Al joined the Institute from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where he focused on environmental regulations, energy, telecommunications, and the impact of regulations on recovery efforts following natural disasters. Al has an A.B. in politics with a certificate in economics from Princeton University. He earned his J.D. from the University of Kansas in 2004 and was admitted to the Kansas bar the following September. Al went on to complete an LL.M. in law and economics from George Mason University Law School in 2005. While completing his LL.M., Al volunteered his services as an intern at the White House Counsel's Office.