Allison Scollar

About Allison Scollar

Allison Scollar is a New York-based consultant specializing in sustainable energy. She works with developers and municipalities to reduce their carbon footprint. A former award-winning real estate attorney, she transitioned into non-profit work after a personal and public legal battle over her daughter’s custody. Allison is also involved in community service, helping low-income communities secure green jobs through her work with the RETI Center.

Allison began her professional journey as a real estate attorney in New York City. As a partner at Gold Scollar Moshan, she managed all aspects of real estate transactions, working with individuals, businesses, and banks on sales, acquisitions, and leases.

Her work wasn’t limited to real estate law. Allison also collaborated with artists, galleries, and non-profits to lease spaces, sell artwork internationally, and support various cultural and charitable initiatives. She became involved in artist-in-residence zoning issues, educating others on the importance of supporting artists through legal frameworks. She also served on the board of the Concert Artists Guild, helping young musicians launch their careers, and was actively involved in New York’s cultural and non-profit scene.

Despite her successful career, Allison’s life took a dramatic turn when she was in a high-profile and prolonged custody battle.

On July 9, 2010, Brook Altman, her soon-to-be ex-partner, kidnapped Harrison, leading to a cross-country chase that ended only when a judge ordered the child’s return to Allison’s care. Despite this and other dangerous actions, the legal system continued to allow Brook Altman to challenge Allison’s custody, resulting in over 180 appearances in Court to change the custody arrangement. These legal battles were emotionally and financially draining, and they consumed Allison’s life for over a decade.

In 2012, a New York Family Court awarded her custody of her daughter, Harrison. Allison adopted Harrison while in a same-sex relationship with Harrison’s biological mother, Brook Altman. The judge in the case, Gloria Sosa-Linter, ruled that Allison was the “more responsible parent” and granted her sole custody, a decision that resonated deeply with the LGBTQ+ community and adoptive parents alike.