James M. Allen 1956-2021

Long-time ISBA member James M. Allen was born November 17, 1956 and grew up in Hoffman Estates. He passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 27, 2021. James was the beloved husband of Rosa C. Allen (nee Arrospide); loving father of Jessica R. Allen, James C. Allen and Jeffrey F. Allen; dear son of the late Marvin and Shirley (nee Weinstein) Allen.  

James graduated from Conant High School in 1975, attended college at the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign, and received his Juris Doctorate degree from Southern Illinois University—Carbondale. In 1982, James became licensed by the State Bar of Illinois and opened his own general practice law office in Palatine, Illinois and worked alongside his wife Rosa for the last 38 years. In 2014, James’ daughter, Jessica, also an attorney, joined his law practice and worked alongside her father as he mentored her about the practice of law. James was well-respected in the legal community and will be remembered as an honest, hard-working, and passionate attorney. James prided himself in providing access to quality legal services to his community and welcomed all to his office.  He treated his clients with dignity and fervently advocated for them. James’ children were the pride and joy of his life. He was actively involved in their lives coaching them in sports, taking them camping, and guiding them through their education. James loved spending time in Florida walking by the ocean and loved to travel with his wife, especially to the Caribbean. James was a lifelong White Sox fan and was at Game 2 of the World Series in 2005. Over the years, James became an avid golfer playing golf whenever he could get on the course. It was in his later years of life that James established treasured friendships with his friends he played golf with at the country club. James will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Northern Illinois Food Pantry or to the ACLU.