J Christopher Allen

PRO

J Christopher Allen

also known as Chris Allen

5.0
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 37 years

Family Lawyer at Lebanon, MO
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense, Trusts ... +2 more

P.O. Box 1700, 135 Harwood Avenue, Lebanon, MO

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About J

Biography

I am "Trial tested and on your side!" My law firm Allen & Rector, P.C. is the largest firm in the area with myself and three other skilled attorneys and great staff. There is no substitute for knowledge, ability, experience and a sincere desire to help people in very difficult situations.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Family 40%

I represent clients on a variety of family law matters. I represent client in custody, child support, divorce, property and retirement issues, paternity cases, modifications and I enjoy adoption work.

40%
Criminal Defense 25%

Successfully tried cases to judges and jury's for my clients and also successfully resolve cases for clients without the need for trial. Everything from serious felonies to traffic tickets.

38 years

25%
Trusts 20%

Assist families in avoiding probate and death taxes with Revocable Living Trust Agreements and other proven estate planning tools.

38 years

20%
Estate Planning 10%

My goal is to match the tools available to meet your needs. Living Trusts, Wills, Beneficiary Documents, Health Care documents, durable powers of attorney, and other family, business and farm planning.

10%
Elder Law 5%

In addition to Living Trusts, and estate planning we represent clients on all elder law issues.

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2015 2013
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Missouri for 37 years

State: Missouri

Acquired: 1988

Good Standing, Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Offices Of ALLEN & RECTOR, P.C.

P.O. Box 1700, 135 Harwood Avenue, Lebanon, MO, 65536-1700

allen-rector.com/

J Christopher Allen's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

33 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Professionalism

Posted by Mike | October 08, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family

Professional

Mr. Allen handled a family court matter. He was thorough, professional and thoughtful. He was fairly priced, and achieved the results I sought. I could recommend no one better.

Posted by Chrystal | August 09, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Criminal Case

I hired Chris Allen for my criminal case. Mr. Allen reviewed my case, and met up with me for a consultation. I hired Mr. Allen on the spot. Mr. Allen knew exactly what he could do for me, he told me what could happen to the outcomes of my case. Mr. Allen was very sure he could help me and made that v...ery clear. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to every aspect of the case, and still does additional research when necessary to stay on top of his and everybody else’s game. Mr. Allen is not only brilliant, but kind. Mr. Allen knows that he is working for you and that you are coming to him for help with your case. Mr. Allen takes your case with seriousness, care, and shows all the effort of his work by not only the outcome of his cases, but by his strive of determination that you can see on a daily basis. He truly has gone above and beyond what any other lawyer I know of would have gone for me or anybody else for that matter. I don’t write this to lie or to give false hope to somebody reading this. I write this to let you know, if you pick Chris Allen for your attorney, you will not be disappointed in your choices.

Posted by Matt | August 30, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Lawsuit for failure to pay.

I hired Allen and Rector law offices to prosecute a suit in which a client failed to pay for services rendered. Chris Allen appointed two fantastic attorneys to my my case. Steven Patterson and Kayla Millsap were so pleasant to work with. Kayla has a such a sweet personality but I would not want to b...e cross examined by her. She is anything but sweet as she digs for the truth. Steven is well composed, keen and straightforward. Not only did they represent me well but they represent their team well. The smooth operation of everyone from Brenda at the front desk, Starla who's like a true detective and the crushing duo in the courtroom kept my mind at ease and of course won the case. I honestly could not have asked for more. Thank you all for everything.

Posted by Joyce | August 25, 2015 | Hired Attorney

Mr Allen attorney

We have used Mr Allen as our attorney on many occasions he and his staff are very professional and very personal we would not use any other attorney or law firm and we refer him to anyone who would need a attorney

Posted by anonymous | August 18, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Excellent Results++++++++++++++++

Well versed attorney with great "bed side" quality combined with anticipation, strategy, and adaptability as circumstances/events developed. Exceptional courtroom performance and interaction with appropriate jurisdictional entities, i.e. Judge, Prosecuting Attorney, etc. throughout the procedure. ...If in need of legal assistance in Laclede County, hire Mr. Allen and you will not regret it. This was for a difficult, yet questionable traffic citation. Quite reasonable financially and located across the street from the court house(behind). This helps. He and his staff have great rapport with the jurisdictional personnel.

See All Client Reviews

J Christopher Allen's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse J
Justin Michael Evans headshot
Justin Evans

Family lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had the opportunity to work with Mr. Allen on a highly contested divorce and child custody case, and I've sought his counsel as a much more experienced attorney on my own cases. Family cases are difficult, and they are very different from other types of litigation. Mr. Allen places the highest priority on the well being of the children, and on finding innovative ways to help the parties resolve their disputes and co-parent with one another. If there's a way to find a workable solution for the family, he'll help his client find it. He deescalates situations that could otherwise create more conflict and further injure the parties (and the children). I haven't had the opportunity to try a case with him yet, but I have no doubt that he will make me work hard for my money when that day comes. It's also worth noting that his staff (Hi Starla!) is absolutely fantastic to work with. If you have a case in the Laclede County area, I highly recommend that you give him a call."

Wesley David Hilton headshot
Wesley Hilton

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had the privilege and opportunity to work on cases both with and against Mr. Allen. He is skilled, personable, loyal to his clients, and maybe most importantly, responsive. I have no doubt he represents every client in a professional manner and gives them personal attention at every turn. I would recommend Mr. Allen to my own clients for a large range of legal issues."

Carrie Beth Williamson headshot
Carrie Williamson

Unknown lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is an experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated advocate for his clients. Chris and I represented opposing clients on a civil matter a couple of years ago and I found him to be a very civil and pleasant colleague to work with."

Douglas Christopher Fredrick headshot
Douglas Fredrick

Family lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I represented a client with a very complicated fact pattern in Chris' home county, and since my office is several counties away the client also hired Chris as the "boots on the ground." Through his knowledge of the law and personal finesse, Chris helped to negotiate a very good outcome for the client. He was very easy to work with and definitely a team player."

Paul Joseph McMahon headshot
Paul McMahon

Litigation lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Focused, determined, and dedicated to achieving the best results for his clients. He has an excellent knowledge of the law, and believes in meticulous preparation of his cases, which is evident when you discuss matters with him. When interacting or working with him, the timeliness of his responses are unparalleled. He is the best in the area."

View All Endorsements
Wesley David Hilton headshot
Wesley Hilton

Real estate lawyer

Justin Michael Evans headshot
Justin Evans

Divorce and separation lawyer

Douglas Christopher Fredrick headshot
Douglas Fredrick

Family lawyer

Paul Joseph McMahon headshot
Paul McMahon

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

Honors

2022

"Best of the Best" Attorney Award, Laclede County Record Newspaper

2019

Top 100 Family Lawyer in the State of Missouri, The American Society of Legal Advocates

2018

Top 100 Family Lawyer in the State of Missouri, The American Society of Legal Advocates

2017

Top 100 Family Lawyer in the State of Missouri, The American Society of Legal Advocates

2016

Top 100 Family Lawyer in the State of Missouri, The American Society of Legal Advocates

2015

Top 100 Missouri Family Law Attorneys in the State of Missouri, The American Society of Legal Advocates

2010

Best Area Attorney 2010, Lebanon Daily Record

Work Experience

2014 - Present

City Counselor, City of Lebanon, Missouri

2012 - Present

City Attorney, City of Stoutland, Missouri

2009 - Present

Co-City Prosecutor, City of Conway, Missouri

2006 - 2015

Co-City Prosecutor, City of Dixon, Missouri

Associations

Laclede County Bar Association

Member

Missouri Bar

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Arnold v. Minger, SD30452

Judgment for client at trial.

Noland/Vance v. Vance, SD28699

Trial judge upheld by court of appeals

See More Legal Cases

Education

1988

University of Missouri School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1985

Drury University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Effective Estate Planning

Living Trusts & Estate Planning

2013

Leadership Conference

Due Diligence for Not For Profit Corporatons

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution