Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to announce the promotion of Allen Darrah to the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO), a position created as the firm enhances its commitment to maximizing the use of technology to serve the firm’s increasingly diverse client base.
“Since his arrival in 2015, Allen has been a catalyst in modernizing our technological capabilities,” Spencer Fane Chair Patrick J. Whalen said. “His promotion to CIO doesn’t just reward his individual excellence and commitment to our firm but also signifies our intentional and strategic investment in leveraging emerging technologies for the benefit of our firm and its clients.”
In his capacity as CIO, Allen will be responsible for guiding the firm’s overall technological vision, igniting innovation and spearheading the firm’s digital transformation efforts. He will also continue to serve as Chief Information Security Officer, ensuring stringent protection of client data and privacy.
Allen brings a diverse academic background to his work. He initially focused on philosophy and pre-law before transitioning to general business studies. He augmented his undergraduate degree with a master’s degree in technology management from Columbia University, where he currently teaches a course on Technology & Legal Risk. His upcoming participation in the 2024 cohort of the University of Cambridge Judge School of Business Advanced Leadership Programme reaffirms his commitment to staying ahead of industry innovations and bridging a gap between technology and the law.
Before joining Spencer Fane, Allen accumulated more than a decade of experience in health care IT and also specialized in technology and cybersecurity risk consulting. This combination of education and professional experience uniquely positions him to seamlessly integrate technology, legal practices, and data security.
“I’m thrilled to take on the role of CIO at Spencer Fane,” Allen said. “Technology’s dynamic influence on the legal landscape offers unprecedented opportunities. With an outstanding team in place, I’m eager to further optimize our client experience through technological innovation. Together, our firm aims to redefine excellence in the legal sector.”
