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HOW TO FIND A TOP SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYER / ADVOCATE

Social Security disability law is not taught in most law schools.  It is a very specialized area of expertise that must be learned by on-the-job training or experience.

So, when looking for a Social Security disability lawyer, look for experience.  How long has the lawyer been in practice?  How much of his/her time is dedicated to Social Security disability cases?  If he/she spends most of the time dealing with personal injury, automobile wrecks or some other area-- you may not want a lawyer who only "dabbles" in Social Security once in a while.

What is their success rate?  No one wins all of the claims or appeals that they handle.  But the national average award (win) rate in hearings is around 45 percent.  Certainly, you don't want an attorney with a win rate below that number; but hopefully well above.

ACCESS is another important factor.   Will your lawyer take or return your phone calls?  Can you talk to him/her?  The single greatest complaint I hear about lawyers is:  "They won't return my phone calls."  You need communication and access to the person who represents you.

There are firms that accept thousands of phone calls per month in their call centers.  But the actual lawyers isolate themselves with assistants, clerks, secretaries and receptionists--all to be sure that you cannot speak to the attorney handling your case.  In the case of some firms, you only meet your lawyer on the day of the hearing. Is that what you want?

CHECK REVIEWS BY FORMER CLIENTS.  There are dozens of websites that offer reviews of lawyers and firms.  Probably the most common is Google reviews, but there are many others.  Every good lawyer may not have 5 star reviews.  But do you want one with 2 stars?

Look up a lawyer's rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).  The BBB rates lawyers from A+ (best) to F (worst rating). The BBB site may also give grievances or complaints on file.

Finally, schedule a free consultation with the lawyer you're considering.  Meet with him/her.  This will tell you a lot about their personality, commitment, philosophy and knowledge of Social Security law.

There are many excellent Social Security lawyers and advocates in your area.  The internet is probably the most common way of finding them.  But consider recommendations of friends, co-workers or relatives.  

We wish you success in finding an advocate or lawyer who is experienced, skilled, accessible and available.

THIS POST IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION ONLY, NOT LEGAL ADVICE.

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