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Kevin P. Allen

Partner

Kevin Allen, a partner of the firm, is a member of the firm’s public entity practice group. Mr. Allen focuses on defending police officers and departments in civil rights litigation, including First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment claims. These cases cover a range of issues, including use-of-force, search-and-seizure, retaliation, and due process. Mr. Allen also defends self-insureds and private transportation clients in general civil litigation. Mr. Allen has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. He also presents to law enforcement groups throughout the year on a variety of topics, including use-of-force, interactions with the mentally-ill, and the First Amendment.

  • Education

    • College of the Holy Cross, B.A., Cum Laude, 2004
    • University of San Francisco School of Law, J.D., 2007

  • Admissions

    • State Bar of California
    • United States District Court for the Northern District of California
    • United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
    • United States District Court for the Central District of California
    • United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

  • Affiliations

    • Defense Research Institute
      • Member, Government Liability Section
    • Federal Bar Association
      • Member

  • Representative Cases

    Jessen v. County of Fresno, et al., USDC, Eastern District of California (2018)
    Section 1983 action alleging Monell liability stemming from a SWAT operation against an armed, barricade subject. Summary judgment was granted on behalf of the City of Clovis.

    Blight v. City of Manteca – USDC, Eastern District of California (2017)
    Section 1983 action attacking a search warrant, alleging unlawful search and seizure of a property. Summary judgment granted on behalf of the City of Manteca.

    Castro v. City of Union City, et al. – USDC, Northern District of California (2016)
    Section 1983 action arising from detention and arrest. Partial summary judgment granted on significant claims, including First Amendment retaliatory prosecution, Fourteenth Amendment substantive due process, unlawful arrest, and Monell claims.

    Gressett v. Contra Costa County – USDC, Northern District of California (2013)
    First Amendment malicious prosecution, unlawful arrest, unlawful search and seizure, and defamation claim alleged by former Contra Costa County senior district attorney against multiple public entities and officials. Motion to Dismiss granted in full.

    Hill v. Bay Area Rapid Transit District – USDC, Northern District of California (2013)
    Section 1983 action arising from an officer involved fatal shooting. Complete summary judgment granted.

    Williams v. City of Merced, et al. – USDC, Eastern District of California (2013)
    Unlawful arrest claim of a plaintiff who was a double-leg amputee. Despite a plaintiff-friendly fact pattern, the jury was hung. Plaintiff resolved lawsuit out of court for a small fraction of his original demand.

    Pryor v. City of Clearlake – USDC, Northern District of California (2012)
    Section 1983 action involving claims of use of force, unlawful entry, Monell, and an ADA claim connected with the shooting of a mentally ill man who was reported to have assaulted a family member. Partial summary judgment granted on significant claims. Settlement of remaining claims.

  • Speaking Engagements

    • Use of Force Claims and Interactions with the Mentally Ill, Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund (REMIF) Agencies, 2018 (POST-certified)
    • Use of Force Claims and Interactions with the Mentally Ill, California Joint Powers Risk Management Authority (CJPRMA) Member Cities, 2018 (POST-certified)
    • Use of Force Claims and Interactions with the Mentally Ill, California Joint Powers Risk Management Authority (CJPRMA) Member Cities, 2017 (POST-certified)
    • Use of Force Claims and First Amendment Retaliation Claims, Sonoma County Law Enforcement Agencies, 2017
    • Use of Force Claims, Sonoma County Chiefs of Police, March 2017
    • First Amendment Retaliation Claims, Alameda County Commanders Group, 2017
    • First Amendment Retaliation Claims, various clients, November 2016
    • Mentally Ill and the Use of Force, Marin County and Sonoma County Chiefs of Police, 2016
    • 42 U.S.C. §1983 Litigation, Acclamation Insurance Management Services, 2016
    • Mentally Ill and the Use of Force/Body Cameras, Bickmore Member Cities, 2015
    • Mentally Ill and the Use of Force/Body Cameras, Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (CSJVRMA) Member Cities, July and 2015 (POST-certified)
    • Mentally Ill and the Use of Force, Municipal Pooling Authority of Northern California (MPA), 2015
    • Mentally Ill and the Use of Force, Bay Area City Attorneys, 2015

  • Recognitions

    • Northern California Rising Star, 2014 – 2019
    • Certified Force Science® Analyst, Force Science® Institute, March 2015