Richard Allen is a former partner in Casner & Edwards’ Nonprofit Organizations Law Practice. He specialized in the representation of nonprofit organizations, foundations and charitable trusts, and of businesses and individuals in matters involving philanthropy. Prior to joining Casner & Edwards, Dick was Counsel at the Boston firm of Choate, Hall & Stewart. Previously, he served for twelve years as Assistant Attorney General and Chief of the Division of Public Charities in the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General. Prior to holding this position, Dick served as Chief and Assistant Attorney General in the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
Dick is a member of the American Bar Association, Massachusetts Bar Association, and Boston Bar Association. He was previously an active member of the ABA Exempt Organizations Committee and a Co-Chair of the State & Local Regulations Subcommittee. Dick has served as an elected member of the BBA Board of Directors, Chair of the BBA’s Tax Exempt Organizations Committee, Co-Chair of the Health Law Section, and member of the Education Policy Committee. He was also a member of the BBA Tax Exempt Organizations Section Steering Committee, Colleges & Universities Law Section, and Corporate Law Committee. Prior to retirement, Dick was a frequent lecturer at programs and seminars sponsored by bar associations, continuing education organizations, and other Massachusetts, regional and national organizations.
Dick is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI). He received a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A., cum laude, from Indiana University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He has received an ADR/Mediation Techniques Certification (JAMS/Endispute).
For his fellowship, Dick will partner with three different organizations. First, Dick will work with Massachusetts Law Reform Institute on a strategic assessment and planning initiative, a project to bring new strength and diversity to the board, and an effort to increase public awareness of MLRI and improve its financial strength. Second, Dick will assist the Lawyers Clearinghouse by training and mentoring attorneys who are assisting nonprofit organizations. Last, Dick will continue to assist Veterans Legal Services with governance and nonprofit law matters.