Allan rejoined Harper Grey in January 2008 after serving as a justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia from 1990 to 2001, and the British Columbia Court of Appeal from 2001 to 2007.

After his call to the bar in 1960, Allan worked as a foreign service officer in Mexico and Guatemala for the Department of External Affairs.

He originally joined the firm in 1961. During his first tenure with Harper Grey, Allan appeared as counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants in almost 300 trials.

When the firm was appointed British Columbia counsel for the Canadian Medical Protective Association in 1978 Allan became the chair of the medial litigation group and remained so until his appointment to the judiciary in 1990. In addition to his court work on behalf of the Association, he often represented clients before disciplinary boards at the College of Physician and Surgeons and on inquests.

Because of his close association with the medical profession, Allan rarely judged cases involving health professionals while he was a member of the judiciary. He therefore sat regularly on criminal, family and commercial matters, particularly those involving the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act.

Now back at Harper Grey, Allan provides strategic advice and counsel to our health and litigation practice groups. He also acts as an arbitrator and mediator and is available for consultation to members of the firm and the profession generally.

Awards & Honours

• Appointed Queens Counsel, 1982
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers

Background

Allan was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He attended Victoria College and the University of British Columbia, where he obtained degrees in law and commerce.

Allan is a member of Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club. He and his wife have two children who reside in Calgary and Nanaimo.