Banks & Associates Review

I regret every dollar I ever spent with this firm and would not recommend this firm to ANYONE! Unfortunately my original review exceed the character limit because I have so many examples of the unprofessional nature of this firm and the fact that Mr. Banks flat out did not do his job. I m happy to provide detailed examples, just message me. Selected examples are below:
Upon being hired Mr. Banks wanted to file a separation from room and board since it was still a few weeks from the 12 month period before I could file for divorce. Another lawyer said it didn t make sense since we were only weeks away from the deadline and it would cost more money. Which I personally believe was Mr. Banks objective.
A lawyer in the Fairfax office briefly took my case before he left the firm but once he left I didn t hear anything for a few months and had no idea who took my case. I had to reach out and ask. That lawyer, Mr. Eells, was friendly and we had pleasant email and phone exchanges. I have yet to ever receive an email directly from Mr. Banks after 12 months. I had more contact with Mr. Eells in one month than I had with Mr. Banks in 12 months. That should tell you the type of legal guidance Mr. Banks provides.
At first I was able to use my credit card. Without notice about 4-5 months later they started charging a 4% fee. They also tried to jack up the retainer fee from $1,500 to $2,000 but backed off when I confronted them on it.
On numerous occasions my emails were ignored for weeks.
2 weeks before my temporary hearing I hadn t heard a peep and in talking to friends was told I should meet with my lawyer before then since that is customary. I was the one to set that up. We spent the whole time reviewing information I had told him when I hired him months ago.
At my temporary hearing in January he said someone in his firm was sick and he had to check in on another courtroom and told me that when the judge took roll call to say that he would be right back. I personally believe this is why my case was the LAST out of over 10 to be seen. I was there hours costing a total of over $1,000 for 10 min in front of the judge.
I cancelled my ex s medical insurance since I was tired of paying for it when he wouldn t. Mr. Banks heard this, called me and said why did you do that?! in a condescending tone.
In July 2017 after not receiving responses to emails for 2 weeks I called to be told that the paralegal was on vacation. No out of office reply and obviously no one was checking her email while she was out. I called back later and was told she had actually left the firm. It took 4 days to schedule to speak with Mr. Banks. When I talked to him he said he didn t think that we had anything to talk about and although the questions I had were important to ME they likely wouldn t break the case.
I received a text from my ex saying thanks for agreeing to meet with him and his lawyer. After asking what the heck he was talking about he said MY lawyer had called his and requested a settlement meeting. I wasn t ever notified of the meeting! When I told Mr. Banks he was confused and had no idea his office had scheduled the meeting. He called back saying he had my case confused with someone else of the same last name. He had no idea what was going on.
The firm made a HUGE error leaving out an inheritance my ex received which cost me to receive lower child support payments. That error cost me to receive around $3,000 less than I should have over a period of 8 months.
2 weeks before my court date I had enough and hired another lawyer. Mr. Banks was present at the settlement meeting but after about 2 hours got up and explained he had another appointment at 1pm and had to leave. My new lawyer, myself and my ex and his lawyer continued the settlement meeting for several hours coming to an agreement and settling out of court on all matters.
I emailed Mr. Banks requesting a refund and someone replied weeks later basically saying too bad you signed a contract (attached) and attached my final invoice that I owe $1,300.

Unfortunately the attorney (Mr. Berry) that I was dealing with was not very responsive. He made a suggestion to me on Feb 18th - to which I immediately replied, not once but 3 time to and never received an email back. I called today and was told that in order to discuss the matter further I was going to have to get another case number from my legal program - this makes no sense as I was trying to follow-up on hi email and recommendation. I would not recommend this firm to anyone, which is unfortunate because my interaction with Mr. Banks on the first call was very positive.

Attorney Chester Banks is a general practicing lawyer and has proven to be one of the most distinguished and outstanding attorneys in the Northern Virginia Region demonstrating, integrity, excellent listener, detailed oriented, organized, % positive attitude, self motivated and wins his cases with style and class. The Commonwealth of Virginia should be proud to call him one of their own.

Nurse Sears

I am very disappointed with the lawyer that I had. She couldn't get my agreement right added some stuff that I didn't agree to.

This place is a joke. I hired tim ward for a tenant dispute. He heard me out and sounded very confident during our consultation. When you call he says he will call you back and never does. He doesn't respond to his emails. He just took my $2,000 and ran. I have asked for my client file to go elsewhere and have gotten no response. Completely unprofessional. Don't waste your money here!!! Find a better well known law firm because this place is a scam!

This lawyer completely acts like money is nothing until they feel like you need them. Once they know that they will throw u a big bill right befire court they also will lie to you so you cant trist nothing they say. All workers in the office have an attitude and are rude. He charges 350$ an hour but cant even remember your case.. dont waste your money

ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE! I don t recommend this law firm to anyone. I had appointment scheduled and I reached out to the receptionist to confirm my own appointment that day. The meeting was scheduled for a phone consultation. I asked the receptionist before I paid the money for the consultation will the office be able to do a payment arrangement. Receptionist shared with me that most attorneys in office are able to take pay arrangements, that I should be fine.

When it was time for my meeting. I was on hold for over 30 minutes. The call kept returning back to the receptionist and she kept putting back me on hold. Once the attorney came to the phone LATE. She didn t know anything about my case she thought it was a divorce case. I had to correct her multiple times throughout the phone conversation. I noticed she was not prepared for my consultation at all. I continue to be Very patient throughout the phone conversation. I assumed she was having a long day. Me and the attorney was not on the phone no more than 20 minutes. In conclusion, I asked the attorney if she could take my case she said yes. I also was honest and told her that I would need to make pay arrangements. She said okay and will transferred me to the billing department. I than spoke with the billing representative and asked if I can set up the payment arrangement and have everything paid before a set day. I told her I would be able to start the payment the following week. However, she responded back saying that she would not be able to do any pay arrangement and that maybe I should reach out to a family member to loan me money. That is very unprofessional!!!!!! That s completely disgusting. I am appalled by their actions at this law firm.This was a confirmation that they are not concern about the clients but all about putting money in their pockets. This is absolutely mind blowing and I do not recommend this law firm at all. The attorney got paid from the consultation fee to do absolutely nothing for my case!!!!!!!!!

I made an appointment last Friday for a consultation on Monday at 9:30am - I drove about 1 hour to get there on time. I called their office as I was driving and I heard their automated message saying "You are calling off hours" meanwhile it was 8:30am sharp (they supposedly open up at 8:30) - after re-dialing a few times, I got the lady on the phone at 8:35 and she confirmed my first time appointment with them. I arrived a few minutes early. I was given a 3 or 4 page questionnaire to fill out before I had gotten it filled out they indicated to me that the lawyer was not there yet. I noticed a woman was sitting nearby behind a desk - she had no shoes on and was bare foot (very professional - I said to myself). When I had completed the questionnaire it was about 9:35 - at this point, they told me the lawyer was unfortunately "stuck in court" and was unable to meet with me. I had a few choice words and slammed the door and left - I think they are extremely unprofessional to say the least. I do not understand why they did not let me know ahead of time that the person could not meet with me so I could have avoided driving there for absolutely nothing. I will take my case somewhere else where they respect my time.

I came to Banks & Associates in 2019 to handle a minor case. I fully paid for representation. However, it has been 2 years since I hired Banks & Associates. Each time I call, the law firm is giving me excuses to explain why nothing has been done yet to rectify my case. Either the secretary or an associate attorney tells me that there is no information they can provide mainly because they have not done anything. I get excuses from Banks & Associates transferring my case to different attorneys without my permission. I also get told, "We will call you back" every time I have a valid question pertaining to what has been done on my case. And they have nothing to show for any work that has been done. My case is the same as it was 2 years ago. How is that possible?

Overall, it has now been 2 years, and I continue getting the run around, with no progression on the civil matter, no actions from Banks & associates, no updates, no correspondence....absolutely nothing. Vonica Bennett at times has an attitude. The secretary Rose, told me that they couldn't find my file when I called to ask for an update on my case. How can you lose a client's file? Not only is that disorganized, but its lack of professionalism for paying clients. I am unhappy with Banks & Associates. I am entitled to a full refund.

If you want the run around, or attorneys who talk to you with attitude and no progress, sure, contact Banks & Associates. I believe another firm may better suit your needs than Banks & Associates. No client should experience the unprofessionalism, lack of knowledge, and run-around they provide.

Used them for two different cases. One auto accident- settled - it was okay.
Felt that more settlement could have been obtained though. The other case - well let s just say that I will not use this firm again as I still don t understand how a $2500 retainer was used up in just 4 weeks and no court filing or dates were even involved during this time. I provided all paper copies of everything needed yet still charged for. New attorney/different firm could not fathom how that amount was used up that quick either. Not to mention the attorney used had been suspended from practicing by the VA Licensing (2013) Board and I was never advised of this. My fault though for not doing due diligence on this attorney.

Banks and associates provides its clients with premium care and respect. Whether you are court appointed or retaining, Banks and associates provides the same level of care to your case.

Overall, I would recommend it as one of the best law firms in the commonwealth.

I will forever be thankful for Mr Banks. He saved me from being a financial captive. My now ex-husband refused to pay me adequate spousal support so I could not afford to move out of the house we shared. Mr Banks inspired me to keep going no matter what my now ex-husband s lawyer threw at us and there was a lot of paperwork, in fact my case files were nearly hip high. We won the case and were awarded just what we asked for. It was the worst time in my life and everyone in their offices were very kind.i have to share I and I know it sounds silly but every year when our family sit at the Thanksgiving table and we each share what we are thankful for; I always say Mr. Banks

Tried to schedule a consultation with an attorney, they told me wait list is for a week and after a week they called me to reschedule or cancel! WHY DID YOU MAKE ME WAIT FOR A WEEK IF YOU KNOW YOU ARE NOT AVAILABLE?!!!