Our Areas of Expertise
Sharpe Allen provides a full spectrum of legal services, each delivered with integrity and experience.
Business Law
Business owners and entrepreneurs depend on informed legal guidance throughout the creation, management, merger, transfer, and closure of their companies. As owners of multiple businesses themselves, the attorneys at Sharpe Allen understand how deeply their counsel can impact a client’s operations and bottom line. Our team is experienced in every facet of business law—from formation to dissolution and everything in between. We proudly represent both established companies and emerging enterprises.
Civil Litigation
Experience is essential when choosing counsel for any litigation matter. Sharpe Allen’s attorneys have a combined 80 years of experience in litigating complex matters for both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts nationwide. Their extensive appellate background enables them to skillfully manage cases beyond the trial level, including before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, and federal appellate courts. Their courtroom work spans Constitutional challenges, business and fiduciary disputes, real estate litigation, and will and trust contests or modifications. In addition, Allen’s judicial experience and Sharpe’s service as a clerk for the Texas Supreme Court provide the firm a distinctive insight into judicial priorities—allowing Sharpe Allen to advocate for clients with exceptional clarity and effectiveness.
Estate Planning
Ensuring the proper transfer of a client’s wealth is a core priority for Sharpe Allen. Although every client’s situation is unique, most estate plans include essential documents such as a Will (often with contingent trusts), Durable and Medical Powers of Attorney, Medical Directives or living wills, Designations of Guardians, and HIPAA releases.
Sharpe Allen also provides guidance on business succession planning, transfer on death deeds, and family settlement agreements. Their attorneys frequently assist with the creation, modification, and termination of trusts based on each client’s goals.
Probate & Litigation
Most probate matters in Texas move forward smoothly and without conflict. Many estates are handled through a Muniment of Title, Independent Administration, Small Estate Affidavit, Heirship Affidavit, or a combination of pre‑executed estate planning documents. In some situations, an ancillary probate is required in another state, and Sharpe Allen has the relationships and experience necessary to manage those matters as well.
Sharpe Allen guides clients through every stage of the probate process, from court filings and hearings to creditor notifications, final tax returns, and the distribution of assets. In the uncommon event litigation becomes necessary, the firm brings substantial trial and appellate experience to protect your loved one’s estate—whether that means defending or contesting estate planning documents, pursuing accountability for rogue fiduciaries, or safeguarding estate assets.
As a former probate judge, Brooke Allen brings a unique and in depth understanding of the Texas Estates Code and the practical realities of probate proceedings. As a practitioner, Brooke also has experience serving as a fiduciary and accepts court appointments to serve as a personal representative or receiver.
Real Estate
Real estate often represents the most significant asset held by an individual or business, making its acquisition, protection, and proper disposition essential. Sharpe Allen’s attorneys bring deep, practical experience to every aspect of your personal and business real estate needs. Brooke’s background as a Texas REALTOR, landlord, construction company owner, rancher, and former escrow officer and title fee office manager gives her a comprehensive, real world understanding of the full spectrum of real estate law. Shelby, a seasoned trial attorney, has a strong record of securing or defeating (depending on the client’s needs) temporary restraining orders and injunctions, as well as recovering attorneys’ fees through declaratory judgments. Our attorneys have also achieved successful outcomes for clients in eminent domain and condemnation and handled various real estate cases including boundary disputes and trespass to try title cases. Whether you are completing a real estate transaction or confronting litigation, Sharpe Allen offers the knowledge and skill to help you reach your goals.
Meditation
Mediation offers a powerful way for litigants to resolve disputes efficiently, reducing both the time and cost of prolonged, adversarial litigation. After leaving the judiciary, Brooke sought to continue the mediation work she had long performed informally from the bench. She understands that families and businesses do not find themselves considering—or engaged solutions are simple. During her judicial tenure, she frequently helped parties reach resolution through her neutral evaluation of the issues and her ability to craft creative, practical outcomes.
As a mediator, she draws on that judicial experience to ensure every party is heard, the legal and practical considerations are evaluated by an impartial professional, and innovative paths toward resolution are thoughtfully explored.
In Texas, a judge may appoint the next mediator on the “wheel” or the parties may agree on a mediator. As a judge, Brooke always encouraged the parties to agree for the simple fact that the next mediator on the list may or may not be a great fit for your case.
