Elaine Shay

I rarely write reviews for anyone or anything online, but I was so bothered by the disappointing free consultation I had with Ms. Shay that I was moved to do so. I began our conversation by providing some context, but I was rather coldly cut off and told to "skip the backstory" and state the probl...em and questions I had. In response, I then began to explain the problems I was having, but she again cut me off mid-stream, provided her recommendation as though she'd heard all I had to say, chided me for not asking questions, and reminded me she that she has been practicing for 30 years. Additionally, I'd made a couple references to the "ORA" during our conversation (the Office of Rent Administration, which is within the Division of Housing and Community Renewal). At the end of the call, one final reference to it resulted in her saying (paraphrasing), "you keep saying ORA I don't even know what that is." When I explained the acronym, she shot back (paraphrasing), "nobody knows what that is, if you said ORA nobody would know what you're talking about." I was stunned, frankly, by her impatient tone and for being admonished for my familiarity with a component of the DHCR which she evidently did not know existed. Finally, she ended the conversation with what I interpreted to be a sarcastic "good luck" that was--shall we say--less than decorous. I stipulate to the fact that it was a free, 15-minute consultation. I can understand her desire to cut to the chase. I also know we are all human and at times we all can be impatient and unfriendly--things happen. Perhaps I caught her on a bad day. But by not wanting to hear any backstory nor having the patience to listen to my problems themselves in full, how can she (or anyone) reliably advise on recommended next steps? Moreover, how can I (or any prospective client) know exactly what questions to ask when we are not subject matter experts? While she very well may be competent and a good fit for others, the combination of unfortunate components to our conversation listed above left me feeling like I was at the hospital being attended to by a doctor with little to no bedside manner. Someone contacting an attorney is (not always but) often in a bind, unsure of what to do, feeling vulnerable, and in need of help. I do not know her personally, so all I can do is make a judgment based on my 15-minute interaction with her. That judgment was disappointingly negative. To sum up my experience succinctly, I found Ms. Shay to be unfriendly, impatient, and lacking in knowledge and calibrated emotional intelligence despite her 30 years practicing. As such, I would not recommend her.

I consulted with Elaine on a couple of issues regarding my landlord and his threats of eviction as i was withholding rent for having to fix things that were his responsibility. She explained my rights as a tenant which I wasn't aware of and she helped me defend myself against him without going to ...court. She is smart, attentive and responded quickly. It was wonderful dealing with a lawyer who I felt really was on my side, I would not hesitate recommending her!