Meet Our Team

Allen Starrett

Managing Attorney
Allen Starrett, Ballantyne Estate Planning 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

Let us guide you along your path with experience and care.
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