A woman with long, curly brown hair smiling at the camera, wearing a sleeveless teal top against a plain gray background.

Amber Attalla, esq. (she/her)

My practice focuses on helping schools, organizations and the people in them address conflict and harm with fairness, care and respect.

I conduct neutral, external investigations for colleges and universities, K-12 schools, sports organizations, corporations and nonprofits. My approachable demeanor and composure in difficult, emotional situations allow me to conduct thorough, unbiased, trauma-informed investigations involving students, faculty, staff, coaches, athletes and minors.

I’m also a skilled facilitator of alternative resolutions outside of the formal conduct process. With training in Restorative Justice, I approach resolutions with an eye toward healing and reconciliation. My warm, levelheaded, and non-judgmental approach encourages open communication through a voluntary, participatory and trauma-informed process of accountability.

A direct descendant of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, I draw on my diverse background, including work with immigrant communities, extensive world travel and fluency in Spanish, to understand different perspectives and guide people toward shared resolution. I am deeply community oriented, and passionate about healing harm and building connection within and across communities.

When I’m not working, I can be found adventuring outdoors by surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking, or backcountry snowboarding. I also love to travel, experience live music, practice yoga and dance.

  • An aerial view of ocean waves crashing onto a sandy beach.

    Impartial

    I have no stake in the outcome. My findings rest on the evidence and the applicable policy.

  • A layered mountain range view with blue hues, distant snow-capped peaks under a clear sky.

    Trauma-informed

    My interviews and processes are designed to reduce harm to every participant, without compromising fairness.

  • Looking up at a dense forest of tall bamboo with sunlight illuminating the green leaves from above.

    Restorative

    Where appropriate, I help parties move toward accountability and repair.

  • JD, magna cum laude, University of Maine School of Law

  • BA, University of Vermont

  • Admitted to practice law in Maine and Massachusetts

  • Restorative justice training through University of San Diego’s Center for Restorative Justice

  • Extensive training on trauma-informed practices

Education, Admissions and Training 

  • Volunteer facilitator and youth mentor, Restorative Justice Project Maine

  • Volunteer and pro bono attorney, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP)

  • Former board member, Maine Justice Foundation

  • Former program coordinator, University of Vermont

  • Former English professor, Universidad Regional del Sureste, Oaxaca, Mexico

  • Recognized by Katahdin Counsel

  • Previously worked at large, New England law firm practicing employment and education law and small, boutique Investigations and Resolutions firm

Experience and Community Engagement