TURNING VISION INTO ACTION:

Al Amado is a
Passionate Leader with Broad Expertise and a Knack for Simplifying Complexity

Al Amado is a seasoned legal professional and thought leader whose career is dedicated to driving justice and creating impactful solutions for legal and social challenges worldwide. With a foundation in litigation and conflict resolution, Al’s career has evolved into a rich tapestry of roles that blend legal expertise, nonprofit leadership, and global advocacy.

A Global Perspective
With a J.D. from Emory University and an LL.M. in International Law and Latin American Studies from The University of Texas, Al’s early legal career focused on trial and appellate litigation in complex commercial and criminal matters along with conflict management and resolution. This foundation equipped him to tackle challenges on a global scale, from promoting legal ethics and judicial transparency, to training justice sector professionals on investigating and prosecuting transnational crimes like human trafficking and money laundering throughout Latin America.

Leadership in Nonprofit and Legal Reform
As the Founding Director of the Latin American Collaborative Education Project (LACEP), Al developed interdisciplinary projects to address emerging issues in Latin America, collaborating with indigenous communities, NGOs, and academic institutions. His tenure leading and developing programs with ABA Rule of Law Initiative in Latin America underscores his ability to lead high-stakes programs that foster collaboration between governments, civil society, and international organizations.

Educator and Advocate
A passionate educator, Al has served as an Adjunct Professor at Emory University School of Law, University of San Diego, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, and Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar teaching trial advocacy and ethics while mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. He’s also a sought-after speaker across Latin America, sharing insights on topics like transnational crime, public and private compliance, judicial ethics, justice system reform, and conflict management.

Beyond the Law
When he’s not championing justice, Al’s adventurous spirit shines through. An endurance athlete and world traveler, he’s scaled mountains, completed triathlons, and immersed himself in cultures around the globe. His creative side includes credits in music, theater, and film, adding a unique dimension to his multifaceted life. Al is a multicultural individual of Jewish heritage on both sides, with family roots in North Africa, Spain, Belarus, and Latin America, and has native language fluency in English and Spanish.

Key Areas of Expertise:

  • Rule of Law, Ethics & Judicial Transparency

  • Conflict Resolution & Mediation

  • Nonprofit Management & Fundraising

  • Cross-Cultural Communication & Collaboration

    • Chair & Founding Board Member | Tony’s Place

    • Technical Advisor | Lone Star Justice Alliance

    • Member | Latin American Studies Association (LASA)

    • Member | Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), London

    • Member | Houston International Arbitration Club (HIAC)

    • Former Chair & Member | Mayor’s International Affairs and Development Council, Latin American Council

    • Emory University School of Law International Law Journal, Editor

    • Hon. Lewis F. Powell Medal for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy

    • LL.M. in International Law, Latin American Studies, Conflict Resolution | The University of Texas School of Law; Austin, TX, USA

    • J.D. | Emory University School of Law; Atlanta, GA, USA

    • B.B.A. in International Finance and Economics (with honors) | The University of Texas; Austin, TX, USA

Want to see the full picture? Download Al’s Latest Resume here.

Ready to engage Al Amado?

Whether as your next Keynote Speaker, Project Director, Problem Solver, Board Member, or Advisor, there are many ways Al Amado can bring his dynamic experience to your organization.

Robert Dolehide

Robert Dolehide, Senior Counsel at Hyatt Hotels - Latin America & Caribbean

“Al Amado is truly a polymath, whose breadth and depth of experience, knowledge, and talent continue to astound me. An accomplished trial attorney, mediator, arbitrator, entrepreneur, manager, actor, athlete, and institutional leader, Al is certainly a Renaissance man. When I think of Al, these qualities immediately come to mind: his unbridled energy; his loyalty and generosity with his time; his understated confidence in his leadership and organizational skills; and his easy-going, positive attitude (which helps explain his extraordinarily wide network of friends and colleagues). Well-traveled and fluent in Spanish, Al has been an invaluable supporter of the U.S.-Mexico Bar Association. Al is a wonderful human being, and he is a great person to know.”