how to pick the right disability lawyer

First Steps to Find the Right Social Security Disability Lawyer

• Ask a Potential Social Security Disability Lawyer the Right Questions. Make sure that when you meet with lawyers or...
• Hiring an Attorney vs. Hiring a Non-lawyer Representative. You can hire lawyers or nonlawyer representatives to file...
• Set Up a Consultation with Social Security Disability Lawyer Rob...

Full Answer

How do I find a good disability lawyer?

Finding Disability Lawyers. Nolo offers a unique directory of disability lawyers that provides a comprehensive profile for each attorney with information that will help you select the right attorney. The profiles tell you about the lawyer's disability experience, education, and fees, and perhaps most importantly,...

Do I need a lawyer to represent me at a disability hearing?

An attorney doesn't need to be licensed to represent claimants at disability hearings; in fact, a claimant's representative need not be an attorney at all. However, a licensed attorney may have a better understanding of Social Security law. This is because attorneys receive special training in how to read and interpret statutes and case law.

What makes a good disability law firm?

A good firm should be willing, and able, to share their statistics. Even though disability firms are busy places, you should be provided with a contact person who you can rely on to answer your questions. The firm should also keep in touch with you on a regular basis.

How do I choose the right attorney?

If you choose to get legal representation, there are some things to keep in mind to help you select the right attorney. When you call a potential attorney, pay attention to the level of professionalism and treatment you are given by the attorney and staff.

What is disability law?

Disability law is somewhat of a specialty. Lawyers that do not practice mostly Social Security law are unlikely to be very familiar with the complex Social Security Disability and SSI regulations. You wouldn't hire a heart doctor to treat your back, and the same goes for law. Look for attorneys that belong to professional groups like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR) to determine which ones are really up to date on Social Security law. Other attorneys just wouldn't know how to question you at your disaiblity hearing or how to challenge the testimony of vocational expert witnesses.

Do disability lawyers get paid?

And your attorney will only get paid if you are awarded benefits.

What does a good attorney do?

A good attorney will give you an honest assessment of your case only after reviewing the facts. A good attorney will also admit that he or she probably can't get you approved any faster than you could on your own. Here is a sample question you should ask and a sample answer a good attorney should give you:

Can a disability firm accept children's cases?

Not all disability firms will accept children's cases, and those that do may not have much experience with them. If you are filing on behalf of a child, make sure that the firm you deal with has experience with childhood disability questions.

Do disability firms keep in touch?

Even though disability firms are busy places, you should be provided with a contact person who you can rely on to answer your questions. The firm should also keep in touch with you on a regular basis. Here are some questions you should ask to get an idea of how your case will be handled:

Can you speak to a disability attorney?

Don't be put off if you can't speak to the attorney the first time you call, or if you are asked to speak to a staff member for help with a question. This is because experienced disability attorneys spend most of their time in hearings and rely on their staff to field calls. However, a good firm should allow you to schedule a free consultation ...

Does Nolo have a disability license?

Nolo has confirmed that every listed attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with their bar association.

Do I need a lawyer for an appeal?

But for an appeal to the Appeals Council, you'll definitely want to hire a lawyer. And since you'll pay a lawyer and a nonlawyer representative the same amount, it can make sense to hire a disability lawyer from the start.

Do lawyers represent Social Security?

First and foremost, ask if the lawyer has experience in winning disability claims for your medical condition. Typically, most lawyers who represent Social Security disability applicants are fairly busy, due to the large number of disability claims moving through the system.