Noah Allen- 20 Under 40

Kirkland & Ellis
Education: University of South Carolina 

Noah Allen, who joined the law firm Kirkland & Ellis in 2020 and made partner in 2022, is working to help other attorneys advance.

His practice focuses on capital markets transactions, corporate governance, and securities law compliance.

“At the law firm, I’m involved with pro bono efforts to assist disadvantaged members of the community with expunging eligible criminal records in order to have better access to employment and housing opportunities,” Allen said. “I’m also working to develop a program to teach junior attorneys, particularly women, how to play golf and how the game can be a great resource for developing relationships and networking throughout the community.”

Outside of work, Allen stays involved with Boone Elementary, including the campus’ Dads Club, and Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

He’s also passionate about the work of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

“My wife was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 12 years old,” he said. “As a child, she worried that she would never get to be a mom, but because of the research this foundation has funded, the technology gets better and better — to the point that her insulin pump now helps manage her blood sugars automatically.”

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? 

I was a lifeguard for a pool company in Atlanta, Georgia. Eventually, I became the director of operations for that same company, and it paid my way through undergrad. I learned how to manage my responsibilities, take ownership of a business and our clientele, and direct people who were often several years older than me.

If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why? 

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. It was one of those books that I read in high school that still reminds me of how many blessings we have all around us, especially in this community, and that most of my “problems” are really not all that bad.

What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?

I received a kidney transplant in 2017 thanks to a now-dear friend, and actually have three kidneys in my body at the moment.

Toughest business/personal challenge?

Trying not to always control situations and having faith that things will ultimately work out even if it’s not the way I envisioned it.

What are you most excited about for the future?

Watching my kids grow into their personalities and learning to make decisions on their own.