Respect
You will always be treated with respect, compassion, and appreciation.
DREAMCOUNSEL®
“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
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
Values that are core to my style of advocacy:
You will always be treated with respect, compassion, and appreciation.
Whether I have 1 or 100 clients, you should feel as if you're the only one.
If I tell you I will do something, I do it.
When we speak, you alone will be my focus.
I strive to provide 24 hour or less turn-around to my clients.
I will explain your options, documents, and legal terms. I want you to understand.
Any question you may have along the way about your case, timeline, or bill, is welcomed and will be answered to your satisfaction.
Fairness and communication are the cornerstones of my billing practices.
You should feel my commitment to your case at every step in the process.
Credentials
Certifications
Supreme Court of Tennessee
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee
Certificate of Completion
Conflict Resolution Center; Minneapolis, MN
Approved Mentor Certification
Tennessee Supreme Court; From inaugural year
Mentors
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.”
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.”
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.”
Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, former Master
“who exemplifies a passionate legal scholar, compassionate leader, and champion of civil rights.”
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.”
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
Ready to Talk?