Award-winning screenwriter. 200+ international awards. Cannes 2026.
Partner & Global Head of Entertainment at Spencer West LLP.
From the courtroom to the screen.
I spent 24 years as a lawyer. Harvard Law School. Masters in Real Estate from NYU. I was good at it. But two years ago, I chose to follow a different calling: storytelling.
In that time, I've written 6 scripts, a novel, and a television series. My anthology "The Parables" has won over 200 international awards. My latest pilot, "The Family Name" — a prestige corporate drama about a powerful New York real estate dynasty — won the Cannes Script Spring 2026 competition.
My writing is cinematic, profane, darkly funny, and emotionally devastating. I write about dehumanization of capitalism, identity and privilege, grief and found family, faith as survival. I'm fiercely anti-authoritarian and deeply empathetic.
Starting May 1, 2026, I'm returning to law as Partner and Global Head of Entertainment at Spencer West LLP — bringing both worlds together.
Two Worlds. One Vision.
Partner, Global Head of Entertainment
Spencer West LLP • Harvard Law • NYU Real Estate
Award-Winning Screenwriter
200+ Awards • Cannes 2026 • The Parables
Stories that matter.
Cinematic. Profane. Darkly funny. Emotionally devastating. Fiercely anti-authoritarian.
The Family Name
Prestige Drama Pilot
A corporate drama about a powerful New York real estate dynasty. Explores dehumanization, privilege, and the cost of ambition.
200+ International Awards
In just two years, Monte's writing has been recognized across the globe — from Milan to Tokyo, New York to Cannes. His anthology "The Parables" has become one of the most awarded independent screenwriting projects in recent history.
Monte Albers de Leon
Screenwriter • Attorney • Dad • New Yorker • Goofball
Other Works
Television Series
Original Series
A serialized narrative exploring found family, grief, and survival in contemporary America.
Novel
Literary Fiction
A deeply personal exploration of identity, marginalization, and the search for belonging.
How I write.
My writing voice is shaped by 24 years in law, a Harvard education, and a relentless curiosity about what makes us human.
Cinematic & Visceral
Every scene built for the screen. Visual storytelling that hits hard.
Darkly Funny
Humor as a weapon. Laughter in the face of darkness. Comedy that cuts.
Emotionally Devastating
Stories that break you open. Vulnerability as strength. Empathy as power.
Anti-Authoritarian
Fiercely questioning power structures. Skeptical of institutions. Deeply political.
Capitalism Critique
Exploring the dehumanization of ambition. The cost of success. Money and morality.
Identity & Privilege
Marginalization, belonging, and the search for home. Who gets to tell their story?
Recurring Themes
Let's collaborate.
Whether you're interested in my screenwriting, want to discuss entertainment law, or just want to connect — I'm always open to conversations with interesting people.
Professional
Partner, Global Head of Entertainment
Spencer West LLP
Starting May 1, 2026
Find me online
"Screenwriter | 200+ Awards | Film in Production | Attorney | Dad. New Yorker. Goofball."