A University of Michigan alum and Detroit College of Law grad, Judge Allen celebrates his 20th year on the bench on December 22, 2023. He was appointed to the Wayne Circuit Court in late 2003 by then Governor Jennifer Granholm and won election to the bench in 2004. He subsequently was re-elected in 2008, 2014, and 2020.

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Allen and his wife, Colleen, who is the president and CEO of the Michigan Autism Alliance, have three sons, Thomas, Joseph, and Francis. The Wayne County jurist serves on the board of directors for ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services) and on the Executive Committee of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit.

David J. Allen is a University of Michigan alumnus and a graduate of Detroit College of Law. He serves on the board of directors for the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services.

Wayne County Circuit judge earns coveted state award

David is a University of Michigan alumnus and a graduate of Detroit College of Law. He serves on the board of directors for the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services.

David was appointed to the Wayne Circuit Court in late 2003 and won election to the bench in 2004. He was reelected in 2008, 2014, and 2020.

David J. Allen was appointed to the Wayne Circuit Court in late 2003 and won election to the bench in 2004. He was reelected in 2008, 2014, and 2020.

2026 Michigan General Election

Nonpartisan

As a Wayne Circuit Court judge, oversees major civil, criminal, and family cases after being appointed in late 2003.

- As a Wayne Circuit Court judge, oversees major civil, criminal, and family cases after being appointed in late 2003.

Legal Experience

As of September 14, 2026, David J. Allen did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Judge Allen is described in the Complaint to have taken were performed in accordance with his duties as a judge. In other words, there were not taken in the “complete absence of any jurisdiction.” Judge Allen therefore is entitled to absolute immunity with respect to Plaintiffs’ allegations. Plaintiffs’ Complaint against Defendant David J. Allen is DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE and against Defendant Craig R. Freeman & Estate & Heirs is DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE and these defendants are dismissed as parties to this lawsuit.

OPINION and ORDER SUMMARILY DISMISSING DEFENDANTS AND DIRECTING PLAINTIFFS TO FILE AMENDED COMPLAINT WITHIN 21 DAYS, David J Allen and Craig R Freeman & Estate & Heirs terminated. Signed by District Judge Patrick J. Duggan. (MOre)

As a judge, was found entitled to absolute immunity; a federal court dismissed plaintiffs’ complaint against him with prejudice.

- As a judge, was found entitled to absolute immunity; a federal court dismissed plaintiffs’ complaint against him with prejudice.

Ethics & Conduct

Serves on the board of directors for ACCESS, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services.

Serves on the Executive Committee of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit.

- Serves on the board of directors for ACCESS, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services.
- Serves on the Executive Committee of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit.

Community Involvement

LinkedIn

David J. Allen

As of September 14, 2026, David J. Allen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Michigan Judges Association honors Wayne County Circuit Court Judge David J. Allen

David J. Allen attended the University of Michigan and graduated from Detroit College of Law. He and his wife, Colleen, have three sons.

Has served as a Wayne Circuit Court judge since late 2003.

Serves on the board of directors of ACCESS, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services.

Legal News article (DataId=1526431)

David J. Allen is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Detroit College of Law. He and his wife, Colleen, have three sons, and he serves on the board of directors of ACCESS and on the Executive Committee of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit.

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- A circuit court judge is an elected judicial official who serves in Michigan’s circuit court system, the state’s trial court of general jurisdiction.
- Circuit courts handle major legal matters, including felony criminal cases, large civil lawsuits, family law matters, juvenile cases, and appeals from lower courts and some administrative agencies.
- Michigan circuit court judges are elected in nonpartisan elections and may also be appointed to fill vacancies.
- Judges serve six-year terms and may run for reelection.
- Candidates must be licensed attorneys authorized to practice law in Michigan, admitted to practice for at least five years, qualified electors within the judicial circuit, and under 70 years old at the time of election or appointment.
- The salary of a Michigan circuit court judge is approximately $183,000 per year.

A judge who handles major criminal, civil, and family court cases.