consumers first.

  • BILLE PLLC is a boutique litigation practice committed to advancing economic justice, with a focus on Washingtonians’ rights as both tenants and consumers.

    The firm’s basic principles are simple:

    One. Housing is a human right.

    Two. Corporations owe a degree of respect, fairness, and care to the millions of regular people who rely on their services to navigate our complex marketplace. And when these corporations violate the law, they must be held accountable.

    Three. Accountability should be inconvenient for the party in the wrong.

    BILLE PLLC represents tenants of all backgrounds and incomes in the fight to affirmatively enforce their consumer rights in state and federal court.

  • BILLE PLLC is investigating a limited number of unfair, deceptive, abusive, or otherwise unlawful housing-related practices in the District of Columbia.

    Please get in touch if you believe you may have a case and would like to schedule an evaluation.

    I am particularly interested in cases that raise any of the following issues (but do not let that stop you from reaching out with a different issue):

    RENTAL HOUSING APPLICATIONS

    • Advertised prices that hid fees that were assessed after the lease was signed

    RENTAL HOUSING CONDITIONS

    • Continued unsafe and/or unsanitary conditions despite informing the landlord or property manager of these issues.

    RENT STABILIZATION ABUSES

    • Rent increases based on arbitrary, inflated rent amounts instead of the rent actually charged.

    • Rent increases based on letters containing inaccurate information about the based rent.

    • Monthly charges intended to inflate the rent controlled rate.

    RENTAL HOUSING JUNK FEES

    • New, unexpectedly high, hidden, poorly disclosed, or not disclosed at all charges for utilities and unspecified services.

    • Fees for utilities in the common areas of the building.

    • Late fees larger than 5% of the tenant’s portion of the rent.

    • Charges for more rent than permitted by HUD or DCHA, according to the tenant’s voucher.

    • Charges for changing roommates.

  • Hidden fees and surprise price hikes. Misleading representations and sketchy omissions. Refusals to fix clear errors. Fees that can only be described as junk. Broken promises. Bait and switch tactics.

    Often, these kinds of irritating practices can feel like the cost of doing business in America — too small to violate the law or to take on even if they do. But pushing back is how we, as a society, can make sure the laws that were intended to protect you from unfair and deceptive conduct do just that.

    BILLE PLLC is open to taking a limited number of matters outside of tenant rights each year, where state and federal consumer laws might help keep companies honest and accountable.

    Please complete the general consultation form if you believe you may have a case.

  • Thank you for considering BILLE PLLC for your legal needs.

    My name is E. Vanessa Assae-Bille and I have extensive experience investigating and litigating against companies for alleged violations of consumer protection laws.

    While every case is unique, here is what you can generally expect from working together.

  • First, I will need to understand the nature of your issue. To do that, I may invite you to complete a detailed questionnaire or schedule a call to better understand your issue. I may also invite you to share documents with me through a secure client portal or via email. Our conversation will be confidential.

    The outcome of our consultation will vary by case. For example, I may: 

    • Ask you follow-up questions; or

    • Request more time to evaluate your case; or

    • Offer to represent you, subject to a signed agreement; or

    • Inform you that I am unable to take your matter; or

    • Recommend other attorneys, organizations, or resources that may be able of assistance.

    If your situation is urgent or subject to time limits, please continue to reach out to other attorneys during this phase, to make sure you secure timely representation.

  • I work on contingency. This means I cover all costs necessary to build the case. I collect my fee and reimbursement for those expenses only if I obtain a settlement or judgment for my client. The precise fee is a percentage of the monetary recovery after the reimbursement of related costs and expenses.

    If we lose or win but are unable to recover damages, only BILLE PLLC will bear the costs of the case.

  • Our relationship will begin if and only if we have both signed the retainer agreement describing the scope of the legal work for which you are hiring me.

    Once this step is completed, I will be your attorney and can begin working the case on your behalf.

  • Investigations are intended to gather information about the facts surrounding a potential case and to prepare for making the strongest legal arguments in court.

    This research is important to make sure that filing a lawsuit still makes the most sense under the circumstances. Its precise duration depends on, among other things, the complexity of the facts, the number of plaintiffs or defendants involved, and the applicable statute of limitations. Notably, the investigation may continue for some time after the lawsuit has been filed. 

    Clients are critical to the advancement and success of investigations. As I put together the narrative of your case, I may ask you to share certain documents, communications, and other materials or testimony that could eventually become evidence to support your claims.

  • In certain circumstances, I may develop a case in which you are a plaintiff to include additional individuals, with similar claims, against the same defendant. Whether each plaintiff is named individually or is represented by a class member will depend on the particulars of the case. Sometimes, I may have a sense of the type of case at the outset. Other times, the right approach will emerge from the investigation.

    Again subject to the facts, I may partner with one or more attorneys as support on your matter. Note that any such addition will not impact the percentage of the relief to which you would be entitled as the plaintiff.

  • My job is to determine if and when we have enough to file in court, and how to present your case in the best light possible. I pride myself on my ability to move cases along. However, even with the facts and the law on our side, litigation can be notoriously slow. 

    If I take your case, I recommend bracing for a long process, as lawsuits can sometimes proceed for years, and being pleasantly surprised if the matter resolves in your favor faster.

  • My aim is for the process of enforcing your rights in courts to feel empowering without overwhelming you.

    To that end, my communication style is on the lighter side. Once the investigation and litigation are underway, you will most likely hear from me only if I have a question regarding the facts, a request for documents, or if your testimony is required. I will also give you a chance to see the filings made in your case before submitting them to the court.

    A client portal will provide you with some information regarding developments in your case.

    And of course, if you have questions along the way, I will be available.

    If I ultimately determine that I am unable to handle your case or represent you and resolve a matter on your behalf, I hope you will consider staying in touch and reaching out again if other legal issues within my wheelhouse arise in the future.