People

Michele D. Allen

Michele brings extensive experience to her practice which has resulted in recognitions and honors including being named by her peers in Delaware Today Magazine as a Top Lawyer in the area of Labor & Employment Law.

While with Wier & Allen, P.A., Michele contributed to the firm being recognized by U.S. News and World Report with a Best Law Firm designation in the area of Employment and Labor Law. Michele was also recently honored by being selected by Speaker Pete Schwartzkopft to be a member of the Delaware Workplace Bullying Task Force, where she used her expertise to help advise the Delaware General Assembly on issues impacting the workplace.

Michele’s practice covers a broad range of labor and employment matters, applying her years of experience in both private practice and working at the Public Defenders Office in Philadelphia where she successfully defended hundreds of clients. Michele continues to develop an expertise in civil litigation in representing employees and employers state and federal court, as well as in arbitration, mediation, and government agencies.

Her broad array of experience translates to providing the best representation of her clients today. She has successfully represented employers, employees and government entities in a variety of areas ranging from discrimination matters, contract negotiations and civil rights violations. Michele has also represented healthcare professionals before regulatory boards and agencies. She assists physicians with their contract negotiations when they have decided to join or separate from a practice group or hospital.

Michele has experience in helping employers prevent and reduce their exposure to lawsuits by helping them conform their workplace practices and procedures under current laws. She provides employment advice on general employee issues employers face such as discipline and termination. Additionally, Michele has extensive experience in drafting employment agreements, separation agreements, and severance agreements.

While an Assistant County Attorney for New Castle County, Michele worked defending the County in matters related to civil rights violations. At the Philadelphia Public Defenders Office, Michele handled all aspects of criminal defense including felonies and misdemeanors along with representing juveniles in Family Court. Throughout her career, Michele has handled hundreds of both criminal and civil cases.

Prior to going to law school, Michele worked as an investigator for the Public Defenders Office in Washington, D.C. Working as an investigator in our Nation’s Capitol provided Michele with an invaluable and unique approach to handling client’s cases. Now, 20 years later, she continues to apply that knowledge during her career as a lawyer to serve as an effective advocate for her clients.

Education

Trinity College. B.A., Washington, D.C.
Widener University Delaware Law School, J.D., Wilmington, Delaware

Admissions

Delaware
Pennsylvania
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
United States District Court, District of Delaware

Prior Practice

Wier & Allen, P.A. (2009 to 2012), Law Offices of Richard R. Wier, Jr., P.A. (2007 to 2009) New Castle County, Assistant County Attorney (2004 to 2007)
Wilmington City Council, Legislative Counsel (2003 to 2004)
Defenders Association of Philadelphia, Assistant Public Defender (1999 to 2003).

Publications and Speaking Engagements

Updates to Employment Law: “Covenants Not to Compete”;
Updates to Employment Law “Workplace Fraud and Misclassification of Employees”;
Presentation to Delaware Medical Group Management Association (DMGMA) “Hiring, Firing and Discrimination;”
The Intersection Among the Americans With Disabilities Act as Amended, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and their Delaware State Corollaries

Committees

Delaware State Bar Association;
Litigation Section Council Member;
Delaware State Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section;
Delaware State Bar Association, Women and the Law Section;
Trial Lawyers Association: Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

Services

Speaker Schwartzkopf’s appointee to the Delaware Workplace Bullying Task Force (2014);
St. Francis Hospital, Ambassador Council Member;
Mock Trial Judge for Widener University School of Law Moe Levine Competition;
Governor’s appointee to the Delaware Commission for Women;
Mock Trial Coach for Delaware Futures;
Volunteer Captain for the iCivics Program for Law Day.

Awards

Delaware Today Magazine as a Top Lawyer in the area of Labor & Employment Law.

Ashley C. Azato

Ashley began working at Allen & Associates in November 2019 as a legal assistant progressing to paralegal and then to law clerk while attending Widener University Delaware Law School, attaining her Juris Doctorate in May 2024. As a current attorney at the firm, Ashley focuses her practice on Employment and Labor Law including, but not limited to, discrimination, sexual harassment, education and civil litigation. Ashley brings a strong commitment to providing high-quality legal representation while working collaboratively with the firm’s experienced attorneys.

Prior to law school, Ashley received a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in 2018 from the University of Alabama in Advertising and Italian Foreign Language Studies. At Alabama, Ashley was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority, serving as Director of Risk Management, in addition to several other leadership roles. During law school, Ashley was a member of the Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Team, and won first place in the 2024 Annual Hugh B. Pearce Trial Competition. Ashley also served two years as an Academic Success Fellow mentoring and tutoring first-year law students.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide, and watching a good movie.

Education

University of Alabama, B.A. in Advertising and Italian Foreign Language Studies, 2018
Widener University Delaware Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2024

Admissions

Delaware, 2024
United States District Court, District of Delaware

Olivia C. Ellis

Olivia began working at Allen & Associates in 2022 after obtaining her Juris Doctorate degree from Charleston School of Law. As an associate attorney at the firm, Olivia focuses her practice on labor and employment law including matters involving discrimination claims, sexual harassment, wage payment issues, employee rights, workplace policies and contract negotiations. Her clients include various employees, healthcare professionals, union workers, and business owners. She is well-versed in both litigation and preventative counsel, offering guidance on issues such as harassment, wrongful termination, workplace safety, and the drafting of employment agreements. Olivia is passionate about her clients and seeks to address each client’s unique concerns and goals in order to obtain the most favorable result.

Prior to law school, Olivia received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware in Mass Media Communication with minors in Spanish and English. After attaining her degree, Olivia began law school at Charleston School of Law, where she was a member of the Resolved Law Journal, Business Law Society, Real Estate Law and Women in Law Society. While at Charleston School of Law, Olivia held internships in several different legal fields, including as a Judicial Intern to the Honorable Judge Eric Davis in the Delaware Superior Court and a Senior Law Clerk at Kimmel, Carter, Roman, Peltz & O’Neil.

When not practicing law, Olivia enjoys traveling and cheering on her favorite Philadelphia sports teams.