James A. Allen

Associate

James A. Allen practices real estate law with an emphasis on affordable housing real estate transactions, including affordable and flexible financing opportunities for cost-effective energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems at the federal, state, and local levels. Prior to joining Hirschen Singer & Epstein LLP, he served as a Senior Staff Attorney for the New York Court of Appeals and as an associate in a global law firm. He is the author of multiple articles on the topics of housing and equity and he is a member of the board of the New York Housing Conference’s Rising Leaders Network. He was named to Best Lawyers’ “Ones to Watch” list in 2024.

Mr. Allen graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies and Political Science from Howard University. He received his Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School, where he was the Executive Notes & Comments Editor for the Brooklyn Journal of Law & Policy. During law school he interned at Yale Law School’s Ludwig Center for Community & Economic Development, representing clients that were interested in promoting economic opportunity and socioeconomic mobility. Mr. Allen is admitted to practice in New York.

Education

Howard University, B.A.
Brooklyn Law School, J.D.

Publications

“The Color of Algorithms: An Analysis and Proposed Research Agenda for Deterring Algorithmic Redlining,” 46 FORDHAM URB. L.J. 219 (2019)
“Disrupting Affordable Housing: Regulating Airbnb and Other Short-Term Rental Hosting Platforms in New York City,” 26 A.B.A. J. AFFORDABLE HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEV. L. 151 (2017)
“Making Bail: Limiting the Use of Bail Schedules and Defining the Elusive Meaning of “Excessive” Bail,” 25 BROOK. J. L. & POL’Y 637 (2017)

Memberships

New York Housing Conference, Rising Leaders Network (Board Member)

Recognitions

Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” (2024)