---
title: "Michael Patrick Allen | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-patrick-allen-14454"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-09"
---

# Michael Patrick Allen

United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims · U.S. Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
- State: National federal courts
- Role: U.S. Circuit Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- American lawyer, academic, and Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, a position he assumed on September 19, 2024
- Sworn in on August 11, 2017 by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich
- Allen was nominated by President Donald Trump on June 7, 2017 to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, confirmed by the Senate on August 3, 2017 via a voice vote
- Judge, United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, 0217-present
- Official site: US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims – Chief Judge Michael P. Allen

### Education

- Columbia University in the City of New York — J.D. (1992)
- Columbia University School of Law, Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar — J.D. (1992)
- in American History and Political Science, summa cum laude, University of Rochester, Phi Beta Kappa — B.A. (1989)

### Additional information

- His term is renewable for 15 years and runs through 2032.
- He became Chief Judge in 2024, succeeding Margaret Bartley.
- Joined the court in 2017 after a nomination from President Donald Trump (R).
- Born 1967.
- Date of birth: 1967-01-01
- Before joining the court, Allen spent nine years in private practice as a civil trial attorney at Ropes & Gray in Boston, Massachusetts.
- His role includes overseeing case law development in veterans’ benefits and representing the court in public and professional forums.
- As Chief Judge, Allen presides over the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, which handles appeals of decisions from the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
- Allen is a recognized expert in veterans’ benefits law, with over 25 published articles and co-authored books.
- He has testified before both the U.S. Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees.
- His teaching and scholarship have earned multiple awards, including the Stetson University Awards for Excellence in Scholarship, Teaching, and Professionalism.
- He then joined the Stetson University College of Law faculty in Florida, where he taught civil and constitutional law, veterans’ benefits law, and held the role of director of the Veterans Law Institute and associate dean.
- He also held visiting professor roles, including at the University of Illinois College of Law.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### oral argument permission

Scope: courtwide

Oral argument is allowed only when ordered by the court and will occur at the place and time the court orders.

Evidence excerpt: Oral argument will be allowed only when ordered by the Court and will be held where and when the Court orders.

[Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### oral argument request

Scope: courtwide

For an appeal on the merits, move for oral argument no later than 14 days after the reply brief is due or filed, and explain why argument will aid the court. Do not embed the request in a brief.

Evidence excerpt: A motion for oral argument shall specify why such argument will aid the Court. A motion for oral argument may not be included in any brief.

[Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### amicus argument

Scope: courtwide

An amicus curiae may participate in oral argument only by invitation of the court.

Evidence excerpt: An amicus curiae will be permitted to participate in oral argument only at the invitation of the Court.

[Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### argument schedule changes

Scope: courtwide

Request postponement or additional argument time by motion reasonably before the argument date and show good cause.

Evidence excerpt: A request for postponement of the argument or for the allowance of additional time shall be made by motion filed reasonably in advance of the date fixed for argument and shall contain a showing of good cause.

[Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### argument order

Scope: courtwide

The appellant generally opens and concludes merits argument; on a motion, the movant generally opens and concludes.

Evidence excerpt: The appellant will generally open and conclude the argument. In argument on motions, the movant generally will open and conclude the argument.

[Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### physical exhibits

Scope: courtwide

Coordinate non-document physical exhibits with the clerk so they are in the courtroom before court convenes, and remove them after argument unless directed otherwise.

Evidence excerpt: A party who wishes to use physical exhibits other than documents shall arrange with the Clerk to have them placed in the courtroom on the date of the argument before the Court convenes.

[Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
Source checked: 2026-07-30


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/14454/michael-patrick-allen/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/14454/michael-patrick-allen/)
- [United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/14454/michael-patrick-allen/)
- [Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/14454/michael-patrick-allen/)
- [Prepared Statement of Michael P. Allen Nominee to be ...](https://www.veterans.senate.gov/services/files/E3CC0830-0920-4DDC-803E-D0F1AC95D2E4)
- [Michael P. Allen - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_P._Allen)
- [Wikidata: Michael P. Allen](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30155255)

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