I am writing to formally document my experience during a recent intake call with Robert E. Scully…read moreJr. regarding a potential defamation and tortious interference matter that left me in tears.
I was referred to Mr. Scully by another attorney with whom I work and contacted him in good faith to discuss my situation. At the outset of the call, before I had the opportunity to explain the facts of the matter, I was asked how I knew the individuals involved had the financial ability to satisfy a judgment. This struck me as premature, as no substantive discussion of the underlying facts, damages, or legal issues had yet taken place.
As the conversation progressed, I was not given a meaningful opportunity to fully outline the sequence of events before conclusions were drawn. I was repeatedly interrupted and told that I "still had my job," as though that alone resolved the legal analysis, without consideration of the reputational, professional, and operational harm involved.
When I attempted to clarify certain legal components relevant to the matter, including fiduciary duty considerations under Virginia law, the tone of the call became dismissive. I was told, "you must be a better attorney than I am," which I found inappropriate and unprofessional in the context of a prospective client consultation.
Under Virginia law, while the Virginia Condominium Act does not explicitly reference workplace hostility, the Association, as an employer, is obligated under applicable employment laws to address harassment and prevent a hostile work environment. Additionally, the Board, as the governing authority, owes fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and good faith to the Association. Once placed on notice of conduct that creates legal risk or operational harm, the Board has a responsibility to act appropriately to mitigate exposure and ensure a safe and professional working environment.. I was not afforded the opportunity to fully explain how that analysis applied to my circumstances before the discussion was effectively shut down.
I fully understand that attorneys decline cases every day. A direct statement that the firm was not interested or did not view the claim as viable would have been entirely acceptable. However, the tone and manner of the interaction were unnecessarily adversarial and left me feeling belittled.
The conversation ultimately became so unproductive that I ended the call. As someone who works closely with legal professionals in a management capacity, I have not previously experienced an intake handled in this manner.
0/5 DO NOT RECOMMEND.
