Professor Starnes unique line of scholarship lies at the intersection of family law, partnership law, and feminist theory. Her critiques of current law and reform proposals have provoked widespread commentary. Professor Starnes has presented her scholarship in both international and national fora, and has worked with grass roots community groups dedicated to law reform. Her publications include articles in the University of Chicago Law Review, Wisconsin Law Review, Iowa Law Review, and Indiana Law Journal.

Professor Starnes has taught family law to students abroad, and commercial law to judges at the National Judicial College. A long-term member of the MSU Law faculty, she co-chairs the Child and Family Advocacy certificate program, is co-advisor of the Family Law focus area, and serves as faculty advisor to the Family Law Society. Professor Starnes was named an MSU Outreach and Engagement Senior Fellow for her scholarly work toward community change, and was appointed in 2006 as one of six faculty members of The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction Fellowship in Family Law.