Allen conducts a vigorous general practice on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. From his Halifax Office he practices litigation law on Spring Garden road. He also has an office in Liverpool. His cases take him over all parts of Nova Scotia.

He has been trial counsel in more than 75 reported cases and appeals. His preferred areas include rights of way, boundary disputes, contracts, shareholder disputes, business associations, and alternate dispute resolutions.

He has extensive involvments with personal injury litigation including severe injuries and in mediation of damage claims. He is a plaintiff oriented practitioner.

Personal Background

Allen was born in Montreal, Quebec, but grew up in Queens County, Nova Scotia, when his father Fred came to work for Bowater Mersey Paper Company.

Allen graduated from Dalhousie Law School inHalifax in 1984 and completed his undergraduate studies in Political Science and Economics at the University of Kings College in 1981. At Kings, he served as Treasurer of the Student Union and was elected a student representative to the University's Board of Governors. He was awarded a "Silver K" for contributions to the University. Upon graduation from Dalhousie Law School, Allen was awarded the Canada Permanent Trust Company prize for the highest standing in the Equity and Trusts course.

He established his successful Liverpool practice in 1985, conducting a solo general practice until 1989 when the partnership Ferrier Fownes was established with offices in Liverpool and Bridgewater.

In 1994, Allen was admitted to the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division as a licensed Foreign Legal Consultant and enjoys several professional firm associations in Manhattan.

Allen divides professional and personal time between Halifax and the beautiful South Shore. Allen is a past President of the Western Counties Barristers Association, a member of the Canadian Bar Association and was active in the Kiwanis Club of Liverpool. He is also a past president of the South Queens Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Barrington and Area Chamber of Commerce and various boards and corporations. He likes antique cars, boating, trains and has travelled extensively.

Allen has developed a special interest in wills and estates, real property and real property litigation, commercial and corporate transactions, as well as personal injury litigation. Allen was recently appointed by the Nova Scotia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association to be Vice Chair of the Wills and Estates Subsection. He is married to Lynn [Hacker] Kontak, an elementary school teacher in Halifax, and has five grown children and step children. His younger sister, Nadine Fownes, is an editor with the Chronicle Herald and an author.

Equally at home behind his desk or on his feet in the courtroom, he represents his clients with passion and good spirit, taking all appropriate advantages in the law for his clients.