Reviews

I will explain and provide a lower rating after this week’s outcome

Regarding Mr. Phillips and his Assistant. The lady and the lawyer are unprofessional. The woman was very rude and falsified information regarding my phone number. I expressed my concerns in a civil manner and she became very defensive and hung up on me. She then admitted another number was on file but tried to claim she never said there was never an additional number. I would not recommend this place and the lawyer never took the time to see they changed my phone number and never returned my call. He sent a letter telling me to do the case myself and without a lawyer.

I came here with high hopes. I was greatly disappointed to say the least. I went through the qualification process and everything. I spoke to the attorney about an impending eviction and the mistakes that I had documented that were made by my corporate landlords. Long story short, the attorney informed me that he would look into breaking the lease before the eviction process. He was well aware of the duress I was being subjected to by the apartments. Instead of me just emailing him documents, I was told to print out 120 pages worth and take them directly to this office's location and that he would look at them and let me know what his thoughts were. I, like many others am just a working person fallen on hard times and subject to corporate rule for my living, so I took solace in the fact someone was going to at least hear me out about my side of things. I was mistaken. After about a week of waiting and after providing everything in the most unhinged way possible, I call to see what is happening with my case. This call was made in the late afternoon. By, early the next morning, the lawyer had already looked over all the documents and determined there was nothing he could do. It simply did not matter the lease wasn't signed, monies weren't applied correctly, that I was refused a copy of a lease that was redone, or that none of the charges were explained. His whole basis hinged on the meer fact he did not see any changes in amounts of the monthly rent. So, I take him at his word. Fastfoward to the company giving me a second notice, proving the amount charged had changed and could not be accounted for... with this new information, I email the lawyer back and tell him I now had undeniable proof to support the claim that he needed to be supported in order to break the lease. He replied with a dismissive nothing he could do. It is clear that he did not want to help at all. I assume this was nothibg more than gaslighting because at the end of the day, he gets paid no matter what happens to me.

This was the worst experience I have ever had. I called three times. The first two times there was no one there, afternoon or morning, that could do intake. Finally, by the third time I called, I was able to go through the intake process. Of course, outside of income questions, they asked me about my legal issue and I tell them it was an employment issue, specifically unpaid wages. The paralegal was very nice and professional and informed me the that the attorney would call and the time the attorney would call. Once I speak to the attorney, everything goes down hill, fast. He proceeds to ask me a bunch of basic questions about the possible case (what was the employer's name, the business name, what I did for a living, how much I was owed, and did I voluntarily leave or was I terminated). I explain the whole situation in a short version. Inform him that I have the documents stating the company name, the start date, the agreed amount, and explain the strange circumstances of why I chose to terminate the employment. I don't very much understand why I was asked how the employment ended, but realizing I am not an attorney, I answered. Immediately, not even five minutes into the conversation, he tells me I can file the case myself and what I will need, but that they don't handle that type of case and, if I did file it by myself, I would have to pay money and the verdict may or may not go in my favor. I was shocked. I have worked in insurance long enough to know that if the lawyer does not handle the specific type of case, they will not offer advice as that is a professional liability exposure. I was also shocked about the questions asked and why they would say I could speak to an attorney at all if it was not something they handled. How could it possibly benefit me to pay to file charges in a court when I have the lack of money to qualify for a free service like this? Furthermore, how would I have the money if the whole case was because I did not get paid to work? Now, I know the optics of going to court being an employee that is new to the area, younger, and has no lawyer vs someone older, who is a small business owner, and probably has representation. I am not about to do this. I had to find out from chat gpt to go to VA department of labor where they can help for this very thing. It's a sad day when a lawyer that is supposed to help the lower class doesn't provide information that could help, but instead says, pay and ignores the optics of the courtroom. I could have understood if it was a dispute because I was let go, if I didn't have everything in writing (including timed, stamped and dated responses), or I was 1099, or even if it concerned something other than straight pay. None of that was the issue. Everything was straightforward, documented, and by the book. The absolute best I can conclude or deduce from my experience is the lawyer knew the employer or there was some legal conflict of interest. To this I say, I should have been advised of such if it were the issue. In my opinion, it is very confusing that it is called Blue Ridge Legal Aid but the business cards say VA legal aid society, and when Googled, there are three different address for the aforementioned two and then one for they individual attorney's office. Something seems odd here. Don't waste your time.

Reached out to them for help with maintenance issues I was having with landlord. They were very nice and respectful. Took the time to listen to my issues and asked to send whatever I had as proof of problems and that I had informed realtor of problems. Called next day to help me take care of these issues. Very grateful to them mainly the attorney that help me. I give them a 110%

They are still working on my case but I have nothing but praise for them. Extremely helpful and following through with the case.

Although they cannot help with real issues you may encounter. They will give you legal advice if you qualify.

The attorney was clear to understand our situation and handled it very well. It was very easy to find and close to the main route. I would recommend this place for anyone need of legal aid.

They did a great job in helping me achieve my goal. And I got to meet a paralegal and it was great.