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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

Lisa Reeves
26/06/01
Great conversation. Eliz was very kind, personable and easy to understand. I trust the firm will do what they can to help me. Very honest.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Lisa, for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so pleased to hear that Elizabeth made you feel comfortable, listened to your concerns, and explained things in a way that was easy to understand. Building trust through honest guidance is very important to us, and we appreciate the opportunity to assist you.
Professional, knowledgable, met expectations
Response from the owner:Thank you Randy for taking the time to leave us a positive review!
Gail Scott
26/05/26
Our questions were answered and helped us understand what was needed and not needed in regards to probate proceedings. Emily was very pleasant, professional and knowledgeable. It was great to still have legal offices that are willing to do a free consultation.
Response from the owner:Hi Gail, Thank you for your kind words. We’re so glad Emily was able to answer your questions and help make the probate process easier to understand. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and are pleased the free consultation was helpful.
Legacy was very helpful in explaining Medicaid policies and explaining how I can keep my assets. I look forward to working with them . A little pricey but i think it will be worth it. Thank you Elizabeth
Response from the owner:Thank you, Deana, for your kind review and for trusting Legacy with your planning needs. We’re so glad Elizabeth was able to help explain Medicaid and asset protection options in a way that gave you peace of mind. We appreciate your honesty and look forward to working with you moving forward.
I had a family member pass away and I was really distraught I really had no clue what to do and I worked with Emily and she really made the process seamless and she helped me and my family navigate how to go about the probate court. I was honestly clueless and having this firm for support really helped the process move smoothly. Moving forward I highly recommend this firm specifically Emily. Thank you so much. She made the process not so overwhelming
Response from the owner:Thank you, Lyssa, for your kind words and recommendation. We are very sorry for your loss and understand how overwhelming the probate process can feel during such a difficult time. We’re so glad Emily was able to provide guidance, support, and reassurance for you and your family during this challenging period. Helping families navigate probate with compassion and clarity is very important to us, and we truly appreciate you trusting our firm to assist you. We will be sure to share your thoughtful feedback with Emily. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience.
Provided strategic snd informative help in understanding the process of care for an aging spouse.
Response from the owner:Thank you, William, for your kind words. We’re glad we could provide strategic, informative guidance as you navigate care decisions for your spouse. These situations can be complex, and our goal is always to bring clarity and confidence to the process. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything further—we’re here to help.
Kamlesh Kaur
26/05/01
Excellent
Response from the owner:Thank you Kamlesh for taking the time to leave us good review!
Very professional and knowledgeable. We highly recommend this law firm!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Melissa, for your kind words! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It’s great to hear that you found our team to be professional and knowledgeable—that’s exactly what we strive for with every client. We’re grateful for your recommendation and were glad to have the opportunity to assist you!
Amber I
26/04/22
During a very difficult time in our lives losing our father, and everything surrounding the way it all happened, Emily was truly incredible. She went far beyond anything we could have hoped for, showing real compassion, strength, and unwavering support. She restored my faith in attorneys and helped carry my family through a time we will never forget. I’m forever grateful for her. Emily is truly one of a kind, a shining star in a dark tunnel. This team is lucky to have such a gem!
Response from the owner:Amber, thank you for taking the time to share this—especially during what sounds like an incredibly difficult and emotional time for your family. We are very sorry for your loss, and we truly appreciate you trusting us to be part of that process. Your words about Emily Wanchisn mean a great deal. She takes immense pride in supporting families not just legally, but personally, and it’s clear she made a meaningful impact for you when it mattered most. We’ll be sure to share this with her and the entire team. Thank you again for your kind words and for allowing us to assist your family during such a challenging time.

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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Professional, knowledgable, met expectations
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!
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.
Very professional and courtesy. Instilled confidence in me
During a very difficult time in our lives losing our father, and everything surrounding the way it all happened, Emily was truly incredible. She went far beyond anything we could have hoped for, showing real compassion, strength, and unwavering support. She restored my faith in attorneys and helped carry my family through a time we will never forget. I’m forever grateful for her. Emily is truly one of a kind, a shining star in a dark tunnel. This team is lucky to have such a gem!