Michael Thad Allen
Defending students and faculty in Title IX and campus discipline cases
Michael Thad Allen is a nationally known attorney who represents students, faculty, and academic professionals in campus disciplinary proceedings and related litigation. His practice centers on defending the rights of individuals facing allegations under Title IX, student conduct codes, and faculty disciplinary systems, as well as protecting academic freedom and due process in higher education.
Before practicing law, Michael served as a tenured professor at a major U.S. research university. This experience gives him a unique understanding of the academic environment and the institutional forces at play when a student or faculty member is accused of misconduct. He draws on this background to help clients navigate complex and often high-stakes investigations involving sexual misconduct, harassment, retaliation, and discrimination.
Michael is a seasoned litigator who began his legal career at one of the country’s leading litigation firms, handling cases involving intellectual property, commercial disputes, and institutional defense. He has represented both individuals and institutions in federal and state courts and has successfully defended clients in matters involving historical abuse allegations and professional misconduct.
Michael received his law degree from Yale Law School. After graduation, he clerked for the Honorable Ralph D. Gants, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
In 2021, Michael co-founded Allen Harris PLLC with Samantha K. Harris, combining his litigation background and academic insight with her civil liberties expertise. Together, they provide strategic, principled representation to clients nationwide confronting some of the most challenging moments of their academic or professional lives.
- Education Law
- Civil Rights
- Discrimination, Employment
- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers
- ID Number: 67975
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- English
- German
- Associate
- Day Pitney LLP
- Current
- Associate
- Todd & Weld, LLP
- Current
- Clerk for the Hon. Ralph D. Gants
- Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Boston, Massachusetts
- Current
- Associate Professor of German History
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Current
- Yale Law School
- J.D. (2010)
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- University of Pennsylvania
- Ph.D. (1996)
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- Whitman College
- B.A. (1987)
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