We had the good fortune of connecting with Tammy Allison and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tammy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After spending more than a decade as a public servant at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as a senior attorney, I realized that I could serve the public in a more impactful way by starting a business tailored to fill a gaping hole in the legal market—clemency. I decided to launch a law practice dedicated to clemency because I began my career at DOJ at the Office of the Pardon Attorney, where I recommend clemency under the Bush, Obama, and Trump Presidential administrations. That experience coupled with my role as a Federal Prosecutor and Employment Law Attorney with the Federal Bureau of Prisons motivated me to want to provide a service to individuals with convictions to increase their chances of a favorable recommendation for clemency.
There was a need for individuals with convictions to have access to an attorney with my experience, especially having worked as an attorney at DOJ’s Office of the Pardon Attorney, to assist them in understanding the process, preparing the application, and hopefully get their rights back. Clemency in the form of a Federal Commutation results in an incarcerated individual’s reduction of sentence, fine and/or restitution. Clemency in the form of a Presidential Pardon restores the rights of a formerly incarcerated individual, such as, the right to vote, hold public office, sit on a jury, and legally possess a firearm.
I always had an idea that a firm dedicated to clemency would work, but without any real examples to lean on I relied on being relatable and explaining clemency in layman’s terms.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My law firm, Attorney Tammy Allison, PLLC, dba The Pardon Attorney™️ assists individuals with convictions in preparing thorough and persuasive petitions to increase their chances of a favorable recommendation for clemency in the form of Presidential Pardons or Federal Commutations.
I work with my clients on the simple premise of Clemency Through Ownership.
It is both literal and figurative. I emphasize to individuals with convictions that clemency is forgiveness and in order to obtain it acceptance of responsibility for the underlying offense conduct is necessary—figurative ownership. I then focus on the skills, education, employment, business, etc. that an individual with a conviction has accomplished to show in their petition for clemency that literal ownership has been obtained. The goal of highlighting the figurative and literal ownership is to present a strong argument that the individual is not likely to have another conviction if they are forgiven by being granted clemency.
My services are intended to combat again the inherent bias that is seen in the criminal justice system, including the last stage of forgiveness—clemency.
Recognizing the difficulties that individuals with convictions face in terms of obtaining and keeping employment with a record, my firm also offers business formation and trademark services to encourage individuals with convictions to start their own business and protect the business’s intellectual property through trademarks. I also offer these services to individuals without convictions while also stressing Clemency Through Ownership as many of my clients are first generation businesses owners that need to forgive themselves for mistakes they’ve made in business.
My practice area includes Presidential Pardons & Federal Commutations; and Business Formation in conjunction with Trademarks, Copyrights, and IP Litigation. For consultations and legal representation, contact me at: www.ThePardonAttorney.com
What is your favorite spot in the city?
My favorite spot in the city is Esquire Litigation Group—Atlanta. It’s always a good time catching up with my legal colleagues and friends.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dayna Thomas Cook of Dayna Thomas Law has been incredibly helpful in my entrepreneurial journey. I launched my law firm 9 months ago and she has been an incredible resource. Her course, Entrepreneurship Attorney Bootcamp, changed the trajectory of my legal career.
Website: www.thepardonattorney.com
Instagram: @attorneytammyallison, @pardonattorney
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-tammy-allison-3ba735b1/
Twitter: @attytammallison, @pardonattorney
Facebook: @pardonattorney
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfXYr_9DVQCMsiAPnCteqYA