Renee Kendall is Bridging Legal Gaps for the Caribbean Diaspora

Renee Kendall, an attorney in New York, is the founder of Caribbean Legal Solutions (CLS), a groundbreaking legal services company that connects clients worldwide with trusted attorneys in Caribbean countries. With a deep connection to her Trinidadian heritage and a passion for solving legal challenges for the Caribbean diaspora, Renee’s work has reshaped how people access legal help for issues spanning continents.

Overcoming the Challenge of Building Without a Blueprint

Renee’s journey as an entrepreneur has been unique. “I’m building something that didn’t previously exist,” she shares, acknowledging the challenge of creating a service without a clear blueprint to follow. “But, because I feel called to the work that I am doing, I never grow weary.” Despite not having a roadmap, Renee’s determination to provide solutions for those struggling to resolve legal matters across borders drives her to continue pushing boundaries.

The Inspiration Behind Caribbean Legal Solutions

The spark for Caribbean Legal Solutions came from a chance conversation with a friend. She recounted her frustrating experience trying to resolve a legal matter in a Caribbean country from which she had migrated as a child. The process was slow, costly, and ultimately required her to travel to the island and stay for an extended period to resolve the issue. Renee, recognizing how unnecessary and frustrating this was, thought, “It shouldn’t be that hard.”

With her professional background and a network of lawyers from her time living and working in Trinidad, Renee saw an opportunity. She knew the legal landscape in the Caribbean well and understood the need for a platform that could simplify the process of finding and understanding legal services. CLS was born to make legal help easier to find, easier to understand, and, most importantly, easier to trust. ““I wanted to create something far more meaningful than just a directory of attorney names and phone numbers,” she says. “I didn’t set out to start a business. I set out to solve a problem,” Renee says.

Caribbean Heritage Shaping the Work

Renee’s Caribbean heritage has been a cornerstone in shaping her approach to her business. Raised in the United States by Trinidadian parents, she lived between two worlds—one shaped by the rich cultural norms of her heritage at home and another molded by American society outside. This duality, what Renee refers to as “double consciousness,” provided her with a unique perspective, especially when working with clients who, like herself, who live and invest between two worlds.

“Our clients often don’t have the language to concisely express their legal issues,” she explains. “I’m able to listen to their stories and translate those needs to attorneys in another country.” This connection allows her to deeply understand her clients’ challenges—be it family matters, legal disputes, or asset management spanning multiple countries.

The Nuances of Caribbean Legal Matters

One of the most common challenges Renee encounters in her practice is the reactive approach many Caribbean families take toward legal issues. Often, clients wait until a problem has escalated before seeking legal assistance. This lack of proactive legal planning can result in costly and preventable complications.

For example, CLS is often contacted when an individual passes away in a Caribbean country, leaving their surviving relatives abroad. These families are faced with the challenging task of probating a will and dividing property, a process that can be especially overwhelming for Caribbean families with members spread across New York, Florida, Canada, and the U.K.—sometimes within a single family.

Relatives are often unsure where to begin or what steps to take, and that’s where CLS steps in. The organization connects clients with experienced legal professionals who provide answers and guidance through the complexities of an unfamiliar legal system.

However, CLS goes beyond merely connecting clients with attorneys. Recognizing that Caribbean legal matters require a deeper level of support and expertise, CLS offers a comprehensive service designed to be far more meaningful than a directory of attorney names and phone numbers. With CLS, clients gain a trusted partner to help navigate the intricacies of foreign legal processes with confidence and ease.

Renee stresses the importance of consulting with an attorney before making significant decisions. “Legal fees may not be as expensive as one might think, and they are always higher when we try to handle matters on our own,” she advises.

In line with this, one of CLS’s core missions is to educate and empower the community. The company offers free legal clinics and educational seminars, aiming to equip individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions before legal matters become crises.

Advice for Younger Women Entrepreneurs

Renee’s advice for younger women dreaming of starting their own businesses that align with their culture and heritage is clear: make sure you’re truly “called” to the work. “Your business should be aligned not only with your culture and heritage but with your purpose.”

She also emphasizes the importance of capturing and preserving cultural stories. “Because so much of our heritage isn’t written down, I encourage younger women to speak with elders in their community—your grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and neighbors. Record those conversations. Our culture is our greatest treasure, and you may be surprised at the valuable lessons you uncover.”

The Role of Caribbean Legal Solutions in the Diaspora

Renee’s vision for Caribbean Legal Solutions is to provide a much-needed bridge between Caribbean nationals and trustworthy legal services in their home countries. “Discovering you have a legal problem in another country can cause stress, but finding an attorney shouldn’t,” she says.

Since its founding in 2019, CLS has grown to serve clients not only in the U.S. but also across the U.K., Canada, and throughout the Caribbean. “Our clients can be located anywhere in the world, but their legal matters are in a Caribbean country. We stand in the gap,” Renee explains.

In addition to helping individuals, CLS has built partnerships with law firms, elected officials, and community organizations that serve the Caribbean diaspora. The company’s success lies in its strategic relationships and understanding of the unique needs of its client base.

The Future of Caribbean Legal Solutions

As the founder and leader of CLS, Renee oversees day-to-day operations and continues to build relationships that support the company’s vision. She works closely with a talented team of attorneys, each committed to providing clients with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.

Through Caribbean Legal Solutions, Renee has created a vital resource for the Caribbean diaspora and anyone in need of legal assistance in the region. With her expertise, dedication, and understanding of the Caribbean legal landscape, she ensures that no client gets “lost at sea” when seeking legal help.