Skip to main content

TV LAWYERS VS. LOCAL LAWYERS

"Have Briefcase, Will Travel"

You're watching Gunsmoke on late night TV.  A well dressed lawyer suddenly appears on a slick TV ad.  He promises to help you get your "much deserved" Social Security disability.  You are presented an 800 number to call.  You don't know where that call will be answered, or by whom.  It almost certainly won't be answered by the guy on TV--who was probably a paid actor pretending to be a lawyer.  The real lawyers may be in New York, Texas, Florida or Hawaii. Who knows?

Things you need to know about some TV lawyers:

1.  These lawyers may not be local.  While some local lawyers do advertise on TV, many national firms from out of state also advertise on TV.  

2.  When you call a toll free number, you don't know where the call is going or where it will be answered.  Probably, it goes to a national call center which takes thousands of calls each day.

3.  You may never speak to the real lawyer.  Your paperwork may be handled entirely by a clerical worker, a call center employee or at best a paralegal.  

4.  If you are getting ready for a Social Security disability hearing before a judge, it's very likely you will not meet your lawyer until a few minutes before the hearing starts. This makes it  a very non-personal relationship where everything has been handled over the phone or by mail.  No personal service.

5.  If your attorney is a "remote" representative (working from an office thousands of miles away) -- you may not be able to call and speak to the lawyer and he/she may not return your phone calls personally.  

I dare say this is not the kind of arrangement most people want.  Most people want a local attorney or advocate who lives in or near their hometown--someone you can visit at their office, speak to on the phone--or get your call returned promptly.  If this is what you expect, I encourage you to obtain representation locally--in or near your hometown.  If you want personal service--where you can meet with your representative as you prepare you case--call a local advocate or attorney.

The Forsythe Firm is located in Huntsville, across from Bridge Street.  We have been in the same location for almost 2 decades.  We offer full service representation:  meaning, you can meet with us, call us, or ask questions any time.  When we appear at your hearing we will be a familiar face whom you know and have worked with.  You will always be able to speak to the professional who is working your case.  

 I'm not saying that all TV lawyers are bad.  But they may not be the personal, close advisor that you want and need.  

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IF I CHANGE ATTORNEYS WILL IT DELAY MY DISABILITY CASE?

No.  Getting a new attorney will NOT delay your pending Social Security disability claim or appeal .  Your new attorney "inherits" the case and picks up where the other attorney left off.  There is no re-filing or starting over, so your case is not set back or delayed at all.  Social Security maintains an electronic folder stored in its system.  This folder contains every document ever submitted concerning your claim or appeal.  Your new lawyer may log into your electronic files and see, in real time, all the evidence and other documents in your file. While we do not recommend changing attorneys while your case is pending a decision, it is sometimes necessary.  You may need a new lawyer if your attorney dies, retires or  becomes disabled before your case is settled.  You may choose a new attorney without delaying or causing any set back to your case. If you are considering obtaining a lawyer to handle your Social Security disability case in...
Post a Comment
Read more

URGENT MESSAGE FROM SOCIAL SECURITY'S TOP OFFICIAL - February 18, 2025

There is a lot of talk and speculation about Social Security in the new Trump Administration.  The acting commissioner of Social Security recently resigned and Lee Dudek has been appointed the new Acting Director. Today (2/18/2025) I received a message from the new Acting Commissioner Dudek.  Here is part of Director Dudek's message on Social Security for 2025:   Our continuing priority is paying beneficiaries the right amount at the right time, and providing other critical services people rely on from us. DOGE personnel CANNOT make changes to agency systems, benefit payments, or other information. They only have READ access. DOGE personnel do not have access to data related to a court ordered temporary restraining order, current or future. DOGE personnel must follow the law and if they violate the law they will be referred to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution.                      ...
Post a Comment
Read more

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY APPLICATION PROCESS

  Here is a brief overview of what takes place after you file your Social Security disability application : Application confirmation  – Social Security will mail you a copy of your application to sign. You will have an opportunity to review the application, correct any errors, and send it back to Social Security for processing. You must return the signed application. Social Security will not process your application until they receive your signed confirmation. And they don't send reminders about this. Function report  – Social Security will mail you a form called a function report . This form will ask questions about your personal care, meals, house and yard work, getting around, shopping, money, hobbies and interests, social activities,  and other abilities. This form will help Social Security determine what you can and cannot do on a daily basis. It must be filled out carefully and fully and returned. Work history report  – Social Security will ma...
Post a Comment
Read more