Legal Aid Society

"I had a court case in New Windsor and I called these people when I got on the phone with them. They were the rudest people I've ever dealt with in my entire life and they wanted to know the income of my boyfriend and if I didn't give that information they wouldn't represent me. Not only did I speak to two or three people which all them. One had one worse attitude than the other but they hung up the phone on me. They didn't care about nothing but how much money my boyfriend made and these are the people that are supposed to represent you if you can. Stay far far far far away from these people at any cost"

"Called Asking About A Misdemeanor from 1990, I was in my early teenage years, The Case Was DISMISSED AND SEALED. I TRIED explaining I have talked to the Court, who provided a Disposition Including The Raised Seal, Stamp stating SEALED also states Charges DISMISSED! I didn't Even Live In Orange County At The Time I was Visiting Family and Friends, I was REPRESENTED BY ORANGE COUNTY LEGAL AID .... The Incident Has Started Showing up on my Criminal History Record Costing Me TWO JOBS. I TRIED ASKING THE PERSON WHO ANSWERED THE PHONE since OC Legal Aid Represented me and the "Clean Slate" act if I could be assisted by or have a referral on who can help me clear the issue up (Since They Would Have Access To The Same Report And Represented Me)... The Person Who Answered The Phone Literally Told Me "JUSS CAUSE A RECORD ISS SEALED (No Not A Typo I was Spoken To As If We Were Having A Conversation On The Street, The Chewing Gum Didn't Help or attitude after asking to speak with someone else) DOSEN'T MEAN IT DOESN'T TELL THE PEOPLE WHO RAN THE CHECK WHAT YOU DID IT JUST MEANS SEALED NOT DETAILS AREN'T ALLOWED TO BE SEEN" When I replied "Sealed Means Sealed To Anyone But Law Enforcement In A Case Where Certain Situations Apply or Employment That Requires Certain Things Such As Firearms Are Part Of The Job, Its a sexual based or violent criminal act as OUTLINED IN THE CLEAN SLATE ACT " Instead of saying "Sorry I don't Know Who Can Help" "We Cannot Help" OR AS I ASKED "You Can Inquire about or we can refer you to Pro-Bono Attorneys" The Conversations ends with "WE CAN DO SOMETHING OR WE ONMLY HELP IF YOU HAVE A CASE RIGHT NOW THATS WHAT LEGAL AID DO" Then Hung Up On After Advising "Then Why Did The Legal Aid Society Advise Me To Contact The County Legal Aid The Incident Took Place ?" Why Did I get The Impression a Secretary Overstepped her bounds Telling People About The Law? Glad I was only in minor trouble as a kid if this is the place people depend on for help self representation with Google and Nolo will produce a better defense"

"I was reading the reviews for this Legal Aid Society, and I don't find the negative reviews to be helpful at all. I had a very positive experience when dealing with everyone there. Yes there are a lot of people that need help that go to this place. So maybe the secretaries are abrupt and quick to transfer you to the attorneys voicemail. Kate Bellingham, my attorney was very helpful there was a little communication, but it wasn't necessary. She handled my case completely professionally. She talked to me when I needed to hear from her. People have to remember they are not the only one in a long list of others in need of these lawyers assistance. I am sure the staff is overwhelmed and doing the best that they can. Those that can't understand this are just selfish and ignorant. You are not the only person with an issue that needs to be dealt with in court. Maybe give that some consideration next time you're writing a negative review. Sincerely Jim storms"

"I called in dire need of information and assistance with an important matter. I thought I was about to lose custody of my son. When I tried to explain my situation to the woman I was on the phone with, she proceeded to put me directly on hold. I'm not sure this place should even exist. Just because people are in need does not mean they shouldn't be treated like human beings. Very RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL. DON'T call this place if you are looking for compassion or even the basics of courtesy. SHAMEFUL."

"October 11, 2018 For a gov't funded NPO specializing in providing Legal Aid, its Office staff have been openly rude, condescending, and hostile to me, someone in need of legal representation. Of the 3(?) Women i have had to speak w/ 2 have been abrupt, terse, openly hostile, contemptuous and aggressive. I have asked for their names, when speaking w/them. They state that its policy not to give them. I've asked for a listing of the specific criteria (importantly, financial) they are using to qualify applicants. They refuse to give info, stating they never do & also that its "confidential". These women who answer the phone are basically : A. Making judgement calls that they don't need to do, since there is a Financial Need form you have to fill-out, sign & somehow get Notarized. B. Clearly incapable of handling communicating w/Applicants in a professional, courteous, manner, devoid of snide contemptuousness & hostility in a transparent attempt to harass & shame you by angrily & repeatedly challenging your answers to their unsupported & "confidential" financial need questions. Why aren't the Board Directors, Ed.Dir. and perhaps even the Funders of this NPO keeping an eye on the Support Staff? Do they truly not understand how these individuals are apparently intentionally, actively & aggressively damaging both the NPO's ability to actually provide services to ppl in need & its Reputation? Clearly, there is no internal Oversight re: Support Staff behavior, performance, or accountability. And i am truly baffled & extremely dismayed that there is no independent & impartial oversight outside of this NPO, so i can pursue formally filing a Complaint, reporting the really hostile attitude and behavior of these Secretaries/receptionists. Since they refuse to supply names or even titles/roles/positions, for all i know, these women may be the Office manager or have a high lvl supervisor position! These women don't even have basic phone skills or common courtesy. Their behavior, their anger/contempt is inimical to the purpose of helping ppl in need. Quite frankly? These women should not be employed. They clearly are biased & judgmental concerning Applicants. They are clearly not able to perform properly or professionally. They also seem to be unable to either handle the workload, which may be why they are openly angry, or incapable of managing the stress of this job. Management should investigate. Management needs to put automated phone recording into service, so support staff performance, leading to these very serious & very damaging situations, can be reported, proven & properly dealt with. How many ppl have already been harmed by what these unskilled staff have done? If I could assign a negative number to this NPO, i would. The Attorneys may in fact be professional, skilled and genuinely interested in providing excellent legal services to those in disadvantaged circumstance. But the Support Staff being allowed to handle the phones MOST CERTAINLY ARE NOT. If you have had similar experiences, please report it!! It won't change for the better if we, those being treated badly, don't stand up against being harmed by the very ppl charged w/ helping us and report it. I will be contacting every authority I can to get these women removed from these positions. Adamantly & Sincerely, A Concerned Citizen in Need."