Andrew Novak, J.D., M.P.A

Andrew Novak, J.D., M.P.A., is a seasoned legal and policy professional who joined McWilliams Governmental Affairs in December 2024. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), where he was active in student leadership, including serving on the Kennedy School Student Government as a Representative to the Harvard Graduate Council (HGC), and a Teaching Fellow for the Harvard Law School/Kennedy School course on U.S. Congress and Lawmaking. Andrew also served as Director of Development for the HKS Law & Policy Caucus, volunteered for HGC’s Legal Aid Program, earned a Certificate in Management, Leadership, and Decision Sciences, and was awarded Harvard Kennedy School’s Public Leadership Credential.

Andrew’s career spans both law and government. Most recently, Andrew served as Legislative Director for Texas State Representative Carl Sherman, who held key positions on the House Appropriations, Land & Resource Management and Corrections Committees and played a pivotal role in policy initiatives, including economic development, Blue Zone transformation, as well as prison reform. His political experience also includes working for U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions, who served as a member of the powerful House Budget and Rules Committee as well as the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, where Andrew contributed to legislative and press initiatives. He began his legal career at firms in Texas, including Cooper & Scully, P.C., and Rodriguez, Colvin & Chaney. Andrew then served as a Chief Felony Prosecutor at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, where he tried over 200 jury cases and helped shape state-level legislation for victim and witness protection.

Andrew graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU) with a J.D. and a B.A. in History. He played varsity soccer at SMU and Washington & Lee University, and hails from a family of athletes, as his brother, Nick, was a place-kicker in the NFL for ten years, including two years with the Houston Texans. At the end of his undergraduate and law school careers, Andrew was the recipient of SMU’s highest recognition, the “M” Award, for outstanding service to the University.

Andrew is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the American Bar Association, and the Dallas Bar Association. In addition to his legal work, Andrew is an active community member, serving on the Greater Dallas Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2010. He also holds both a Design Patent and a Utility Patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Andrew enjoys family time with his wife Marissa, and daughter Sophia, as well as rooting for the SMU Mustang and Harvard Crimson Football Teams.