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Shelby Emley

Associate Litigator

Shelby was raised primarily in New Jersey, with several formative years spent living overseas in Singapore and China, an experience that shaped her global perspective and adaptability. Now based in Centreville, she brings that breadth of experience to her role as a Litigation Associate at Legacy Elder Law Center, where she leads the probate department, handles guardianship matters, and works extensively in litigation. With a background in prosecution, Shelby has significant courtroom experience and well-honed advocacy skills, enabling her to represent clients in complex, emotionally charged legal proceedings confidently. She is especially passionate about helping individuals and families navigate the court system during times of uncertainty and transition.

Shelby earned her undergraduate degree from Chestnut Hill College, where she double-majored in criminal justice and sociology with a minor in Spanish, and her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law. Her legal education included internships in New York, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Outside of her practice, Shelby enjoys reading, traveling, and hiking with her two rescue dogs—Digby, an 11-year-old golden retriever mix, and Shady, an 8-year-old Australian cattle dog mix. An avid traveler, she hopes to visit Australia, Scotland, and Ireland in the coming years and values staying connected with family near and far.

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Online Reviews

Legacy Law Group truly provides exceptional customer service. Rory's knowledge and professionalism immediately put our family at ease with our complicated guardianship/conservator case. It is very clear he understands the law inside and out. His team is excellent, especially Odalis who I have had the pleasure of working with regularly. She is quick to respond and if there is something she doesn't know, she is following up to find the answer. This team has made a stressful situation feel manageable. We appreciate all of their hard work!
Where to start! This law firm is FANTASTIC! As a child of elderly parents in the midst of an alarming legal situation dealing with their care, they were the only firm in town that 1. answered the phone and 2. connected me to someone who could help me right away. The person I worked with was Emily Wanchisn, a wonderful person and paralegal. She helped me interpret the legal documents that were signed by my parents, explained what my responsibilities and limitations were, and did it all with a kindness and compassion you don't find very often in the world these days. I was never once made to feel "crazy" which can happen when emotions are high. I hope someone reads this review and it informs their decision to hire this law firm. They are great and know their stuff!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us this thoughtful review. We are pleased that Emily was able to put you at some ease during trying times.
Excellent session! Emily listened very well and responded with thoughtful questions that helped provide clarity for all.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to share this, Kathy! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an excellent session. Emily truly cares about listening closely and asking the right questions to help bring clarity, and it’s wonderful to know that came through in your experience. We appreciate your kind words and the opportunity to work with you.
Jolly good advice on many key frontsRather expensive but so worth it in the big picture❤️
Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind words and for sharing your perspective. We’re glad you found the guidance helpful across so many important areas.We understand that this type of planning is a significant investment, and we truly appreciate your recognition of the value it provides in the bigger picture. Helping clients gain clarity, confidence, and peace of mind is exactly what we aim to deliver.Thank you again for trusting Legacy Elder Law Center — it means a great deal to us ❤️
Leeann, from GuideWISE has been a blessing for me with her assistance in helping find and keep an excellent Caregiver. She stays in touch regularly and has always been very professional but still caring. I highly recommend GuideWISE.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. We’re truly grateful for your kind words and recommendation.Leann will be especially touched to hear how meaningful her support has been to you. Staying connected, advocating for the right caregiver match, and providing both professionalism and genuine care is exactly what we strive for at GuideWISE. We’re so glad to know that her ongoing involvement has made a positive difference for you.Thank you again for your trust in GuideWISE. It’s a privilege to support you, and we’re always here if you need us.
I stumbled on Legacy Elder Law at a critical moment in my mom’s health care journey when I believed I had run out of options. The team at this firm quickly engaged and presented options for helping my mom qualify for Medicaid. Specifically, Odalis took the time to meet with me and explain the process in detail, particularly when I was feeling overwhelmed. She treated me and my family’s situation with kindness, respect and professionalism. Unfortunately, my mom passed before we could complete the process, but Odalis and the LELC team took the time to offer sincere condolences for my loss. I strongly encourage families to seek the services of LELC to properly plan for your loved one’s estate planning and long term care needs prior to critically needing a plan.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to share this thoughtful and heartfelt review. We are truly sorry for your loss, and we’re honored that you trusted Legacy Elder Law Center during such a difficult and emotional time.We’re especially grateful for your kind words about Odalis. She — and our entire team — strive to meet families with compassion, clarity, and respect, particularly when circumstances feel overwhelming and time-sensitive. Even when outcomes change in ways no one can control, it’s important to us that families feel supported, informed, and cared for throughout the process.Your message about planning ahead is an important one, and we appreciate you sharing it so openly. If your family ever needs guidance in the future, please know our doors are always open.Thank you again for your trust and for recommending our firm to others.
The phone consultation was clear, thoughtful and addressed all my questions . Thank you to Emily for taking the time to explain all the relevant legal issues for our family.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind review. We’re grateful you took the time to share your experience, and we’re especially pleased to hear that Emily was able to answer your questions and provide clarity for your family.If there’s ever anything more we can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here whenever you need us.
My phone consultation was very informative and very professional
Response from the owner: Thank you, Cecelia! We’re so glad to hear you found your phone consultation informative and professional. Our goal is always to provide clear guidance and support from the very first conversation. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!
Very good experience working with Steve Bingham. We benefited from Steve's professionalism, experience and smart practical approach. Made for a quick and smooth sale of our property. Thanks Steve!
Response from the owner: Thank you, John! It was a real pleasure working with you. I’m glad we were able to make the sale process smooth and efficient — that’s always the goal.
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Memberships & Associations

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Legacy Elder Law Center’s ability to listen to you, map out a financial strategy and follow through with expert planning and advocacy is invaluable in securing your family’s financial future no matter what event comes along down the road.

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Deborah Reams
Just had my initial consultation. Was gretat & very thorough. Looking forward to my next appointment.
Jim
Leeann, from GuideWISE has been a blessing for me with her assistance in helping find and keep an excellent Caregiver. She stays in touch regularly and has always been very professional but still caring. I highly recommend GuideWISE.
Pamela Finster
It has been my pleasure to know and work with Attorney RoryClark and the staff of The Legacy Elder Law Center for the past six years. They have assisted me with the complexity of helping my parents create their irrevocable trust. With Rory's expertise and guidance, the entire family feels that our parents' financial future is secure. My thanks to all for making this experience so easy and allaying our fears.
Lisa Freire
This team has done nothing but work to help me. They have been confidantes, therapists, and obviously legal experts. They have taken a potentially disastrous situation and turned it around in a flash and explained all of my options at each stage of the process. I could not be happier with their work. We're not done yet and there are still some hurdles to jump but without them I really would be up the creek without a paddle.Thank you Leann, Rachael, Eliz, Rory and the rest for your patience, expertise, and kindness. Worth every penny.
cecelia crabbe
My phone consultation was very informative and very professional
Pamela Chalip
My phone consultation with Emily went exceptionally well. Emily was informative, direct, clear and compassionate when speaking to me.She answered my questions, provided clear direction, and treated me with compassion. She also introduced the team, fees, and next steps which gave me confidence that Legacy Elder Law Center could give me a sucessful outcome.
Kathy Zeamer
Excellent session! Emily listened very well and responded with thoughtful questions that helped provide clarity for all.
Theresa Christopher
Legacy Law Group truly provides exceptional customer service. Rory's knowledge and professionalism immediately put our family at ease with our complicated guardianship/conservator case. It is very clear he understands the law inside and out. His team is excellent, especially Odalis who I have had the pleasure of working with regularly. She is quick to respond and if there is something she doesn't know, she is following up to find the answer. This team has made a stressful situation feel manageable. We appreciate all of their hard work!
David Warburton
Jolly good advice on many key frontsRather expensive but so worth it in the big picture❤️
Charles Price II
yo! these people are awesome! and Eliz is the best. Talk about being thorough, communicative, and wanting to put you in the best situation based upon where you are and where you are looking to go. I've been recommending them around to all my friends because I know how important this stuff is. And for them to offer the comprehensive help they do and aid to ensure you understand is well worth it!
Tricia Devlin
Needed some questions about probate answered. Emily was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and kind with my situation over the phone. (Wow, I didn't even have to drive into town for a free consult) Don't hesitate to use their practice if you need this type of information. I know this is Emily's job, but she made me feel confident to proceed with my actions and if I could I would give her more than five stars for how she spoke and treated me. Excellent experience. Thank you Emily!
Rosalie Wallace
EMILY WAS TRULY VERY HELPFUL ON TIME PHONE CONSULTATION I AM GOING TO HIRE THEM FOR I BELIEVE THEY WILL BE FOR MY BEST INTERESTS LOOK AY THEIR REVIEWS VERY REMARKABLE
Karen Tid
Emily is super and upbeat. I told of her the very hard issues of foreclosure and she gave me an assurance that it could be stopped. Since there is no money available until the 1st, she recommended a Free source. I called that number but unlike Legacy Elder Law Center, those phones aren't manned and no one ever called back.It's refreshing to have an upfront legal team who explained cost upfront. I recommend them highly. Your questions, calls, answers, and upfront expense are important and she addressed them quickly and amicably without judgement. Additionally called a day ahead of what I expected. She was sharp, fresh, and ready to go.Give them a call and trust their knowledge because I'd already done some research and she was spot on about the fees and their fee is fair. Great team!
Dan Stapleton
Our consultation with The Legacy Elder Law Center was very helpful and help us refine and understand our needs. Being able to do it remotely via computer was very convenient
Ashley Butler
I am highly impressed with the professionalism, urgency, and hard work that Rory, Liz, Chandler & others in this office displayed. I needed the appropriate documents filed to support my father in his estate and end of life planning. The package they offer provided all the documents he needed in a fast and urgent timeline. I was met with hugs and warmth as I worked with them closely to make sure everything was precise and correct.I would highly recommend their services no matter what your age is. Having all of the documents you need through out your life so your loved ones always know your wishes. If you are looking for the best, I highly encourage you work with them. I am blessed to have worked with them & Liz is absolutely amazing!Down to earth but professional to make sure you are always comfortable and understand the process.
Robert Keller
They were very accommodating and pleasant. Highly recommend.
nell fagan
This consultation was very informative and helpful. I look forward to working with your group! I'll be in touch to set up an appointment.
Mia Katzenberger
Emily was incredibly friendly, efficient, and highly knowledgeable. After our consultation, I felt clear and confident about the next steps to take. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone seeking expert guidance. Thank you!
Kristy Howell
Was very helpful and knowledgeable and gave me alot of good advice on how to handle my father's estate and I was very happy with the help I received through just one phone call
Jennifer Kline
The consultation was very thorough and it is clear Rory Clark had a great deal of experience and knowledge, even if the situation may be time sensitive due to an illness or family emergency
John Sinnett
Very good experience working with Steve Bingham. We benefited from Steve's professionalism, experience and smart practical approach. Made for a quick and smooth sale of our property. Thanks Steve!
Lisa Erickson
I stumbled on Legacy Elder Law at a critical moment in my mom’s health care journey when I believed I had run out of options. The team at this firm quickly engaged and presented options for helping my mom qualify for Medicaid. Specifically, Odalis took the time to meet with me and explain the process in detail, particularly when I was feeling overwhelmed. She treated me and my family’s situation with kindness, respect and professionalism. Unfortunately, my mom passed before we could complete the process, but Odalis and the LELC team took the time to offer sincere condolences for my loss. I strongly encourage families to seek the services of LELC to properly plan for your loved one’s estate planning and long term care needs prior to critically needing a plan.
reginald melvin
Extremely professional and knowledgeable! Listened to my needs and provided very efficient and effective counsel!!!
Alexis Guirand
Emily Wanchisn has been very helpful. I appreciate her time & directions on how I should proceed with my probate issues. I will follow through & keep her informed on the outcome so she can direct or redirect me accordingly. I am grateful for her legal knowledge. The Legal Elder Law Center is recommended to all requiring this type of assistance.
Ashley Funk
Legacy Law was incredible and I look forward to working with them in the future!
Melissa Kaiser
Where to start! This law firm is FANTASTIC! As a child of elderly parents in the midst of an alarming legal situation dealing with their care, they were the only firm in town that 1. answered the phone and 2. connected me to someone who could help me right away. The person I worked with was Emily Wanchisn, a wonderful person and paralegal. She helped me interpret the legal documents that were signed by my parents, explained what my responsibilities and limitations were, and did it all with a kindness and compassion you don't find very often in the world these days. I was never once made to feel "crazy" which can happen when emotions are high. I hope someone reads this review and it informs their decision to hire this law firm. They are great and know their stuff!
roger velez
Very professionals and knowledgeable of the process of trust, wills and probates. Once the required information was delivered the process was fast, efficient and a happy outcome. Recommend them for your needs on these matters.
Carlton Conley
My consultation with Emily was very pleasant and informative. We look forward to working with her.
Dawn
Emily listened, she is extremely knowledgeable. She explained things clearly, answered all of my questions and provided me with information that I needed that I didn’t think of.
Chris Johnson
Emily was very helpful and informative. She took a huge weight off my shoulders.
Brian Burns
We received great advice on planning for the future and protecting assets by setting up a trust, will, and AMD. Loved working with Rory, Kathy and the whole team.
Edwin Allen
We greatly appreciate the assistance provided Liz with our elder care challenge. She responded quickly and provided excellent advice. Thank you!
Deborah Bernick
The phone consultation was clear, thoughtful and addressed all my questions . Thank you to Emily for taking the time to explain all the relevant legal issues for our family.
robin boniface
Very good meeting! Rory handled all the questions my son had and was very patient. We are excited to execute the plan!
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