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16 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
My appointment was at 10:00 A.M I waited in the lobby until 10:15 and he still did not come out and get me so my fiancé and I left. Part of my disability is anxiety and being out of my home, which I explained to him over the phone before we set up the meeting time. I can not hire an attorney that is not prompt and not considerate of my disabilities in the first place.
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21 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Tried to call and was told I would be contacted soon. Never was contacted. Called back and was informed they were out sick. Called back yet again and was placed on hold then when the same person returned to the line she seemed like she didn't know how to use a phone put me back on hold and never answered
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29 Dec, 2018 by Albert
If you like rude, arrogant, and dismissive, Lawyer Ellen McVay is your gal. My sister and I brought our uncle into the firm of Rosenberg, Freedman & Lee LLP in Newton, MA to see what our paper work would show vis a vis the passing down of the house from him to us - his nieces and nephew. I had high hopes that the family would finally learn if we were in jeopardy of losing the family home (The five year look back) were he to go into a nursing home. It went badly within the first couple of minutes. Why do you need to see him alone? I asked. "Because I represent him", she responded. He wants us involved in this process. "I still have to see him alone first." Not two minutes went by before both my sister and I decided - by encountering her proprietary and dismissive manner unfold in the waiting area! - that this was going to get interesting. I relented and let her take him into her office "Alone". I was expecting her to simply ask him, "Would you like to have your relatives in the room from the beginning?" I waited a couple of minutes more. Still nothing. I went to the door and knocked. I said, He wants us in on this. Did you ask him? No. She had not. Again I relented and went back to the waiting area. Eleven minutes went by and no Ellen. I went in again - even less friendly than the last time - and began speaking to my uncle. All you have to do is say yes and we come in. Being up there in age he became confused. Ellen was no help in de-escalating or adopting a team-like approach to the situation. She kept interrupting me and insisting that, "He is my client and not you!" in an hostile tone. At one point I had to tell her, I am not talking to you. I am talking to my uncle. At this point we were at a standstill. It was clearly not going to work out. Okay we're done here. My uncle, sister and I left but not before telling her how unprofessional she had behaved.
Advice To The Firm:
Sign up Ellen McVay to a class in How To Cultivate Both A Successful Lawyer/Client Interpersonal Relationship and an
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09 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Stay away from this ATTORNEY he ranned off with my money and did not do anything really. You have been warned he is GARBAGE I will be filing a complaint at the GEORGIA BAR on him..HE manipulates you in to give him money and he don’t practice in the field you need. Once stay on him he has ANGER issues and will not DO his JOB he DISAPPEAR with your MONEY. HE DOES not DESERVE 1 STAR he is HORRIBLE. HE has made me lose everything..
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31 May, 2021 by Marlene
Something doesn't match up,,,I had the worst representarion,, have disabilities,, have all of us he work credits,womeon doesn't want to pay out all the he money I'm owed,,,docs n lawyer s n jugdes protecting you axh oth r ,hmmm?
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15 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Shows up to court unprepared, Late with filings and had to request extensions on documents due by court order. Acts like a high schooler looking through her bag when aske for a homework assignment she didn't do.
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06 Feb, 2021 by Ashley
I just fired Mary Kay Fowler as my attorney for my social security disability hearing. I never chose her to begin with, the previous attorney simply sent my file to her and I had no energy to object. I received a voicemail from her one day, a few months into her having my case, asking to set up a phone appointment as she had some questions. She also said she would be sending me an email. I called back shortly after she left the voicemail and had to leave a message myself. Didn’t receive a call back and never received that email she said she would send. In my voicemail I said that I had some questions as well about the paperwork they sent me in the mail to have filled out by my doctors and I told them when my doctor’s appointments were. I received no response. Wasted my doctor’s appointments and my time and energy to set them up. Also they never alerted me that they would be sending that paperwork in the mail so it was a complete shock when I received it. I had to do some maneuvering and pull some favors to get the doctor’s appointments in time to have the paperwork filled out by their deadline. All of this went to waste. They should have alerted me that this paperwork was being sent and that I needed it to be filled out by medical professionals so I could set up the appointments and also explain how to fill it out. I need to show that I have been disabled since 2016. It is now 2021 so am I to have this filled out about 2016? Because that’s 5 years ago and I have already submitted paperwork showing that (already had a hearing) and have different doctors now. No response from them until I was fed up and emailed them that I wanted different representation. Literally THREE MINUTES LATER, I’m not even exaggerating, I received an email from them. I was too pissed to respond then and was deciding what I was going to do. The next day I emailed them asking for a digital copy of the paperwork they sent in the mail to be filled out by the doctors. It was then that I was told by her assistant that she only sent that paperwork out because she didn’t have my DLI yet (2016). So essentially she sent me unnecessary paperwork and wasted my time and energy when some days I can barely get out of bed. Now they want to talk and her assistant asks when we can set up an appointment. I’m not confident in her abilities and I am still contemplating what I am going to do. I am referred to an attorney by my doctor and contact them. They say they will review the exhibit file and will let me know what they think about my case. I am still on the edge about if I am going to stick with her or not and just want another attorney’s point of view before I make a decision. I contact Mary Kay’s assistant and ask for my file. She forwards my email to Mary Kay and I actually get a response from her. She tells me to contact the previous attorney for it (who got annoyed with me contacting him when I couldn’t get ahold of Mary Kay, so I don’t know how well that’s going to fare). Also, she demands an answer that Monday (again, it is Friday afternoon) as to if I am going to stick with her or not. I told her that is not enough time for me. I need to get the file and have someone review it to make a decision. She emails me again still demanding a response Monday. This just seals the deal for me that she is NOT the attorney for me. Seriously, she and her assistant only responded when I said I want other representation yet somehow she demands an answer from me that Monday, a business day later? If you can even call it that. With it being Friday afternoon there’s no way I could get the file and have someone review it all in one day on Monday. I most likely would’ve had an answer Tuesday or Wednesday and may have kept her on but her inability to listen to me or keep me informed, her horrible communication (really the lack thereof), her wasting my time, and her ridiculous and impossible deadline leaves me with no faith in her ability to properly represent me whatsoever.
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02 May, 2017 by Anonymous
did not settle my case i have been waiting for years and they lied about me and is trying to take 70.00 a week from my 284.13 and we are hurting so bad.and they told me they did not have explain things to me. and i said that you are supposed to get paid for settling the case not taking money that i already had coming in. in my books they are the worst kind of lawyers.they are nasty over the phone anytime i have called to check on my claim they do not keep me up on my case. they are the worst in my opinion.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
They are very horrible.
Manipulative. They are just after your money and will not pursue your case. The service is too bad. They will always make up excuses to charge money
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31 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I have three stars for keeping me informed only because his staff was helpful. As for my attorney I did not ONCE speak with or even see David Sullivan except during my hearing. And even then he barely muttered a few sentences. I was in complete shock on how my hearing was handled. He didn't argue on my behalf. He didn't even talk to the voc rehab witness, much less the judge. I decided to research social security hearing information and I was shocked to learn how much Mr Sullivan did NOT do for me. Also, after asking Mr Sullivan my questions after the hearing, I felt he was unable to give me a direct answer which leads me to believe he was completely unprepared for the hearing. I also found out that he did not give the judge important medical records from my neurologist. I noticed this when I got my denial from the judge. It was not listed in the list of medical records she used to base my denial on!! Ihad to find out the hard way of my mistake in hiring Mr Sullivan. So avoid my mistake do NOT hire this man.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Unprofessional and do not return calls. Update I've been calling for 4 weeks not sure if they are still in business but filing a complaint with the Florida Bar DO NOT USE THESE CLOWNS!!!
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30 May, 2019 by Amanda hossmann
Today, I made the long drive over the hill to Encino, to see a SSD Attorney, who came recommended by a friend who has received his SSD. The waiting room was freezing cold & empty. After filling out the paper work, I was called in by a young woman I thought was the Receptionist, or Assistant. To my surprise she then sat down and I realized she was the Attorney. She was as cold as the waiting room, never smiled, or asked me the traditional how are you, etc. The conversation was very brief. She refused to look at my paper work from
the Attorney who initially did my SSDI claim. I was in and out in about 3 minutes! My friend who drove me couldn't believe it!
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02 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
i called her to help me with a dissability claim it was denied and her staff member told me there was absolutley nothing else she could do for me and that they could not appeal it well this was not true i have a excellent lawyer now and yes it was appealed just fine and i am well on my way to having a judge hear my case in fact my new lawyer says i have a good case I guess she is maybe ok if its a cut and dry case that she has no work to do but if you are looking for someone to fight for you and actually put in the work this is not the attorney for you in fact her staff member that called me was not at all nice to me. it a sad thing that if i had listened to them i would not have my disability!!!
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20 Apr, 2017 by Celie
I spent less than 5 minutes in his office this morning and in that time, this attorney did everything in his power to agitate me with his arrogance by telling me without looking at ANY of my medical reports, or hearing anything about all my new disabilities since I was originally given SSDI in the first place!! He took a look at me and said in a stern voice and without even letting me explain my health issues, "I'm not going to take your case unless you have medical paperwork saying that you 100% disabled!!". I then handed him a pile of medical records, and said very upset, "Here are my records! You will see that I'm disabled!". Not liking that I was clearly upset by his abrupt egotistical interrogation, he then handed me back my records and told me to get out of his office! Unbelievable!
After I got cancer and after I was originally approved for disability in the first place, I then broke my back 3 times, in 9 places over a 1 year period time. Radiation treatment for colon cancer weakened the structure of my bones and I now have osteoporosis and arthritis, I limp from that and I lost 3 inches in height. I also now have other physical disabilities from the cancer and other new medical problems that limit my ability to function daily, yet in 5 minutes, without letting me explain all my medical history or looking at the medical records, he decided NOT to take the case based on me sitting in a chair. He stated that the new administration is denying a lot more cases and it sounded like he was asking me questions to quickly get rid of me, rather than asking appropriate questions to take the case.
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08 Feb, 2023 by Scott schroeder
If you care to be heard, have a voice, steer clear!
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20 Nov, 2023 by Rich
This man will look you in the eyes tell you he will do all he can. But ended up dragging cases on. For his benefit only. Making you sell anything and everything you can just to get by. But I just got a bill from him. Years after his service. When he was paid in full back then. Some how he is able to get away with. Until he pushes someone to snap. I’m quessing?
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03 Feb, 2015 by W.k.
He is brilliant, intelligent a great person, sure had fun preparing the case with him as we got closer to the final hearing on a divorce. But when it got down to it as if we got a flat tire and the transmission went out. Some folks tried to warn me. Obviously I did not listen and I am paying dearly.
First off, he gave me bad advice on a false protection order that was based on lies & outright false accusations and it resulted an unfair ruling. I compiled evidence of the plaintiff being a manipulator, perjurer, child abuser and slanderer of compelling evidence of my innocence and sent it to his office for submission. None of it was submitted, nor did he object to the courts proceedings. He actually let a junior (novice) attorney in family law (Debra) from the Reese Law Firm run over us (the defense).
Its not understandable or comprehensible of how an attorney could be this ineffective or sleep at night with a conscious.
I have not spoken to my child in almost 5 years due to his ineptness and his lack of skill to face a fight. He basically cowarded down in circuit court
Maybe the courts fixed or still set in the stone age in Arkansas and he knows that a man does not have a chance in ARKANSAS and lawyers are just there to take your money, either way.
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03 Feb, 2020 by Kurtis j vandermolen
I inquired of services for my disability case and had great difficulty getting return messages from his daughter, paralegal. Messages were ambiguous and my replies were systematically lost. When I called this practice “inept” and “incompetent” after they closed my case, Barry wrote me a long scolding message absolving himself of blame and threatening to call the police on me.
Barry is obtuse, petty, and pissed that he’s not a judge anymore. He really would have liked to cite me in contempt. As it is, he is actually just an attorney that you don’t want to deal with if you are seeking results.
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12 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
My title says it all. Arrogant , lazy, know it all. A complete waste who should just retire. He doesn’t know how to speak to people. He does nothing to help you fight your case. Call here, call there. You get no answers from Rob only boating about himself. His daughter is helpful. This practice in general needs motivation, classing on manners, respect and the law! Rob is useless and I regret retaining him. SSA told me I could have done this myself, to think he gets paid. Hence got SSD by a professional who cared.
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10 Jul, 2023 by Marsha stamp
09 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
This is a Workers Compensation Lawyer. He won my case and I still wouldn't recomend this lawyer. He's in an office with two other lawyers in the same specialty, and a couple of secretaries yet no one ever answers the phone, you always get voice mail for some reason. The first contact with his office is ok, I left a message and Mr. Testini did call me back the following day, I set up a personal meeting with him and retained his services. Every phone call within the first year except two were answered by voice mail. And out of about 25 calls 20 of them I had to call back at least 1 more time before receiving a return call from a secretary, some times 3 or more times just to get a simple question answered. You really get the impression that you are NOT important to this firm. Like I siad I did win my workers comp case but it was more luck than skill. There are a lot of other lawyers out there, I would pick one of them! Unless you like being disabled and feeling unimportant to your lawyer!
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20 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
This lawyer was referred to me for my bankruptcy and divorce the trustee ended up hiring her and still haven't heard anything from her about my divorce would not hire or refer her to anybody
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25 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I had a problem with my tenant and hired him to evict because tenant re rented my home to some one else without notifying me. At trial Mr PV failed to notify this to the judge and tenant got to stay there longer.
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29 Mar, 2015 by Jose
Hired bickham for a case. Promised me one thing, and showed no interest in my case. Bickham would constantly tell me the judge was racist and that it was going to be hard. keisha, his paralegal didn't do anything to keep me informed. I would call them but no answer. I would call privately and they would answer but as soon as they new it was me they were quick to rush me off the phone nothing was done to keep his side of the deal but was quick to befriend the opposing attorney and soon after let my case go.
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26 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Never returns calls, only met him when case was called in court. Apparently takes lunch at 10am, 2pm and 4PM.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
They took their part of my back pay for payment once I got approved for disability. They told me not to call social security when I started calling asking about the rest of my back pay. When the lawyers stopped answering my calls and weren't returning messages, I called social security to find out they paid the lawyer double and have been waiting on them to send it back so they could pay me. They haven't sent it back and they blocked my number on their cell phones. I can't believe the people I trusted are trying to take advantage of me and my situation.
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13 Jan, 2013 by Reza
this attorney is the most worthless he can be. at the court time wasn't prepare for the court and we lost the case.
don't trust him
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14 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
After another attorney left the firm, "Katy" was given my disability appeal case. While she seems like a sweet young lady, she is very inexperienced, and did not follow through with anything she said she would do. I wasn't even aware that she had quit until the firm sent me a letter assigning me to a new lawyer. She never contacted me, I always had to contact her. I had to stay on top of my appeal status, and I had to ask when she needed new documentation. The one document she did draft had so many issues on how it was written, and since she did not understand my case or my disabilities, nor did she take the time to do so, it did not yield any positive results. Overall, I would not recommend her until she has a lot more experience in disability cases, or unless she had an experienced supervisor double checking her work.
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30 Jul, 2022 by Richard sandy
Never returned my phone call!
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16 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
He told my boyfriend to plead my guilty to something he didn't do. He assured him he would get out on probation. He didn't. Hes been in jail for over for months. Also, his receptionist is rude
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Social Security & Disability Lawyer Can Do for You
A Social Security and Disability lawyer specializes in helping individuals navigate the complex process of applying for and securing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. These lawyers assist clients in filing applications, gathering necessary medical evidence, appealing denied claims, and representing them in hearings before administrative law judges. A lawyer can help maximize the chances of approval by ensuring that the paperwork is accurate, deadlines are met, and legal standards are addressed.
If you are disabled and unable to work, or if your Social Security Disability claim has been denied, a Social Security and Disability lawyer can guide you through the legal process to obtain the benefits you’re entitled to.
When Should I Hire a Social Security & Disability Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a Social Security and Disability lawyer in the following situations:
- Applying for SSDI or SSI benefits: The application process for disability benefits can be complex, with strict requirements and documentation. A lawyer can assist in completing the application correctly and submitting the required medical evidence to improve your chances of approval.
- Denied disability claim: If your initial claim for SSDI or SSI benefits has been denied, a lawyer can help file an appeal and represent you in hearings. Many claims are denied initially, and having legal representation during the appeal process significantly increases the chances of success.
- Requesting reconsideration: After an initial denial, you have the right to request reconsideration of your claim. A lawyer can help present new medical evidence or correct any errors in your original application.
- Hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration request is denied, you may request a hearing before an ALJ. A lawyer can represent you during the hearing, preparing you to answer questions and presenting a strong case based on your medical and work history.
- Proving medical conditions: If your disability involves complex medical conditions, a lawyer can help gather expert medical testimony or additional evidence to demonstrate that your condition meets the legal criteria for disability.
- Overpayments and cessation of benefits: If the Social Security Administration (SSA) claims you were overpaid or attempts to terminate your benefits, a lawyer can assist in challenging the decision and protect your right to continue receiving benefits.
- SSI for low-income individuals: If you are applying for SSI, which is based on financial need in addition to disability, a lawyer can help ensure that your financial records are correctly submitted to meet SSA’s strict income and asset limits.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help you avoid mistakes that could delay or jeopardize your claim.
What Does a Social Security & Disability Lawyer Do?
A Social Security and Disability lawyer provides a range of services to help individuals navigate the application and appeals process for SSDI or SSI benefits. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing initial applications: A lawyer can help prepare and file your SSDI or SSI application, ensuring that all necessary forms are completed accurately and medical evidence is included.
- Gathering medical evidence: A lawyer works with your doctors and healthcare providers to collect medical records, treatment histories, and expert opinions to support your disability claim.
- Filing appeals: If your initial application is denied, a lawyer can file an appeal and guide you through the reconsideration process, ensuring that any additional documentation or evidence is provided.
- Representing you in hearings: A lawyer will represent you in front of an administrative law judge, helping you prepare for the hearing and arguing your case to demonstrate that your disability prevents you from working.
- Handling deadlines and paperwork: A lawyer will ensure that all deadlines are met, and that any requests for additional information from the SSA are responded to promptly.
- Negotiating settlements (for private disability insurance claims): If your disability benefits claim involves private disability insurance (in addition to or instead of SSDI/SSI), a lawyer can help negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
- Fighting benefit terminations or overpayment claims: If the SSA attempts to terminate your benefits or claims you were overpaid, a lawyer can defend you in administrative proceedings or file for a waiver or reconsideration.
How Are Social Security & Disability Lawyers Paid?
Social Security and Disability lawyers are typically paid on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if your case is successful, either through the approval of your disability benefits or winning an appeal. Here's how it generally works:
- Contingency fee: The fee is usually 25% of your past-due (backpay) benefits, but no more than $7,200. This fee structure is set by the SSA, and lawyers cannot charge more than this amount for SSDI or SSI cases.
- No cost for future benefits: Lawyers are not entitled to any portion of your future monthly disability benefits. Their fee is strictly limited to a percentage of your backpay.
- Additional costs: In some cases, you may need to pay for additional expenses, such as obtaining medical records or expert witness testimony. These costs are usually minimal, but it’s essential to ask your lawyer about any additional expenses upfront.
It’s essential to confirm fee arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to avoid misunderstandings.
How Much Does a Social Security & Disability Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a Social Security and Disability lawyer is typically structured around the contingency fee system outlined by the SSA. General cost information includes:
- Contingency fee: The lawyer’s fee is capped at 25% of your backpay, with a maximum of $7,200. For example, if you are awarded $10,000 in backpay, the lawyer will receive $2,500 (25%), and you will receive the remaining $7,500.
- No cost for future benefits: Lawyers are not entitled to any portion of your future monthly disability benefits. Their fee is strictly limited to a percentage of your backpay.
- Additional costs: In some cases, you may need to pay for additional expenses, such as obtaining medical records or expert witness testimony. These costs are usually minimal, but it’s essential to ask your lawyer about any additional expenses upfront.
Overall, there is no financial risk in hiring a Social Security and Disability lawyer, as they only get paid if your case is successful.
Top Questions to Ask a Social Security & Disability Lawyer
Before hiring a Social Security and Disability lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise to handle your case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with Social Security Disability cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling SSDI and SSI cases similar to yours, particularly if you have a complex medical condition. -
How do you charge for your services?
Confirm that the lawyer charges a contingency fee and that you won’t owe any fees unless your claim is successful. Ask if there are any additional costs for medical records or other expenses. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and the potential challenges you may face. -
How long will the process take?
Disability claims can take time, especially if you’re appealing a denial. Ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what the typical timeline is for cases like yours. -
How will you help me prepare for my hearing?
If your case is going to a hearing before an administrative law judge, ask the lawyer how they will help you prepare for testimony and present your medical evidence effectively. -
What happens if I’m denied again?
Ask about the next steps if your reconsideration or appeal is denied, including the possibility of further appeals to federal court.
How to Check the Credibility of a Social Security & Disability Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable Social Security and Disability lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for Social Security experience: Review the lawyer’s website or profile to ensure they specialize in Social Security and Disability law and have successfully handled cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on Social Security Disability matters.
- Check for memberships in relevant organizations: Membership in organizations like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) can indicate that the lawyer is committed to representing disability claimants.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a Social Security and Disability lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Medical records: Bring copies of your medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, treatment histories, and any disability-related diagnoses.
- List of medications and treatments: Provide a detailed list of any medications you are taking, treatments you have received, and ongoing medical care related to your disability.
- Denial letters (if applicable): If your disability claim has been denied, bring a copy of the denial letter from the SSA, along with any documentation related to your appeal.
- Work history: Provide information about your previous jobs and work history, including details about how your disability has impacted your ability to work.
- Social Security application (if already filed): If you’ve already submitted an application, bring a copy of the application and any correspondence you’ve had with the SSA.
- List of questions: Prepare a list of questions you have about the legal process, the lawyer’s fees, and what to expect in terms of timelines and outcomes.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your situation.
