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 her career with Allen & Associates in November 2019 as a legal assistant and advanced to paralegal and law clerk while attending Widener University Delaware Law School. After earning her Juris Doctor in May 2024 and being admitted to the Delaware Bar, Ashley joined the firm as an attorney, bringing with her years of firsthand experience working on complex litigation and counseling matters.

Ashley concentrates her practice in employment and labor law, representing both employees and employers in a wide range of workplace disputes in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies. Her practice includes matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, whistleblower claims, disability accommodation, wage and hour disputes, restrictive covenants, employment contracts, internal workplace investigations, education law, and professional licensure matters. Ashley regularly represents licensed professionals and public safety personnel, including physicians, nurses, educators, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders, in employment disputes, contract negotiation and review, disciplinary and internal affairs investigations, credentialing matters, and proceedings before professional licensing and regulatory boards.

Having grown professionally within Allen & Associates, Ashley offers clients a unique perspective shaped by years of experience supporting every stage of litigation. She is committed to providing practical, strategic, and client-focused representation while working collaboratively with the firm’s experienced attorneys to achieve effective and efficient results.

Prior to law school, Ashley earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Advertising and Italian Foreign Language Studies from the University of Alabama in 2018. While at Alabama, she was an active member of Delta Zeta Sorority, serving as Director of Risk Management and in several other leadership positions.

During law school, Ashley was a member of the Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Team and was awarded first place in the 2024 Annual Hugh B. Pearce Trial Competition. She also served for two years as an Academic Success Fellow, mentoring and tutoring first-year law students and helping them develop the analytical and advocacy skills essential to success in law school.

Outside the office, 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
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Alexis Poore

Alexis joined Allen & Associates in 2025 after earning her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Widener University Delaware Law School. As a Delaware native with deep roots in the First State, she is proud to serve the communities she calls home through personalized, client-focused representation.

Alexis focuses her practice on helping employees, professionals, and businesses navigate complex workplace challenges. She represents clients in employment and labor matters throughout state and federal courts, administrative agencies, and professional licensing and regulatory boards, providing both strong advocacy in disputes and practical guidance to help clients avoid them.

Her practice encompasses a wide range of employment-related issues, including employment contracts and restrictive covenants, discrimination and sexual harassment, wage and hour disputes, disability accommodations, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Delaware Paid Leave interference and retaliation claims, whistleblower and retaliation matters, wrongful termination, internal investigations, workplace safety matters, and professional licensure proceedings. She works closely with employees, healthcare professionals, union members, business owners, and employers to protect their rights, careers, and livelihoods.

Alexis’s legal perspective is strengthened by a diverse background spanning the judiciary, private practice, and public service. During law school, she gained valuable experience as a Judicial Intern to the Honorable Sean P. Lugg of the Delaware Superior Court and the Honorable Jennifer B. Ranji of the Delaware Family Court, where she developed a firsthand understanding of judicial decision-making and courtroom advocacy. She also served as a Law Clerk at Parkowski, Guerke & Swayze, P.A., further expanding her experience in complex legal matters and client representation.

Prior to earning her law degree, Alexis graduated summa cum laude from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and minors in Political Science and Sociology. Her dedication to public service led her to intern within both the Delaware State Senate and the Delaware House of Representatives, where she gained valuable insight into the legislative process, public policy development, and the intersection of law and government. This unique combination of legal, legislative, and governmental experience allows Alexis to approach client matters with a broader perspective, helping her navigate not only legal challenges but also the regulatory and policy considerations that often shape outcomes for individuals, professionals, and organizations.

Outside of her legal work, Alexis enjoys spending time with friends and family at the Delaware beaches and teaching group fitness classes at HiLo House.

Education

University of Delaware, B.A., Criminal Justice; Minors in Political Science and Sociology, summa cum laude, 2022
Widener University Delaware Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2025

Admissions

Delaware, 2025
United States District Court, District of Delaware