Amanda Francis
Amanda Francis is an accomplished Associate Corporate Counsel at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she supports the company’s global cloud operations with a focus on legal and regulatory matters surrounding data center development. She leads the water legal program and handles power supply issues, working across North American power markets on transmission and distribution agreements, utility contracts, cost reimbursement agreements, and economic incentive packages. Amanda ensures that AWS secures sufficient renewable energy and recycled water to meet operational needs while balancing corporate objectives with environmental and community considerations.
Prior to joining AWS, Amanda built a diverse legal career in both litigation and energy law. She began as a judicial clerk at the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, drafting and reviewing appellate opinions, orders, and writ dispositions. She then practiced energy and environmental law in Louisiana, handling complex land-loss, legacy, and oil-and-gas litigation. Following that, she worked as a medical malpractice litigator in New Orleans, representing plaintiffs in trials and depositions against hospitals and medical device companies, managing case dockets, and navigating intricate e-discovery challenges.
Amanda earned her J.D., cum laude, from Tulane University Law School, where she contributed to the Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law and was active in the Civil Law Society and Women in Law programs. Fluent in Spanish and experienced in international legal issues, she brings a meticulous and strategic approach to her work. Outside the office, Amanda enjoys spending time with her dogs, finding balance and joy in their companionship while continuing to drive excellence in her professional endeavors.
• Washington Law License
• Louisiana Law License
• Tulane University Law School - JD
• CALI Excellence for the Future Award
• National Political Science Honor Society
• Tulane Honors Society
• Dean's List
• National Spanish Honors Society (Reina Sofia Chapter)
• Alpha Phi Omega
• Adopt-A-Grandparent
• Eastern Christian Children's Retreat
• Pony Power
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the doubts others had about me. Early in my career, people often assumed I was inexperienced or even the secretary. Rather than discouraging me, this fueled my determination to exceed expectations. Joining Amazon was part of my goal to challenge the stereotype that young women can’t succeed in major in-house roles without years of experience.
I passed the bar at a young age, and today I manage $15 billion contracts, proving that skill and dedication matter more than assumptions about age or appearance. I’m passionate about helping other young women overcome doubt and realize their potential.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women in law is to advocate for yourself and focus on doing excellent work. Many legal fields are male-dominated, and imposter syndrome is real, but confidence in your skills matters most. Don’t let others’ expectations define your path—find the schedule and approach that works for you, and prioritize both your growth and your sanity. Success comes from the quality of your work, not the hours you log.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field include balancing corporate objectives with public and environmental responsibilities, managing large-scale and complex energy and water contracts, navigating regulatory requirements, and thriving in male-dominated environments where imposter syndrome and doubt can be common. Each of these challenges presents an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, drive meaningful impact, and set new standards for excellence.