Leonard Amari

Leonard F. Amari, a proud graduate of UIC Law’s Class of 1968, has built a remarkable career characterized by legal excellence, philanthropy, and mentorship. He has made significant contributions to the legal profession and future generations of lawyers, particularly through the Frank and Lillian Lupel and Joseph and Katherine Amari Scholarship Fund he created at UIC Law.  

Established with his former law partner, Warren LuPell, the scholarship reflects Amari’s deep commitment to fostering opportunities for students who might otherwise be overlooked. With an initial principal of $800,000, the fund provides two $10,000 awards annually to deserving UIC Law students, ensuring financial support for talented individuals and embodying the values of access and inclusion that define UIC Law’s legacy. 

Amari’s dedication to paying it forward is rooted in his inspiring personal journey. Raised in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green projects by parents with limited formal education—his father only completing the third grade and his mother having just one year of high school—Amari credits his father’s unwavering vision and encouragement as the driving force behind his ambition to become a lawyer.  

Despite initial academic struggles, Amari excelled at UIC Law, graduating summa cum laude and third in his class. His leadership on campus was evident through his roles as editor of The Decisive Utterance, a Law Review editor, and his involvement in law fraternities and development programs, all of which helped build the foundation for his future success. 

After graduating and serving as General Counsel for Cook County Assessor Thomas C. Hynes, Amari co-founded the law firm of Amari & Locallo in 1987 with Joseph F. Locallo Jr. The firm has become one of the most respected in the real estate tax assessment field, saving clients millions of dollars through aggressive and competent representation. In addition to his legal practice, Amari has served as an adjunct faculty member, president of the Illinois State Bar Association, and a mentor to countless students. His informal mentoring program, which helped many enter and succeed in law school, further underscores his passion for uplifting others. 

For Amari, his career has always been about more than personal achievement. His advice to aspiring lawyers—“Be tenacious, embrace community, and never stop learning”—reflects his belief in the power of persistence, gratitude, and generosity. From his humble beginnings to his remarkable career, Leonard F. Amari’s story is a testament to the enduring impact of giving back and supporting others in achieving their dreams.