Meet Our Team
Allen Starrett
Managing Attorney
I opened the doors of Starrett Law Firm in January 2009 with the economy in the throes of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. And my wife and I were expecting our first child to boot. So starting a business made complete sense. Well… not exactly, but I truly felt God calling me toward a bigger purpose. Since then, driven by the personal experience of losing my father to a massive stroke, I have had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients better prepare to leave a lasting legacy while also giving back to my community as the founder of a charity that donates to local causes. I’m beyond blessed and can’t wait to see where He continues to lead me.
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
Favorite thing about Charlotte: its family friendliness
How I spend my free time: camping, country music, people watching, and playing soccer with my kids at Elon Park
If I could go anywhere in the world, it would be: Seoul, Korea
I’m a huge fan of: UNC basketball!
I would never, ever: give up
What I enjoy most about trusts and estates law: impacting the lives and legacies of our clients
J.D. – UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law, 2005
B.A. – UNC-Chapel Hill, Economics, 2000
North Carolina
Member, North Carolina Bar Association
Member, Charlotte Estate Planning Council
Member, Mecklenburg County Bar
Founder & Chair, Ballantyne Ball, 2013-present
Board Member, South Charlotte Partners, 2024-present
Founding Member, Novant Health Advisory Council (Ballantyne Medical Center), 2023-2024
Co-Founder, The Park Social, 2013-2020
Chair (2015), Charlotte Chamber – Ballantyne Chapter, 2012-2016
Chair, Ballantyne Festival, 2013-2015
Co-Founder, Ballantyne Briefings, 2013-2019
Notable Local
– Ballantyne Magazine, 2020
40 over 40 Award
– Charlotte Ledger, 2020
Readers’ Choice Best Attorney Award
– Carolina Weekly, 2016
STANDOUT Charlottean
– Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2013
Estate Planning 5 Star Service Award
– Charlotte Magazine, 2009-14
Darren Mitchell
Attorney
Before joining Starrett Law Firm, I ran my own solo practice. I began my legal career focusing on criminal and trial law but quickly transitioned to business law, in which I found much more enjoyment. Helping new and seasoned business owners plan and run their businesses, and assisting in protecting them from legal missteps is where I bring the most value to clients. Counseling, advising, and planning can be underrated aspects of the legal profession but they are of vital importance.
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Favorite thing about Charlotte: the weather
How I spend my free time: working out, reading, studying everything – I love learning and I will stay up half the night reading and learning new things.
If I could go anywhere in the world, it would be: Singapore
I’m a huge fan of: Jiu Jitsu
I would never, ever: accept being uninformed
What I enjoy most about business law: helping clients head off business problems before they begin
J.D. – Campbell, 2008
B.A. – University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Criminal Justice, Political Science, 2004
North Carolina
Member, North Carolina State Bar
Member, North Carolina Bar Association
Member, Mecklenburg County Bar
Hillary Starrett
Legal Assistant
I was born and raised in Charlotte, then attended UNC Chapel Hill where I earned a BS in Business Administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business School. After I graduated, I met Allen and we were married in August 2004. We have two beautiful daughters.
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Favorite thing about Charlotte: the many sports teams, great weather, and close proximity to both the mountains and the beach
How I spend my free time: fun excursions with my family, exercising, baking
If I could go anywhere in the world, it would be: Fiji
I’m a huge fan of: UNC Tarheels basketball
I would never, ever: root for Duke
What I enjoy most about trusts and estates law: I love being able to help clients gain a peace and a sense of confidence in knowing that a plan is in place to pass on not only their assets, but their legacy as well.
B.S. – UNC-Chapel Hill,
Business Administration
Claire Sauter
Chief Success Officer
A background in project management and integrated marketing prepared me to join Starrett Law Firm in a success role—optimizing estate processes and supporting the client’s brand experience. I earned a BS in Media Management and Ethics from St. John Fisher University which kicked off a career of working with more than 40 nonprofits and mission-driven businesses from New York to North Carolina to Jamaica and even a Greek island. In 2020, I moved to Charlotte to embrace warmer weather and big-city living.
Hometown: Carthage, NY
Favorite thing about Charlotte: there is always something new to do
How I spend my free time: intramural sports, reading or watching a series, traveling, concerts, volunteering
If I could go anywhere in the world, it would be: New Zealand
I’m a huge fan of: Golden Retrievers
I would never, ever: let my passport expire—there’s always somewhere to go!
What I enjoy most about trusts and estates law: helping clients create a legacy plan or settle an estate with confidence
B.S. – St. John Fisher University, Media Management and Ethics