Al Vance

Founder & Managing Partner

Al Vance is the founder of Vance Dispute Resolution and brings more than two decades of experience as a trial lawyer, in-house counsel, and neutral. His practice focuses on mediation and arbitration, helping parties resolve disputes through structured, efficient processes designed to promote clarity and forward progress.

Before establishing Vance Dispute Resolution, Al practiced at a Birmingham-based litigation firm, where he became a partner and handled complex matters in state and federal courts. He later served as in-house counsel, managing corporate risk and advising on high-stakes disputes. This combined perspective informs a practical, balanced approach to dispute resolution.

Al is a registered neutral with regional and national dispute resolution organizations and has been appointed to serve in professional disciplinary hearing roles. His work is grounded in careful preparation, neutrality, and a commitment to helping parties reach a resolution with professionalism and respect.

“Dispute resolution has always been at the core of my work. Across roles as an engineer, litigator, in-house counsel, and neutral, I have focused on thoughtful problem-solving and helping parties find a path forward.” - Al Vance

Education and Experience

  • Earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering Degree from Auburn University in 1994

  • Obtained Juris Doctor from The University of Alabama School of Law in 2000

  • Licensed to practice law in Alabama since 2000 and Georgia since 2007

  • Registered on the Alabama State Court Mediator and Arbitrator Rosters

  • Registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution

  • ADR Panel of Neutrals, Northern District of Alabama

  • Member of the Alabama Academy of Attorney Mediators

  • Member of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) - Arbitration and Mediation Panels

  • Member of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR)

  • A former partner in a top civil litigation firm in the State of Alabama for a decade

  • General Counsel and Assistant General Counsel for a global company for eleven years

  • Prior to law school, worked as a Civil Engineer with the Alabama Department of Transportation

  • A former adjunct faculty professor for the University of Alabama School of Law

  • Negotiation and Leadership Training, Harvard Law School

  • Young American Leadership Program, Harvard Business School

  • Bar Commissioner for Alabama State Bar

  • Appointed Hearing Officer for the Alabama State Bar’s Disciplinary Board in 2023 and 2025

  • Member of Alabama Law Foundation

  • Professional Associations: Alabama State Bar, American Arbitration Association, Birmingham Bar Association, Georgia State Bar, Magic City Bar Association

  • Community and Service Involvement: One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center, Birmingham Corps, UAB Educational Foundation, Auburn University Civil & Environmental Engineering Advisory Board

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