Attorney Profiles

Clifford L. Weisberg

Senior Partner, has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years, the majority devoted exclusively to Social Security law. In 1979, he was one of the three founding members of the National Organization of Social Security Claimant Representatives (NOSSCR), the only nationally recognized group of attorneys specializing in Social Security law.

As past president, member of the executive committee, and current member of the Council of Past Presidents, he has seen NOSSCR grow into a 4,000-member organization. As part of his duties, he has given over 200 presentations on various aspects of the Social Security Act, and has conducted numerous training seminars for attorneys just starting practice. He has also been a member of the editorial board of West Publishing Company's SOCIAL SECURITY REPORTING SERVICE, since its inception in 1985. In 1993, Mr. Weisberg was presented with the NOSSCR Pro Bono Award for legal services to the poor.

Clifford B. Walkon

Principal Partner, has been responsible for the transition of the firm to one devoted exclusively to Social Security law. He has been in practice since 1977, and oversees the work product of our support staff along with maintaining a very busy caseload. Indeed, Mr. Walkon has probably handled as many hearings as any other attorney in the state.  He has also given presentations in seminars as well as to various organizations.  Because of his diverse legal background before devoting his practice exclusively to Social Security law, he brings an effective and unique style of advocacy that has proven successful over the years.

Kerry J. Spencer

Associate Attorney, has been with Weisberg & Walkon since 1986, initially as a law clerk for two years, and as a staff attorney thereafter. Her expertise in writing persuasive facts and law treatises and legal briefs in support of client claims has resulted in a number of federal court reversals of Social Security Administration denials. She maintains a very active caseload and has a particular expertise in disabled children's claims. She has practiced Social Security law exclusively her entire career. She has also been either a board member or officer of the Social Security Section of the State Bar since its inception in 1997.

Deanna Lee Kaniowski

Associate Attorney, started with the firm as a law clerk and became an associate attorney in 1992. She served as the Chairperson of the Social Security Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Michigan from 1998 to 1999. She has given many presentations on Social Security Disability and, in particular, child's Supplemental Income. Ms. Kaniowski handles cases from the initial application process through to hearing, and when necessary, into federal court.

Michael J. Plowman

Michael J. Plowman joined the firm in 2005 upon completion of his Juris Doctorate at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. While in school, he clerked for a law firm and interned in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. He chose disability law because he wants to specialize in a practice area where he can help people in need. His responsibilities include the application process and hearings.

Heidi G. Walkon

Associate Attorney, started with the firm as a law clerk in 2008. Heidi completed her Juris Doctorate at Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, her Master of Arts at Columbia University in New York City, and her Bachelor of Science at Indiana University in Bloomington. With a bachelor's degree in secondary education, specializing in special education, Heidi has a particular interest in disabled children's claims. Indeed, Heidi taught special education at the high school level before she began her career as an attorney. Her responsibilities include handling cases from the initial application process through to hearing.

J. Gabriel Guerrero

Associate Attorney, joined the firm in 2009, and is the newest member of the legal staff. His responsibilities include handling cases from the initial application process through to hearing, and when necessary, to the Appeals Council. Mr. Guerrero received his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School in 2008 and he holds a Bachelor of Arts, with distinction, from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, in International Studies with an emphasis in International Affairs and Spanish Language and Culture. Mr. Guerrero’s prior experience includes immigration law, family law, and workers’ compensation law. Mr. Guerrero is licensed to practice law in Michigan and is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR), as well as the Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan. He is fluent in Spanish.