navigating state and federal laws on water issues, especially as to water supply, will be a huge asset to our clients,” said David Gillay, chair of the firm’s Environmental Department. “He adds substantial depth and a new dimension to our already outstanding water team, which is one of the leading practices helping municipal and industrial clients on water matters in D.C. and around the country.”

Concentrating on the intersection of water quality requirements and water supply regulation, Monette helps clients navigate complex regulatory and legal schemes, including Clean Water Act compliance, groundwater recharge projects, reuse projects, and water infrastructure funding and development. He works on projects nationally and internationally, with a strong background representing clients in the arid western United States.

“I’m excited to join Barnes & Thornburg and collaborate with a team that is deeply committed to solving complex environmental and water issues,” Monette said. “The firm’s national platform and multidisciplinary capabilities will allow me to better serve clients navigating increasingly challenging regulatory, operational and resource-management demands.”

Monette joins from a California-based regional firm, where he recently served as managing partner of the D.C. office and partner in charge of the firm’s Government Affairs practice. Monette received his law degree from Case Western Reserve University and his bachelor’s degree in geology from San Diego State University.

Barnes & Thornburg’s Environmental Department includes a water team that is one of the foremost legal groups working on water quality issues nationwide, actively representing municipalities, industries, trade associations and other entities in D.C. and in many states around the country, on issues such as water quality standards, discharge permits, testing requirements, and federal and state enforcement matters.

Barnes & Thornburg operates 23 offices across the United States, enabling more than 800 lawyers to serve clients nationwide. As one of the 100 largest law firms in the country, we provide seamless coast-to-coast coverage for high-stakes litigation, complex transactions and innovative IP matters. Our national reach and knowledge of local markets help clients conduct business confidently wherever opportunities arise. Visit btlaw.com.