He is a graduate of the University of Louisville where he became a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. Allen received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Louisville in 1972 and passed the Kentucky bar exam that same year. From 1973-1983 he was the director of the Louisville Crime Commission and from 1983-1985 he was director of safety for Louisville. From 1985-1989 he was the chief administrative officer for Jefferson County, Kentucky.