Trusted Legal Guidance Rooted in Christian Values
Sharpe Allen was established in 2026 after J. Shelby Sharpe announced his plans to retire and expressed a desire to entrust his clients to an attorney who shared his Christian values, intellect, and commitment to excellence. During a family probate matter involving Judge Allen’s sister—whom Brooke could not represent due to her judicial position—Shelby mentioned his hope of finding the right successor. Brooke’s lighthearted response, “I’m a quick study,” stayed with him in the months that followed as he reflected on their long-standing professional relationship, her judicial service, and her extensive litigation background.
By late 2025, after many conversations and much prayer, and just before the deadline for Brooke to file for another judicial term, the vision for Sharpe Allen took shape. True to the practice Shelby has followed for more than six decades, Sharpe Allen continues to trust the Lord’s guidance. We serve Him through the knowledge and experience He has provided throughout our legal careers. The privilege is ours. The glory is His.
Sharpe Allen is a law firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal services in business law, civil litigation, probate, estate planning, mediation, and real estate. With decades of combined judicial and trial experience, our team serves Tarrant County and surrounding areas with integrity, professionalism, and a client-centered approach.
Brooke Allen
Managing Partner
ABOUT BROOKE
Brooke Ulrickson Allen, a retired Tarrant County judge, brings more than two decades of experience in litigation, real estate, and probate to Shape Allen, PLLC. As Judge of Probate Court No. 2 in Tarrant County, Texas, she presided over thousands of matters involving estates, guardianships, mental health proceedings, and jury trials addressing will contests, breaches of fiduciary duty, wrongful death, and personal injury claims.
Before taking the bench, Brooke built a national practice in both state and federal courts, concentrating on business litigation, probate, real estate, and insurance defense within the railroad and aviation industries. Her work frequently involved high‑net‑worth individuals and major companies engaged in complex, multi‑party disputes. She also served as an escrow officer and managed a fee office for Alamo Title. Brooke is a Past President of the Fort Worth–Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association and has served on the Boards of the Texas Young Lawyers Association and the Tarrant County Bar Association.
Today, Brooke’s practice focuses on civil, business and probate litigation, real estate matters, and serving as a receiver in civil cases and a personal representative in estate administrations. She also mediates contested business, probate, guardianship, and fiduciary disputes. Her combined experience as both a judge and a seasoned litigator gives her a distinctive ability to navigate and resolve even the most challenging cases.
Brooke is licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the State of Texas, the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas, and the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Alongside her legal career, Brooke manages Joe Ulrickson, LLC, a real estate company with residential rental properties, oil and gas interests, and ranch land. She is also a licensed Realtor with Reata Realty.
Brooke graduated magna cum laude with her Juris Doctor from Texas Wesleyan School of Law (now Texas A&M School of Law), where she served on the Texas Wesleyan Law Review and was inducted into the National Order of Barristers. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Auburn University, graduating cum laude and serving as President of the Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity.
Active in her community, Brooke enjoys coaching girls’ basketball, playing tennis, and cheering on her daughter’s club volleyball team. She is married to a law enforcement officer, and her family attends Trinity Chapel Bible Church. She also serves on the Board of Texas Senior Ministries.
J. Shelby Sharpe
Partner
ABOUT SHELBY
J. Shelby Sharpe is a distinguished and nationally recognized trial and appellate attorney with extensive experience in both state and federal courts. He is perhaps best known for representing families in the landmark Leeper Case Decisions, which legalized homeschooling in Texas and helped shape similar freedoms across the Country. He has also developed a strong reputation for representing Christian churches nationwide, frequently defending their First Amendment rights.
Today, Shelby continues to advocate for businesses, churches, and individuals in litigation and appellate matters, while also providing counsel in real estate, probate, and estate planning. His deep knowledge and decades of experience have made him a sought after consultant on constitutional issues throughout the United States.
Shelby is licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the State of Texas, and numerous federal courts in Texas, Arkansas, and North Dakota. He earned both his juris doctorate and his degree in business administration from the University of Texas. Following graduation, he served as a Briefing Attorney for the Honorable Robert W. Calvert, Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court.
Beyond his legal work, Shelby is well known for his involvement with NCAA track and field, his service as a former Director of the Tarrant County Bar Association, and his recognition as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. He and his wife, Martha, are active members of Christ Chapel Church. They are the proud parents of three children and grandparents to many.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Judicial Experience
Benefit from the insight of attorneys with real judicial and trial backgrounds.
Christian Values
Our attorneys uphold integrity, compassion, and ethical standards in every case.
Personalized Service
Every client receives tailored legal solutions and attentive guidance.
Areas of Expertise
Sharpe Allen offers comprehensive legal services to individuals, families, and businesses. Our areas of focus include:
Business Law
Counsel on the creation, contracts, compliance, and dispute resolution.
Civil Litigation
Representation in civil litigation, including contract and company disputes, fiduciary matters, and First Amendment rights.
Estate Planning & Probate
Wills, trusts, asset protection, probate administration, and probate litigation.
Real Estate
Legal services for property transactions, disputes, eminent domain, and more.
