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16 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Paid cash for a service to the paralegal in 2017 rite after i was awarded with my disability for neurological issues and ptsd, They forgot I was disabled years later, didn't attempt to contact me during this four year period and have told me through email I would be contacted but it never happened. Four years later I'm feeling forgotten about and manipulated because I had just got my disability and was relying on this business heavily for me to see my child , I still have the receipt and am trying to get my payment back with no luck. Now I'm in severe distress..
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29 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
False claims on a expired contract and never paid for labor work on expired warranty.
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09 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Paid $5000 he lied about countenance and motions filed. He did nothing but get us more grief and in more trouble with the system.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Atty. Fraser failed to do any type of investigation on my divorce case. Neither did he file a Motion for me to receive back support or to get my attorney fees paid as he agreed to do.
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10 Jan, 2019 by Mistyc rising
I hired Mr Campbell for a garnishment. He has been uncommunicative for months at a time. He doesn’t respond to emails either. He has no secretary so you know nothing about your case. He didn’t inform me when he received funds. And he didn’t inform me when he stopped receiving funds. He also kept funds and made excuses as to why money wasn’t dispersed to me for two months. And still has yet to tell me why the garnishment stopped. When I complained about the lack of communication he fired me as a client. Worst lawyer I’ve ever worked with. Now I’m in the process of hiring another lawyer to finish my case.
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23 Feb, 2017 by Lynn
This attorney met with me for 20 minutes. After that, she refused my calls and requests for more meetings. I had many questions left unanswered. She was not truthful in court and because of her unprofessional attitude and biased opinion it was a disaster.
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14 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Does not understand rules of professional conduct or fully grasp how to represent clients, no calls, no follow up, zero, stay away
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06 Jan, 2015 by Matthew
On June 2, 2014 I had mediation. Previous to the mediation I was told not to roll over that it looked like the other party was after more money. Any time that Mr. Gilbert talked with the other attorney he agreed that they were correct and should be accommodate. When the mediation was over the other party got more money and full custody. While mediation began Mr. Gilbert sat there and did very little. I let him know prior that I was willing to do anything to be able to continue to be able to see my children. I now have less contact with my kids than before. I also am struggling to keep my house, because of the bills that have been acquired from this incident. I am not a felon and have not been convicted of anything. This is not the reason that I see my kids less.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
If I could rate no stars I would. This woman was my attorney appointed to me by the court of Heflin Alabama and she did not exolain anything to me no paperwork was explained she barely kept contact with me through my entire case and actually told me that I probably wouldn’t win this case bc my hair folic almost test for the court had “amphetimine “ not m*th amphetimine just to be clear I would not use this woman to lower my casket in the ground when I died. I’ve never seen an attorney this horrible before she caused me to lose my child completely. And I find it strange that with 5 yrs of being licensed she don’t have a single review until now but has a 6.0 rating well it’s about to go down bc I will never give a good review on this woman
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31 Dec, 2014 by Olivia
This firm said they would represent me in my SSI/SSDI case. Never having been through this before I really had no idea what my role was and what to do. The firm never made it clear that I was to get all the records and send them on to the firm. I was under the misconception it was their responsibility and since it wasn't discussed or put clearly in writing I didn't catch on to what exactly I was to do. They dropped my case after representing me for about three months, but never specifically told me why they dropped the case. I felt my interests were not protected by them They lacked personalized attention and care to me as a client. It would seem that a firm that specializes in disability cases would note that the clients are not always able to multi task, read between the lines and have the confidence or organizational skills necessary to prepare their own cases without their help and input.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney to help settle an estate. For $1500, I got one poorly written letter that I had to correct and they forwarded me the reply from the other attorney. That was it. I have a list of charges for $75 each for them to forward me the response letter from the other attorney and $40 each for them to email me to schedule a conversation, and another $40 for them to read my reply. And when they made a mistake, they emailed me and charged me for it. This was a very simple task, but they got a retainer and made sure to use every dollar of it.
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30 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
This office turnover was every year, which made a very confusing and unprofessional office. Your calls are never returned in a courteous time frame. I got better results doing my own research. It will be a big mistake hiring her
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23 Sep, 2015 by Donald
I engaged Mr Brusgul to work on an estate. He demanded a large retainer (10,000.00) and agreed to take my case at a fixed price. He did very little work on the case and I paid large fines because of deadlines he missed. Five days from an important hearing he resigned. He refused to give me a bill or any of the retainer and would not return my case file, or personal files. Since he quit he has not returned any calls or correspondence. My new lawyer settled the issues in hours that he had allegedly worked on for over a year without any help from him.
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08 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
not helpful at all, didn’t admit lack of knowledge but it became very noticeable, I can check Google, I can check social media myself and with upcoming legislation I would have thought I would be given some sound advice, instead I’m barked at like I’m on trial, when i don’t answer a question just right, pass on this one, not worth $200/hour to have someone looking at their laptop and not hearing anything you are saying
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06 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. McGillicuddy as my attorney to represent me in a worker’s compensation case against my company. This was necessary in order to obtain authorization for the back surgery I required because of a work related injury. This case was against a very large semiconductor manufacturing facility in Poughkeepsie New York. Mr. McGillicuddy promised during our consultations that when the time comes to present our case at the compensation board he will bring out all the necessary facts. Mr. McGillicuddy requested from me any information I could supply involving the company accident. This included any of my reviews which would be helpful to my case in court. I did so and also provided him with an excellent review. He said this would be very beneficial at our hearing with the compensation judge. The compensation board hearing with the judge did not take place for many months. Within this time period I required extensive back surgery. This required steel plates with screws and a spinal fusion. Just before the compensation board hearing was to take place Mr. McGillicuddy had me in his office for a final consultation. When I asked about the good review I had given him he stated “he could not find it” but said it is not needed since it will be “his day in court”. During the morning of the compensation board hearing I entered the court to find Mr. McGillicuddy was not present. When asked, the court informed me that another attorney had been provided in his place. This attorney was a retired judge and he was not even familiar with me or my name. I had never seen or heard about him in any meetings with Mr. McGillicuddy and he never informed me about him. Thank goodness for the fact that my orthopedic surgeon was there as a witness in my case. If you are looking for a competent attorney who is working with you I would defiantly not recommend Mr. McGillicuddy under any circumstances. Look somewhere else. Gave one star only to post review, otherwise a zero!
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18 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
We talked a lot about what I needed and she seemed to understand and was enthusiastic. Over and over. She reassured me my problem was getting solved and that I need not worry. Over and over. I spent plenty, both in time and money. She was unable to deliver.
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26 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Failed to include all doctor bills to be paid in final settlement. When we called his office and asked for help they never got back to us, even though we tried several times. We were finally told by his paralegal to just pay it out of our own pocket. Just be ware that you don't get stuck for huge bills do to their oversight. I wouldn't recommend their practice.
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17 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Due to a ridiculous comedy of errors resulting in miscommunications between myself, my assigned hearing advocate, the NY office and the staff of Houston office, my ssd case was neither properly documented, understood, developed, nor argued. consequently I was awarded partially favorable, but only with an EOD that qualified me for SSI, not SSD as intended. Houston office did the best they could at the last minute, but were hamstrung due to NY office not communicating to them the details of my case in enough time for them to properly prepare. Houston office did not even have time to study my condition, read and comprehend medical evidence, prepare and submit a brief prior to the hearing due to lack of time to prep due to NY office miscommunicating regarding need to prepare and argue my ssd case concurrently with my ssi case. I talked to NY office staff yesterday and NY says the computer says they were arguing ssd and ssi concurrently, but houston office staff insists they were only aware they were arguing ssi, and therefore only prepared for ssi at the hearing.
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24 Jul, 2013 by Holly
Charles Binder, did NOTHING on my case for three full, long years! Charles won me a second denial from NJ Social Security Disability Admin. Otherwise, RUN! He only pays attention to cases that are high paying disability claims. He does not work, and does not return your calls. HE DOES NOT CARE ABOUT HIS CLIENTS! The only thing he has going for him is his 10 gallon Texas Cowboy hat. Charles employs college students and they always lose your case at least once! He added to my suffering! I feel he intentionally lost my case to increase my retro-pay by 5 years so he would stand to make more money...I fired him and ran for my life! SPARE YOURSELF MORE AGGRIVATION, DENIALS FROM DISABILITY, AND DO NOT HIRE HIM FOR DISABILITY OR VETERANS if you wish to win your case!
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11 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Lawyer doesn't return calls. With all do respect to the elder laws. Actually he is no different than the other lawyers in Madison county.
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13 Dec, 2017 by Cassie
My husband and I hired Mr Glazer a handful of times over the course of two years for his custody battle. We were Referred to him after extenuating circumstances led our lawyer to no longer be able to represent us due to conflict of interest. My husband and I have had custody of his two girls for 4 years. Mother is an active drug user and is absent in the children’s life in every way besides court ordered visits twice a month. Mr Glazer would show up to mediation and have us brief him Quickly on what we wanted. We decided that a 5 minute talk before court was not enough so we would call or email Mr Glazer, he would charge astronomical fees for phone calls and emails even if he would talk to me and then say he would need my husband to call him to get confirmation to proceed with filing motions he would still charge for a half hour call. When he would show up to mediation he would often forget important details or spout out wrong information to the master. A few times he would tell my husband “oh I misunderstood” well, if you took the time to care about your clients and listen rather than seeing $$$ you hold have a better understanding what you were girls for. Mr Glazer would often tell us that what we were asking for was too much and there was no way to prove things because it was hear say but he could go file something else but it would be X amount of money. Finally my husband and I said enough is enough. At some point someone has to see what our children are being put brought. Someone has to care about these kids and see more than $$. We went and filed emergency custod ourselves, which Mr Glazer said would cost $850 for him to do and we probably wouldn’t get it, and we were granted it. We have since hired a new attorney and he has gone above and beyond to help protect our children, we can call or email him at anytime and he responds ASAP and does not charge. I would stay away from Glazer and put your hard earned money somewhere else.
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13 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Shelby is a very snarky pompous arrogant disrespectful ADA. She disregards and violates your guaranteed rights protected under the constitution of the United States. This woman has zero shame in tearing apart families against their will and using PSP to traumatize innocent people. Shelby has MULTIPLE lawsuits filed against her and they are all civil rights violations. She is in no way fit for her position. I will never hire her after watching her actions. She has recently been on a vengeance mission to retaliate against someone for exposing her department for false allegations resulting in a dismissed case.
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27 Nov, 2019 by Eileen
Jerry will tell you that he works for you. That’s the first lie. Everything in your case is predicated on how little he will do, not do as he is asked within the law, and take your retainer and get this, want more money to do his job. He refused to acquire evidence that would have cleared my name from the asst DA. With nearly $2000 left of my retainer Jerry basically told me to go home like a nice little girl because if I anger the court with my legal request the court could throw me in jail. He then wanted to charge me $600 when there was nearly two grand on my account which he has not earned.
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11 Jan, 2022 by Jim
I know for a fact that he had an affair with one of of his clients who he was representing in her devorce. I say he should be Disbared.
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27 Jul, 2016 by Anthony
I was just denied ssd. I found out from the denial that the two months that the judge was supposedly looking over info that my lawyers did not include the latest xrays, cat scans, and mris which showed more damage. Supposedly the lawyer said they requested it from the doctors but the doctors office said they never received a request from the lawyers. Someone is lying. Lets start with the facts. I met this lawyer about 2 hours before the hearing. It reminded me of meeting a public defender. She spoke over me constantly. We never met before the hearing. So how could this lawyer get to know me and hear from my wife with first hand knowledge when she talked over me constantly. She told me to let the judge talk and not to talk too much. Again, that was a mistake. No one knows my conditions more than myself. In the denial, it stated that my lawyers(Pond Lehocky and Dominique) requested more time to get these records. It took them over two months to get records that I personally handed the cds to the judge but they couldnt get them read in over 2 months. The hearing went terrible as I suspected because I never felt this lawyer gave a crap about me. After the hearing, we discussed what Cape MAy County and parental alienation have done to me...my numerous suicide attempts, PTSD, depression, panic attacks, etc. I told her approx 50 fathers commit suicide a day across the country due to parental alienation and as witnessed by my wife, she never spoke another word. She ignored me as we took the elevator down together. I never heard from the lawyer in over two months while they and my doctors were screwing me. The judge denied their request for additional time, totally ignored my psychiatrist's professional opinion, and ignored most facts while denying additional and recent tests. My personal opinion is that she did NOTHING for me and she is not good at what she does. She didnt communicate with me and certainly didnt give a damn about me. I would not hire her for jaywalking. Dominique, Pond Lehocky, and the Judge all screwed me!
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04 May, 2023 by Anonymous
If I could give ZERO stars, I would have. He is lewd and unprofessional. Hard pass!
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27 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired this lawyer on October 2015. I was worried soon after when he sent me information in the mail and called me Mr. Ellis, that is not my name. I was never in his office except the day I hired him and only had one talk with him on phone just days before trial. Was declared 25% disable in 1995. After trial I was assured by him we had won and to expect my back pay within 30 days or so. 53 days later I got my unfavorable letter. Just a couple of weeks before trial he sent me for evaluations, should have been much sooner. I do not feel he gave me 100%. Now I got to figure out where i can go to work and who will hire my with multiple health issues! I am soon to be 58 years old, not many jobs in my community, may have to lose house to bank and move! I highly suggest you pursue another attorney!
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17 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Ok at first; explained things well then quit communicating. When I attempted to communicate he would become quite aggressive, stating I did not trust him and even went as far as to threaten to drop me as a client if I did not leave things alone. I had questions and would get ambiguous responses. I would then ask a follow up question, because it did not make sense, but he just belittled me and told me how every question cost me money (but without ever answering my original question). I expected a direct, honest response but received the opposite- except for the first consultation where I chose to hire him...and yes, paid the retainer.
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12 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I feel I was robbed first off Mr. Everage never informed of my actual rights altho, he was very polite at times. But I felt the whole consultation like I was being rushed. He didn't provide me a receipt when I asked for one. I would not recommend this attorney to anyone.
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06 Aug, 2023 by Bruce
This so called lawyer took $4,000, then an Additional $2,000 from me and Abandoned me in the most crucial time of my case and refused to represent me without giving him an extra $10,000.00. I'm a Disabled Senior Citizen on SSI and he took everything that I had in my Savings Account. Keep in mind that this was for Simple Misdemeanor charges. Now I have to go to criminal court without a lawyer because I have no money left.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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