The Tower at 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 1400
PO Box 11367
Columbia, SC 29211-1367
Phone: (803) 254-4035 | Fax: (803) 771-4422
asmith@hmwlegal.com
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Education
- University of South Carolina, B.A., Political Science, magna cum laude (1987)
- University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D. (1990)
Professional Information
Allen was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 1990. Upon completion of law school, he was admitted as a member of the Order of Wig and Robe Honor Society. After completing the Bar exam, Allen served as law clerk to The Honorable William B. Traxler, Jr., then a South Carolina Circuit Court Judge, who now sits on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is also a member of the NSBA Council of School Attorneys and the South Carolina Council of School Attorneys. Allen is admitted to practice before the state and federal courts of South Carolina and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Practice Areas
Allen works in most areas of school and employment law, with an emphasis on personnel issues, construction and procurement law, and all types of litigation.
Allen helps school districts and other employers in planning, compliance, administrative investigations, and litigation. He provides assistance with employee disputes and compliance with laws regarding wage and hour matters, employment discrimination, wrongful discharge, and various other types of claims. He also drafts contracts and assists with construction disputes, including litigation claims against contractors, architects, and bonding companies. His practice includes providing guidance to school districts to enable them to avoid problems and minimize the risk of litigation, and also providing litigation services in state and federal court when needed.
Allen has defended many types of cases before administrative agencies, state courts throughout South Carolina, and the federal district courts of our state.
Personal Background
Allen is a graduate of Spartanburg School District Five schools. He is married and has two children. His son graduated from Presbyterian College in 2014, and his daughter graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2019.