Former Public Defender

Judge since: 2010

Allen was appointed as a judge in December 2010 and elected to a full term in 2012. Prior to being a judge, he was a Cook County assistant public defender for a decade, trying homicide cases during his later years. He later worked in private practice while serving 17 years as a Chicago alderman in the 38th Ward. On the bench, Allen has presided in the Probate and Chancery Divisions.

Bar Association ratings

This year: The CCL and CBA rated him qualified and the ISBA recommended him for retention.

Past: Allen received positive ratings from all three major bar associations when he ran for judge in 2012