Blue Ridge Legal Services - Roanoke, Virginia

William J.

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.

Alex E.

They SUCK in their work performance coz they get PAID salary REGARDLESS & just don't care about their clients' legal rights openly saying " that they're NOT going to confront opposition Or Respondents attorneys if those attorneys are know Or in other words local Roanoke area attorneys whom they come across daily with other cases , with whom perhaps they have their personal / social friendships letting clients down, kind a " throwing clients rights and best interests under the bus ".

Audra C.

I'm sure I qualified for help and the intake lady was nice. I received a response the following day and because they're are no grandparents rights I was told they didn't have the resources. The information that was offered I'd already found on Google. Many years ago I was turned down also because the noncustodial parent got there before me. I've always been the one providing financially and emotionally for my children and now grandchild but I cannot receive help.

Debbie C.

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

Ashley M.

Mr Williams is the best! Straight to the point, very forward about the pros and cons of your case, which I like from a person. Definitely recommend

Chastity P. S.

Emily Jewett and Elizabeth were amazing! I'd paid out thousands of dollars to incompetent lawyers but they got me and my children what we deserved. Thanks so much!!

Devin T.

Adam Toney is a great person. He's fast and very respectful.

Angela F.

Very helpful and gets the job done love ❤ this place 💘 ❤ Emily