William R. Allen

William R. Allen is a Ridgeland attorney at Butler Snow LLP, focused on constitutional and civil rights litigation, correctional litigation, governmental litigation, and tort defense. He represents public entities, counties, cities, school districts, sheriffs, deputies, and employees in complex claims. His work includes civil rights lawsuits, employment disputes, premises liability, environmental litigation, jail matters, and appeals. He brings trial experience to cases involving public service, risk, policy, and accountability in demanding civil litigation settings.

William earned a B.A. in History, cum laude, from Samford University. He earned a J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Mississippi. During law school, he served as a developmental editor for the Mississippi Law Journal. He also completed a federal clerkship for Judge Neal Biggers of the US District Court, which strengthened his research, writing, and courtroom preparation before entering broader practice and appeals work.

William has obtained defense verdicts in civil rights claims involving an arrestee’s death and an excessive force allegation against a deputy sheriff. He has also defended summary judgment rulings before the Fifth Circuit in jail assault, in-custody death, due process, and wrongful death matters. His background includes private practice in Alabama and Mississippi, extensive mediation experience, and regular presentations to law enforcement, school, county, and judicial groups across Mississippi courts.

William R. Allen serves as general counsel for the Mississippi Sheriff’s Association and as board attorney for the Brookhaven School District. His admissions include Mississippi, Alabama, federal district courts in Mississippi, the Fifth Circuit, and the US Supreme Court. His distinctions include an AV Preeminent rating, Super Lawyers recognition, and Best Lawyers recognition in municipal litigation and defense personal injury litigation. He provides steady defense advocacy for public clients’ cases.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Butler Snow LLP
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Mississippi Bar Association
• Member, Defense Research Institute
• Member, Lincoln County Bar Association
• Member, Mississippi School Board Association

Licensed State

• Mississippi
• Alabama

Education

• University of Mississippi
  Juris Doctor (JD) Magna Cum Laude
• Samford University
  BA in History, Cum Laude

Awards & Badges