CHATTANOOGA + HIXSON, TNMeet Our Team
Darren Kennedy
Attorney at Law
With two decades of legal experience in Chattanooga, Darren Kennedy brings a wealth of knowledge to every case. With a strong emphasis in the areas of estate planning and probate, Darren is known for guiding clients through complex legal matters with a blend of expertise and compassion. His 25 years in the real estate industry—spanning title, lending, construction, development, and litigation—make him a trusted advisor for all your real estate needs. Darren is committed to walking alongside his clients, helping them feel assured and confident at every step of their legal journey.
Outside the firm, you'll often find him running, cycling, or spending time with his wife, Andrea, and their two adult children.
Leah Ritter
Attorney at Law
Attorney Leah Ritter brings both a keen mind and a caring heart to Resolutions Law Firm. With a background in public service law and years spent guiding families through difficult legal challenges, she has a gift for turning complex matters into clear, hopeful paths forward.
Leah earned her B.A. in Social Research & Public Policy from New York University and went on to complete her Juris Doctor at Georgia State University College of Law, drawn to the program's strong focus on public service and community impact. She finds joy in walking people through life's big decisions, offering not only guidance but genuine reassurance. Here at Resolutions, she has led countless clients through complex real estate issues and litigation battles, in addition to preparing people for the future through proper estate planning.
Outside the office, Leah can be found exploring new places, savoring great food with her husband, and enjoying quiet moments with a favorite cup of coffee.
Casey Caldwell
Attorney at Law
More information coming soon!
Sarah Cornelius
Certificated Paralegal & Operations Manager
Sarah Cornelius brings a strong background in the legal field to Resolutions Law Firm, with a passion for helping others navigate important legal matters. She earned her bachelor's degree in Criminology from Western Kentucky University and spent nearly five years at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, where she developed a deep appreciation for the justice system and the impact it has on people's lives. At Resolutions, Sarah enjoys a new perspective on the law and helping clients navigate it with clarity and confidence.
Outside of work, Sarah is a baking enthusiast (especially when it comes to desserts!), an avid reader, and loves spending quality time with her husband. Together, they share a dream of traveling the world, exploring new places, and making unforgettable memories. Whether she's assisting clients or perfecting a new recipe in the kitchen, Sarah's warm and thoughtful approach shines through in everything she does.
Lauren Ray
Marketing Director
As the daughter of Darren and Andrea, Lauren Ray grew up in the world of law, making the legal realm feel like home to her. With a background in real estate and project management, Lauren thrives on making connections—whether she's bringing you valuable insights, hosting a legal workshop, or keeping you updated on what's new at the firm.
When she's not planning the next marketing initiative, Lauren enjoys making music, trying cultural foods, and exploring new destinations with her husband, Issayah.
Morgan Dykes
Intake Coordinator
Morgan Dykes brings a creative, people-focused background to Resolutions Law Firm, with experience spanning retail management, design, administrative work, and property management in Downtown Chattanooga. As the firm's Intake Coordinator, Morgan is often the first friendly voice clients hear when they reach out to Resolutions. For Morgan, the best part of working at Resolutions is the people she gets to meet along the way. She genuinely enjoys getting to know each person, putting them at ease, and helping make those first steps into the legal process feel a little less daunting.
A traveler at heart, Morgan thrives on venturing somewhere new and immersing herself in the cultures of the places she visits—ideally with a great cup of coffee or tea in hand. She finds a creative outlet in watercolor and design, enjoys spending time on the water, and appreciates slowing down for a day with family at their farm.
Sarah Brotton
Legal Assistant
More information coming soon!
Crystal Caldwell
Probate Paralegal
Crystal Caldwell brings more than 20 years of legal experience to her role as a paralegal at Resolutions Law Firm, including more than a decade focused on probate. During her years in Wilmington, North Carolina, she handled complex probate matters for the New Hanover County Public Administrator before serving in the Probate Division of the Clerk's Office. She later became a Deputy Clerk, an Assistant Clerk and ex officio judge, overseeing probate and guardianship cases throughout New Hanover County. This depth of experience gives Crystal a unique understanding of both the probate process and the uncertainty and grief families can face while navigating it.
A Knoxville native, Crystal recently returned home to Tennessee with her husband Casey and two daughters after years in North Carolina—and she's very happy to be back where there are four seasons and, in her words, "a real football team." A devoted Vols fan who bleeds orange, she also loves animals, true crime shows and podcasts, music and concerts, and cheering on her eight-year-old daughter at gymnastics. When life slows down, she's just as happy curled up on the couch with her husband, their two fur babies, and a good movie or show.
Meet Our ATTORNEYSAttorney Darren Kennedy
With two decades of legal experience in Chattanooga, Attorney Darren Kennedy is a trusted advocate in estate planning, probate, and real estate law. His passion for helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters is rooted in a lifelong commitment to service, integrity, and practical solutions.
A Client-Centered Approach
At the heart of Darren's work is a commitment to making legal matters feel clear, manageable, and stress-free. He believes that navigating estate planning, probate, and real estate issues shouldn't be overwhelming—it should be a process handled with clarity, care, and confidence.
Known for his approachable nature and ability to explain complex legal concepts in simple terms, Darren ensures his clients feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Whether he's drafting an estate plan, guiding a family through probate, or resolving a real estate dispute, his goal is always the same: to provide practical solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.
Beyond the Office
Outside of his legal practice, Darren is an active and adventurous spirit. He holds a black belt in martial arts, enjoys cycling and running, and values time spent with his wife, Andrea, and their two adult children, Lauren and Grayson. Deeply connected to the Chattanooga community, he appreciates the relationships he has built over the years and remains committed to serving those around him.
Work with Darren Kennedy
If you're looking for an attorney with unmatched real estate expertise, a client-first approach, and a deep commitment to helping you navigate life's legal challenges, Darren Kennedy is here to help. Whether you're planning for the future, settling an estate, or handling a complex real estate matter, he'll stand by your side every step of the way.
A Legacy of Real Estate Expertise
A Chattanooga native, Darren grew up in small-town Collegedale, TN, where he spent his days riding his bike to school and experiencing the close-knit nature of small-town life. He first earned a degree in Wellness Management from Southern Adventist University, but his entrepreneurial spirit quickly led him into the world of real estate.
For 25 years, Darren built a thriving career across multiple facets of the real estate industry—title, lending, construction, development, and landlord-tenant law. He ran his own mortgage company, owned a construction and development company, pioneered downtown Chattanooga revitalization projects, developed subdivisions, and owned hundreds of rental properties—all before law ever crossed his mind. This hands-on experience gives him a rare, well-rounded perspective that sets him apart from other attorneys.
Whether you're buying, selling, developing, or facing a legal dispute, Darren's deep understanding of real estate transactions from every angle allows him to offer insight and solutions that only come from decades of firsthand involvement. His ability to see the bigger picture while ensuring every detail is handled with precision has earned him the trust of homeowners, investors, business owners, and developers throughout Tennessee.
From Real Estate to Law—A Natural Transition
Darren's journey into law was a natural evolution of his deep-rooted experience in real estate. Over the years, he saw firsthand how critical legal guidance could make—or break—a deal, protect assets, and secure financial futures. Determined to provide the kind of strategic legal support that could help people safeguard both their present and future, he pursued a career in law.
Today, Darren blends his business acumen with legal expertise, offering clients more than just textbook legal advice—he provides practical, real-world solutions that align with their long-term goals. His practice focuses on estate planning, probate, and real estate law, giving families and individuals the peace of mind they need when making life's most important decisions.
Attorney Leah Ritter
With two decades of legal experience in Chattanooga, Attorney Darren Kennedy is a trusted advocate in estate planning, probate, and real estate law. His passion for helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters is rooted in a lifelong commitment to service, integrity, and practical solutions.
Meet Our ATTORNEYSFrom Consulting to Client Advocacy
Leah's professional journey began as a Project Management Consultant, where she took her clients' “big picture” visions for innovative projects—often involving multiple stakeholders like technology teams and franchisees—and turned them into actionable steps while ensuring everyone stayed aligned. This experience honed her ability to see the full scope of complex challenges, a skill she now brings to guiding families and individuals through intricate legal matters.
A Path Toward Public Service
Leah earned her B.A. in Social Research & Public Policy from New York University, where she studied on both the New York and Abu Dhabi campuses, gaining a broad perspective on global communities and policy approaches. She went on to complete her Juris Doctor at Georgia State University College of Law, drawn to the program's strong focus on public service and community impact.
Client-Focused Legal Guidance
Since graduating, Leah has helped numerous clients navigate complex legal situations in a variety of areas, always striving to transform overwhelming circumstances into clear, actionable paths forward. At Resolutions, her career has spanned complex real estate and litigation cases to challenging probate matters. She's also known for making the estate planning process clear and easy to understand. Leah finds joy in walking clients through life's big decisions, offering not only guidance but also reassurance, helping them feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
Beyond the Office
Outside the office, Leah leads a vibrant, curiosity-driven life. She is an avid reader, drawn especially to memoirs and modern fiction, and participates in multiple book clubs. Leah and her husband are passionate foodies—they love experimenting with new recipes at home and supporting local restaurants. They also enjoy exploring the outdoors, from hiking and kayaking to recently taking up roller-skating. Leah's love of travel has taken her to 33 countries across six continents, giving her a deep appreciation for different cultures and experiences.
At home, Leah cherishes quiet moments with a good cup of coffee and the company of her adopted senior dog. She is also an enthusiastic advocate for the Chattanooga community, often supporting local artists, events, and businesses around town.
Work with Leah Ritter
If you're seeking an attorney who combines sharp legal insight with a caring, client-centered approach, Leah Ritter is here to help. Whether you're navigating complex litigation matters, making important life decisions, or seeking guidance through difficult circumstances, she is committed to walking alongside you with clarity, compassion, and reassurance.
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