Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Jennifer W.

I just got off the phone with Desi Grimes, who was almost two hours late from when she stated for me to “answer my phone”, Desi Grimes professionalism is egregious to those in a domestic violence marriage, she lacks not only professionalism but empathy for those who are victims. She has a nasty attitude, raised her voice, and verbally abused me on the phone.

DeAnna C.

I am a fully disabled veteran who contacted SouthEast Louisiana Legal Services through their website to seek legal assistance on a matter, as I am unable to afford the services of a private attorney.

After submitting my information, I received a phone call from Ms. Sharell Lyons on February 6, 2025, at 1:13 PM. During the call, she informed me that my disability benefits, which the IRS does not classify as income, did not meet the criteria for their services. When I inquired about how a benefit not recognized as income by the IRS could affect my eligibility, Ms. Lyons transferred the call to another female representative.

I inquired with the new representative about how VA disability benefits, which are not classified as income, could affect my eligibility. Her response was condescending and rude; she implied that all cash received is considered in their determination. This raises concerns—if even collecting spare change could disqualify someone, it leads me to question the true scope of their assistance. I wonder who they genuinely help and how funding for this service is allocated, especially considering that many individuals in need, such as disabled veterans and those on SSDI, often do not qualify for their services.

When I requested the representative's name, she abruptly replied with "Have a good day" and hung up on me. This behavior is certainly not professional for individuals who are supposed to assist those in need, and it undermines the credibility of SouthEast Louisiana Legal Services. Additionally, her unwillingness to provide her name raises concerns about her integrity and accountability, particularly for follow-up or complaints related to this experience.

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) is funded by a variety of sources, including government entities, foundations, corporations, and individual donors. SLLS is also partially funded by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). I question whether these funding sources are aware that disabled veterans are being turned away. Furthermore, I wonder why they permit individuals in their employ to behave condescendingly and rudely. Given the ease and confidence with which this representative responded and reacted, it raises doubts about whether this was her first encounter of this nature.

I'm curious about why SouthEast Louisiana Legal Services employs individuals who are condescending and rude to those seeking assistance. Additionally, it raises questions about how individuals, such as disabled veterans who are unable to work, can be considered "above the poverty level." This disparity significantly impacts their access to necessary services and support.

At no point during the conversation was there an inquiry to assess whether I qualified for their assistance based on my income after all bills were paid. This lack of consideration for my financial situation seems contrary to the purpose of offering help to those in need.

I'm also very curious whether this representative speaks to everyone seeking help in this manner, or if her behavior is specifically directed towards disabled veterans. This raises concerns about the level of empathy and understanding within the organization, particularly for those who have served and may be in vulnerable situations.

According to the IRS website, "VA disability benefits ARE NOT CONSIDERED EARNED INCOME. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) DOES NOT CONSIDER VA disability benefits to be taxable income. This means that veterans should not include VA disability benefits in their gross income when filing taxes."

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/veterans-tax-information-and-services

https://veteranshelpgroup.com/va-disability-benefits-taxable-income/#:~:text=Federal%20tax%20treatment%20of%20VA,income%20may%20qualify%20for%20EIC.

Taura F.

I called trying to help with my elderly grandmother who has dementia who supposed left her years ago. But has been occasionally showing up to her office even after restraining orders and has been assaulting her. After we contacted police and was told they couldn’t help because they are still married we reached out to legal aid. The lady who answered the phone was like y’all should have been thought about that we can’t help and hung up. Didn’t allow any follow on questions or anything else that we could do.

Dr. L. C.

I reached out to SLLS. They responded to me in a timely matter. They did an online in-take, and I was assigned Skyler Williams. Skyler Williams is an attentive lawyer. She is kind and patient. She worked very hard on my case. She researched case laws to fight for my case. Williams is efficient, and conducts legal demands in a timely matter. She really helped me stay at ease, and calm throughout my case. I whole heartedly recommend her as a lawyer, and recommend using Southeast Louisiana Legal Services.

Jennifer L. D.

I had a wonderful experience. I not only got sole custody of my son but they helped with child support. Michele was my lawyer in 00 and she couldn’t have been more helpful! ❤️

mustlove P.

I had one of the worst experiences with this place hopefully someone that is affiliated with this place will read this my name is doris Alexander the young lady that was appointed to help me over the phone was very rude to me everytime I asked her a question she would ask me do I not know what a certain word meant. A couple days later i was told that there was a conflict of interest i asked her what was the conflict and she asked me did i not know what conflict meant, and that she couldn't tell me anything i have never been treated this rudely before in my life i encourage anyone to go and find yourself a cheap lawyer because noone should EVER have to endure what I did! If I had a number to call and complain I would but I couldn't find one so I'm putting my disdain here I almost feel like as soon as she got my name her whole attitude changed which is why she gave me her name really quickly and under her breath. Save the time and embarrassment and go somewhere else I say embarrassment because when I told her that I didnt know the correct spelling of my ex's name she asked me did I really marry him.... YES SHE WAS THAT RUDE!!!

Kenny B.

Good luck getting past the paid employees that answer the phone and think they are lawyers. I called on the advice of Congressman Garrett Graves' office and was told there was nothing they could do. I had a civil rights violation, crisis family matter, and was told they only handle family matters, divorces, and things like that. Very ugly attitude from the receptionist. She kept cutting me off mid sentence as I was trying to explain my crisis situation. Would not recommend these people to anyone.

Asimenye S.

Went to ask them why they said they couldn’t help me. They told me they had no record of me applying for their services. The person who worked at the front desk looked up my information and said couldn’t find me. After telling her that I cr and receive a letter of denial another lady came from the back and was rude with nasty attitude. The lady at desk explained the situation and finally looked me up a different way in the system, she found out that I came there for help in August. After that lady who came from the back stated that there was a conflict of interest and couldn’t service me. I just wanted an explanation, but the lady was full of attitude, plain rude. I did appreciate the other lady who worked at the front office she was trying her best to be nice and explain things in a respectiful manner, but not the one who came from the back, just loud mouth and very insestive.