Varnum trial attorney and senior counsel John Allen has been re-appointed to the State Bar of Michigan (SBM) Professionalism and Civility Committee for the 2024-2025 term. Allen was originally appointed to this committee in 2023.
The SBM committee serves as a resource for lawyers, judges and those involved in the administration of justice to help promote the highest standards of personal conduct, as outlined in the “Principles of Civility” and Orders by the Michigan Supreme Court.
In addition to his re-appointment, Allen will chair the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) 2024 Ethics Update on October 10, where he will also present on professionalism and civility.
Allen, a business litigation attorney and certified arbitrator and mediator, also serves on the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) Standing Committee on Ethics and Professionalism. His career includes serving as co-chair and liaison for both SBM and ABA Special Task Forces on Attorney-Client Privilege and acting as an expert witness in matters of ethics, privilege and legal practice.
With over 50 years of experience, Allen is Board-Certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He regularly contributes to legal education by writing, teaching and presenting to professional groups. His career honors include recognition in the Best Lawyers in America® since 2005 and Michigan Super Lawyers since 2011.