Shannon Kay Johnson

I never communicated with her prior to receiving an invoice directly from her once I fired her. I was charged for a phone consult and was not informed I was being charged. I called and attempted to retain another attorney and spoke to Jessica. I was under the impression that her office worked w...ith the other attorney as that was the number I called. At no point did anyone inform me that I was calling a different office. She NEVER took the time to meet/speak with me. I recognize that this should have been a red flag from the beginning, but I was very nervous about my situation so I spoke with her assistant, Jessica. I was charged $125 to review an email I sent? By who? No one has talked to me. I was additionally charged for signing the contract and giving the office my credit card number which in turn the office charged a fee since I was using a credit card. I agreed to retain during the call with Jessica but did not get the paperwork until the next day. In fact, I only ever spoke with the assistant—including when signing the contract. I sent numerous emails on the attempting to confirm with the office that my appearance for the initial arraignment was waived. No one ever replied to those emails requesting to meet with with Shannon personally until after the arraignment in which it was stated, "...we will speak on that with you..." No where in my contract did it say that I will charged for each email, to include unresponded to emails. There was a line item for emails, for the amount of $1875? I was sending emails, that went essentially unanswered, because I needed to know if I was to appear in court. Additionally,Jessica responded your office is available "...24/365." However, I had called on numerous times and no one answered the phone and as the email threads show my questions were unanswered. I disputed my invoice through the Virginia Bar Association. Shannon handled my arraignment, but never called me before the hearing regarding a plan or after that hearing to let me know how it went. I was completely clueless as to why I paid you money to “represent me.” I do not know how you can represent someone without knowing that person’s goals or ever speaking with that person. I did receive the email the day before the arraignment stating my new court date but again, but I never spoke to Shannon. I felt necessary to seek different counsel as it is clear that you are not following rule 1.4 of the VA Professional Rules of Conduct by failing to keep me informed of my case or even communicating with me at any point at all. I am also concerned that your office is engaging in the unauthorized practice of law since your paralegal sign's contracts on your behalf, provides legal advice, and conducts initial consultations. I could not continue to be represented by someone who fails to be governed by these rules.