Defining DREAMCOUNSEL®

DREAMCOUNSEL®

  1. Practical (verb): Providing legal counsel to clients pursuing their dreams
  2. Aspirational (noun): To be the legal counsel of a client's dreams
“You could say law is in my DNA.”

I grew up with a litigator father who treated our family dinner table as a dynamic mock jury, and welcomed my youthful verdict on whatever case he had at the time. As a child, if I wanted my dad to do something, I would handwrite a ‘contract’. If he signed it, I knew he would follow through.

Also true to my heritage, my dream was to be self-employed, like my dad and several generations of fiercely independent Allen solo practitioners before him. I first ventured into self-employment in high school as a photographer. Later, I opened my law practice. My two chosen fields (photography and law) hone similar skills: Both filter a reality through the lens of a particular point of view.

While maintaining my own practice, over the years I worked with my litigator father back in Minneapolis on his trials, and was a contract attorney with a large firm in Chicago on an international trademark case. Both experiences gave me insight into complex litigation and broadened my legal knowledge.

My dream? To realize a vision sparked by my past but refined by my present.

I understand my clients because they too are pursuing their dreams.

Guidance

Entering Legal territory?Enjoy the adventure with a local guide.DREAMCOUNSEL®

Friends often ask me what to look for in a lawyer.

Simply put: Advocacy.

You should unequivocally feel that your lawyer is your advocate.

That does not mean being told that your case is perfect or a guaranteed win. It does mean a palpable commitment to you and your case, including educating you on options, collaborating on strategy, communicating regularly, and making you a priority.

Style of Advocacy

I want happy clients

Values that are core to my style of advocacy:

01

Respect

You will always be treated with respect, compassion, and appreciation.

02

Priority

Whether I have 1 or 100 clients, you should feel as if you're the only one.

03

Follow-Through

If I tell you I will do something, I do it.

04

Uninterrupted Attention

When we speak, you alone will be my focus.

05

Fast Response Time

I strive to provide 24 hour or less turn-around to my clients.

06

Translation

I will explain your options, documents, and legal terms. I want you to understand.

07

Approachability

Any question you may have along the way about your case, timeline, or bill, is welcomed and will be answered to your satisfaction.

08

Billing

Fairness and communication are the cornerstones of my billing practices.

09

Passion

You should feel my commitment to your case at every step in the process.

Credentials

Education

Education

  • Haverford College B.A.
  • Cambridge University, Fitzwilliam College B.A.
  • Emory School of Law J.D.

Certifications

Licensed to Practice Law

Supreme Court of Tennessee

Admitted

U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee

Mediator

Certificate of Completion

Conflict Resolution Center; Minneapolis, MN

Mentor

Approved Mentor Certification

Tennessee Supreme Court; From inaugural year

DREAMCOUNSEL Heritage — Photography, Law, and Legacy
Heritage — Photography, Law, and Legacy

Mentors

Mentor Gratitude Hall of Fame

The Honorable Walter J. Kurtz

Judge

“who showed me the behind-the-scenes of a courtroom as his law clerk and in the process granted me access to a fair and brilliant legal mind in action.”

James Johnson

then-Chief Legal Counsel at Coca-Cola

“who graciously and thoroughly educated me on the process of comprehensive and incisive trademark search, analysis, and selection during my law school clerkship.”

Master/Professor Dr. Robert Lethbridge

Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, then-Senior Tutor/ former Master

“who had the vision and saw the benefit of allowing an American to fully integrate into an English college which changed my life and understanding of culture.”

Master Nicky Padfield

Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, former Master

“who exemplifies a passionate legal scholar, compassionate leader, and champion of civil rights.”

Ansel Adams

Photographer & Artist

“who responded to a letter I wrote him with a hand-written invitation to study at his photography workshop and as a result expanded my concept of perspective under his tutelage.”

Norma Thompson

Blake School, English teacher

“who sparked my love of writing and taught me the power of words and the intentionality of word choice from an early age which later became applicable to the contracts and legal documents I would draft.”

Through strong character, bold leadership, and the pursuit of excellence, each of these role models set a standard to which I aspire.

Teacher • Panelist • Host

Legal panelist/co-host on local television shows and music industry legal panels, and creator/teacher of trademark & copyright law courses and 'Paralegal Bootcamp'.

Leadership & Giving Back

Community Involvement

  • (Chairman) Art Institute of Chicago, Evening Associates Board
  • (President) The Blake School, Alumni Board
  • (President) Women's Club of Nashville, Junior Department
  • (Committee Chair) Haverford College, Alumni Association, Alumni Awards Committee
  • (Moderator) Breakfast at Blake ongoing speaker series, The Blake School
  • (Board Member) Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Nashville Chapter
  • (Supporter) Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
  • (Member) Community of Hope, Int'l (non-profit; Benedictine pastoral care)
  • (Supporter) Minnesota Future Farmers of America (Blue Jackets - Bright Futures Campaign)

Ready to Talk?

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

615-500-5487