Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC

I am extremely disappointed with the consultation I received from attorney Stephen Bilkis through my prepaid legal service plan. My plan specifically includes attorney consultations, legal advice, review of up to 10 pages of documents, contracts and letters, attorney-written demand letters on a member's behalf, and other legal services. The plan also requires participating attorneys to respond within 8 hours or by the next business day. Despite that requirement, I had to wait approximately five business days just to obtain an appointment. When the appointment finally occurred, the consultation lasted less than five minutes. Before I could fully explain my situation, Mr. Bilkis repeatedly interrupted me and stated that my only option was to file a lawsuit and that hiring him would cost between $7,000 and $10,000. I explained that I was not seeking representation at that time. I was seeking legal guidance through benefits I already pay for. However, I was told that he could not provide meaningful advice without reviewing documents and that doing so would require an additional payment of approximately $2,500, despite document review being one of the benefits included in my legal plan. Every attempt to ask general questions regarding my options, possible outcomes, or potential legal scenarios was met with interruptions. At one point, Mr. Bilkis stated, "I know what you're trying to do," as though I was attempting to obtain something improperly, when I was simply trying to use the services included in my membership. I was not asking for free legal work. I was attempting to use services that I already pay for. Instead of receiving legal guidance, I felt pressured toward paid representation and was unable to obtain any meaningful advice. The conversation ended before I was even allowed to fully explain my situation. This experience was dismissive, unprofessional, and inconsistent with the purpose of a prepaid legal service referral. Fortunately, my legal plan has since referred me to another attorney who is willing to provide the services and guidance that members are entitled to receive.