2022 Up & Coming Attorneys: Abou B. Amara, Jr.

Gustafson Gluek PLLC The key to Abou Amara, Jr.’s career is that he’s looked at law from both sides: How it’s made and how it’s litigated.

Amara is an associate attorney at Gustafson Gluek PLLC. But before law school, Amara worked for several years in the Minnesota Legislature, including as senior adviser to the Democratic speaker of the House. He worked on crafting legislation like the marriage equality bill, the Women’s Economic Security Act and others.

Law school at the University of St. Thomas closed the loop on laws and their application. “I realized the importance of lawyers to litigate and frame a law after it’s passed,” Amara said.

At Gustafson Gluek, Amara handles complex class action litigation in antitrust, consumer protection, products liability and constitutional matters. He helps manage discovery, writes and argues dispositive motions, and maintains relationships with clients, ensuring they remain informed and involved in decisions.

Within 90 days of becoming a lawyer, Amara briefed and successfully argued a dispositive motion to preserve his client’s claims in an employment discrimination case. “That was a confidence booster,” he said. “I knew I was new and had a lot to learn, but also, I can do this work.”

Amara gives back to the profession. He’s vice president of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers and co-chairs the New Lawyers Committee for the Minnesota chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Through the chapter’s Pro Se Project, Amara has also represented many clients of limited means pro bono, including a woman who was wrongfully terminated without receiving accommodations for her disability.

“It made me realize the impact a lawyer can have on someone’s life,” Amara said. “I didn’t grow up rich, or with lawyers in my family, but I’ve been blessed. The least I can do is provide services for those who aren’t as fortunate.”

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