Today we’d like to introduce you to Kianna Chennault.
Hi Kianna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Kianna Chennault and I am a business and civil rights attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. I am the managing partner of Chennault Legal and Consulting Group.
Prior to opening my law firm, I worked as a prosecutor for Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. I joined the District Attorney’s Office in 2018, hoping to make a difference in the lives of both criminal defendants and crime victims. As the years (and cases) went by, I became discouraged by the lack of change I was able to enact. I found myself pushing 99 percent of my cases to pleas because there were just too many cases and not enough time. I was working 45-50 hours a week (with no overtime) just to try to keep up with my cases. I was also tired of prosecuting defendants who looked like me. I began to feel like a fixture in a very broken system. I used to feel empowered when I walked into the courtroom; but I began to feel defeated and trapped.
Then in March 2020, Covid happened. In 2020, we also witnessed the murders of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd. While I was at home quarantining with my husband and kids, I had time to think. I had space to feel. And I was very disappointed in the system I swore to uphold. While millions of African Americans were mourning the senseless killings of yet more black men, I was mourning and prosecuting at the same time. During that time, I watched several companies take a stand for the Black community while my office remained deafly silent. I knew that it was time for me to leave.
Although 2020 was a year of death, it was also a year of life. I saw Black people all around me opening businesses, developing new skills, and brushing off old ones. Though part of me was broken, part of me was also excited at the possibilities. God let me know that I did not have to totally abandon the system for which I had sacrificed so much blood, tears, and sweat. With God’s blessing, I decided to open my own law firm.
In January 2021, Chennault Legal and Consulting Group was born. On the business side, we offer business transactional and litigation services to new and emerging entrepreneurs. Additionally, starting in March 2022 we will offer startup businesses private investment capital raising services. On the civil rights side, we specialize in bringing Section 1983 claims on behalf of individuals who have had their rights violated by government actors.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Initially, I had to learn and research business formation before I could even begin. Although I am an attorney, I did not learn the practical side of business formation in law school. After I learned how to form my own business, I was able to counsel other business owners on formation and sustainability. Additionally, I started my business performing all roles myself. In time, I was able to hire help and I learned how to delegate. I also learned that to grow my business, I had to first invest in myself.
We’ve been impressed with Chennault Legal and Consulting Group, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Chennault Legal and Consulting Group is a Business Litigation and Civil Rights firm committed to pursuing economic and criminal justice. At the Chennault Legal and Consulting Group, entrepreneurship is a civil right. Establishing a business is more than just a means to generate income. Business sustainability is the foundation to closing the wealth gap. It’s also an opportunity to completely disrupt systemic matriculation into the criminal justice system.
What also sets us apart is our commitment to implementing Christian values while practicing law.
Quote: “Achieving justice is a lifestyle.” – Managing Partner, Attorney Kianna Chennault, ESQ
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe in taking risks that have been orchestrated by God. When God tells me to do something, no matter how risky it seems in black and white, I know that in His will is the safest place to be. So, I am 100 percent on board with taking risks that God tells me to make.
Contact Info:
- Email: kianna@chennaultlaw.com
- Website: www.chennaultlaw.com
- Instagram: @kcsolves
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kiannachennault
Image Credits:
Jelitha Sullivan David Jones
