Andrew C. Buckner

Andrew C. (“Andy”) Buckner’s practice focuses in the areas of mediation, appellate representation, and all areas of civil litigation, including disputes relating to construction, business, real estate, debt collection and personal injury. He is experienced in alternative dispute resolution, and is certified as a Superior Court Mediator by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission.

Andy was born and raised in Sylva. He graduated cum laude from Morehead State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Music Education and returned to Sylva as the band director at Smoky Mountain High School. Andy left teaching to go to law school and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1999, where he served as an associate editor of the Kentucky Law Journal and was elected to The Order of the Coif, an honor society for law school graduates.

Having practiced with large law firms in Winston-Salem and Raleigh, and as a former partner in Coward, Hicks, & Siler, Andy brings a unique perspective to each of his client’s needs. He has represented individuals and companies in a very broad range of cases ranging from boundary line disputes to multi-million dollar fraud claims. Andy views each case as a valuable opportunity to assist clients by providing accurate and thoughtful legal advice, exploring possible resolutions, and if necessary, fighting for their rights in court.

Andy returned to Coward, Hicks & Siler in 2016, after practicing in Raleigh for five years in the areas of legal and medical malpractice, complex commercial litigation and appellate advocacy. During this time, he also taught legal research and writing for the paralegal program at Meredith College. His time in Raleigh led to him meeting and marrying his wife Shelli, who is also an attorney here in Sylva. Andy is thrilled to be back in his hometown and practicing again with Coward, Hicks & Siler.

Andy has been a member of the North Carolina State Bar since 1999. He is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of North Carolina, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the Tribal Court for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. He is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the 30th Judicial District Bar.