Robert B. Allen

Member

As a partner of Allen Guthrie & Thomas, PLLC, since 1982, Bob’s practice includes representation of individuals and entities in civil, criminal and administrative matters in federal, state and local courts. Historically, a substantial portion of Bob’s practice has involved the representation of individuals and corporations in white-collar criminal investigations and prosecutions. In civil litigation, Bob has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a large variety of matters. Bob also has a mediation practice. Since 1987, the number of cases Bob has mediated annually has steadily increased to approximately 100 per year.

EDUCATION AND MILITARY SERVICE

West Virginia University
BS, Agriculture Business & Economics, 1963

West Virginia University
MBA, Management and Industrial Relations, 1965

West Virginia University
JD, 1974

United States Navy: 1966 - 1992
Active Due: 1966 - 1972 Naval Aviator
Reserves: 1972 - 1992 Retired Commander
Blue and Gold Officer for the United States Naval Academy: 1979-1994

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

• 1982 - Present PARTNER, Allen Guthrie & Thomas, PLLC, Charleston, WV
• 1978 - 1981 ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY, Southern District, Charleston, WV
• 1977 ASSOCIATE, Haynes, Ford and Guills, Lewisburg, WV
• 1975 - 1977 ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY, Southern District, Charleston, WV
  • Chief, Coal Fraud Project Prosecuting Illegal Coal Tax Shelters
  • Recipient, Director's Award for Superior Performance, 1981

PROFESSIONAL ADMISSIONS

• Supreme Court of the United States - 9/7/90
• United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit - 3/6/75
• United States District Court for the Southern District of WV - 1/17/75
• United States District Court for the Northern District of WV - 11/29/83
• United States Tax Court - 9/27/91
• Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia - 1/17/75
• The West Virginia State Bar - 1/17/75

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• The West Virginia State Bar (1975-Present)
• The West Virginia State Bar Committee on Criminal Law (1984-Present)
• Kanawha County Bar Association (1975-Present)
• Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association (1982-1992)
• American Association for Justice (formerly The Association of Trial Lawyers of America (1985-Present)
• West Virginia Association for Justice (formerly The West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (1992-Present)
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (1987-Present)
• The West Virginia Law School Alumni Association (Life Member)

HONORS AND AWARDS

• Named as one of the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in West Virginia since 2001 by Woodward/White, publisher of The Best Lawyers in America
• Named as one of the Best Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyers in West Virginia by Woodward/White, publisher of The Best Lawyers in America
• Listed in West Virginia Super Lawyers, a publication of Key Professional Media, Inc., since 2007
• Recognized in Chambers USA, Litigation Section, for several years
• Featured in 2006 and 2007 Lawdragon Magazine “The Lawdragon 3000, Leading Lawyers in America”
• United States Department of Justice - Special Achievement Award (1981)
• Department of Justice Director’s Award for Superior Performance (1981)
• Appreciation Plaque for services as a mediator for the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia (1987-1999)
• Distinguished Achievement Award from American Medical Facilities Management (1993)
• Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division Certificate of Appreciation (1993)
• West Virginia Troopers Association - Appreciation Award (1995)
• Numerous military decorations based on service as a United States Navy Pilot with service in Vietnam