Rhode Island Legal Services

"Literally just another completely useless government funded program who refuses to help anyone unless it's something that you could easily do yourself, then they'll help. So if you have a real issue that requires real legal services and assistance, then you better look elsewhere. Most of these people probably worked in the AG's office in some capacity at some point in their careers. A disgrace."

"Stay away from Mike Banks he is a lier . I requested to speak with the judge during my trial. Mike Bank says you will you will. Never talked to judge never knew anything. He did not handle the financial end of it. Last time we spoke he screamed at me sticking up for the other people. He threatened me , show me in so many words too bad for you"

"Hahahahahahaha! If you are ever referred to RI Legal (because you're poor like me) then don't waste your time. I have been referred to them ore than once: twice as a civilian and once as a Veteran. ONE TIME: they referred me to a tax attorney who met me, took time, and actually helped me understand my tax problems. The other two times: I was on the verge of becoming homeless. Once as a civilian: the largest private land owner in the state of Rhode Island (the oldest environmental conservation organization in the US, very well known, VERY WELL FUNDED by private donations - from whom multiple directors have embezzled, yes them - the A Society) evicted me in the middle of summer when the rents increase 2 -4 x's their usual - I had money, I was willing to pay until all the summer people went home, no deal. RI Legal referred me to a local lawyer in South Kingstown who took my $75, called a member of the Board of Directors whom he knew personally, and I still ended up homeless - I slept on Narragansett Beach all summer - it was nice! I stayed for free where the Summer people pay $200/wk to stay!!! Until it got cold... And now as a Veteran: I contacted them on August 30, 2023. I had received a letter from my landlord's lawyer saying that they were going to terminate my lease on September 27th. I only got a call back from them on October 6th. I laughed at the "counselor" (who is NOT a lawyer and can't answer ANY of your questions) and told her that if I had waited around on RI Legal before I acted on my own behalf, then I would be homeless. She said, "Do you want the referral of not?" She gave me the number of a lawyer - NOTE - HERE IS ALL THE ASSISTANCE LOW INCOME PEOPLE ARE GOING TO RECEIVE: A 1/2 FREE CONSULTATION, AFTER WHICH YOU HAVE TO PAY FULL - BOAT TO THE LAWYER FOR YOUR FEES. AND NONE OF THIS WILL TAKE PLACE IN A TIMELY MANNER. SO IF YOU'RE ON THE VERGE OF BEING EVICTED THEN YOU BETTER PREPARE TO LIVE IN A CHEAP MOTEL, COUCH SURF, OR YOU BETTER GEAR UP FOR CAMPING OUT - BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT GOING TO REMAIN HOUSED THROUGH THIS "SERVICE"."

"They represented me in an eviction case. I had a very important question to ask about move out dates as the landlord seems confused about it. Five days later (three business days) and I haven't heard from them. Will edit if need be."

"This review regards Attorney Heather Burbach in her OFFICIAL CAPACITY as an attorney with R.I. Legal Services. Ms. Burbach both threatened and screamed at me in a public area (on video recording) of the Family Court today. Her behavior was reminiscent of the behavior of a domestic violence perpetrator. Bizarre considering she is supposedly a domestic violence advocate (doubtful in my opinion). Rhode island Legal Services does GREAT work - don't let this disparage you from using them - just beware of Ms. Burbach's unprofessionalism, temper, and attempts to control a process of which YOU ARE IN CONTROL!!!!"