Patrick Al-Ahmar ’27 Finds His Place in International Law

Shaped by multiple cultures and driven by a growing passion for international law, Patrick Al-Ahmar ’27 found in Albany Law School a community where global ideas, rigorous scholarship, and real-world experience intersect.

“What drew me to Albany Law School was its rich heritage and deep roots as the oldest independent law school in the country,” Al-Ahmar said. “That

 legacy, its history and intellectual tradition, was something I had always been drawn to.”

Having lived between Ottawa and Dubai and drawing inspiration from his Syrian heritage, Al-Ahmar approaches his legal education with a strong awareness of the world’s interconnectedness. His global perspective has shaped both his academic focus and his leadership within the International Law Society, where he serves as Co-Director of Programming.

“The International Law Society is a space where people can expand their horizons,” Al-Ahmar said. “We explore different cultures and engage with international arbitration, human rights, diplomacy, global governance, and international trade. There’s so much happening beyond our borders, especially in a globalized legal world.”

A pivotal moment in his academic journey came through one course in particular.

“Taking International Commercial and Investment Arbitration with Professor Rose Rameau fundamentally broadened my understanding of the legal landscape,” he said. “Before that, I never really thought of arbitration as something accessible to me. The course made me realize how interconnected, and surprisingly small, the legal world can be, and how many unique paths exist within it.”

Building on the international foundation he developed at Albany Law, Al-Ahmar spent the summer interning at ARAA Group Advocates & Legal Consultants in Dubai. The experience proved transformative, offering hands-on exposure across multiple practice areas while deepening his commitment to international legal work.

“It was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve ever had,” he said. “I worked across family law, criminal law, real estate, commercial matters, and even some arbitration. Those six weeks were intense but incredibly rewarding. I was also able to write legal articles that were published on the firm’s website, which made the experience even more meaningful.”

Al-Ahmar brings that global perspective back to Albany through the programming he helps design for the International Law Society. In the Fall 2025 semester, he moderated Arbitration in Practice, a conversation with Professor Rameau that introduced students to the practical realities of international arbitration.

“You could really sense students encountering a new world,” he said. “Watching that curiosity spark, and seeing people realize what’s possible, was something I won’t forget.”

Looking ahead, Al-Ahmar hopes to pursue a career in international arbitration, building a professional path that bridges his ties to Dubai while remaining connected to Albany Law School.

“My goal is to stay connected here while doing meaningful work abroad,” he said. “Albany Law will always be part of that journey.”