How to Choose the Right Law Firm to Represent You Before SSA

03/10/09

The answers to some basic questions will give you the path to finding a competent, experienced, and service oriented representative.

1. YOUR REPRESENTATIVE SHOULD BE AN ATTORNEY

The representative should be an attorney licensed to practice law and admitted to the federal courts in the State of your residence.  Many cases are appealed to the Federal Court System.  Unless your representative is licensed as an attorney and admitted to practice before the federal courts in your State, your claim, if denied, will be limited to appeal only within the Social Security Administrative system.  Your representative would have to contact an attorney and incur additional fees in order to have your case appealed through the federal courts. 

2. THE ATTORNEY SHOULD BE EXPERIENCED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE IN ALL ASPECTS OF SOCIAL SECURITY AND SSI LAW.

At the Law Center for Social Security Rights we have 6 attorneys who practice exclusively Social Security and SSI law.  The combined experience of our attorneys total nearly 100 years and involve more than 10,000 cases.

3. THE ATTORNEY AND NOT A STAFF MEMBER OR CLERK SHOULD BE THE MAIN PERSON YOU SPEAK TO AT THE VERY START OF YOUR CLAIM.

We have found over the years that the toughest task we have in any claim is at the very beginning of that claim.  Do we accept or decline the case?  That is why an initial call from a potential client is handled by a Law Center attorney, not a paralegal, not a secretary, and not a clerk.  We will give you a candid assessment of your claim, your alternatives if any, how to proceed if you decide not to retain us, and answer all of your questions.  There is never a charge for this service.

4. WHAT ARE THE FEES?

First, there is never a charge for consultation.  Call as much as you wish and ask all of the questions that come to mind.  You will not be charged.  This is part of our effort to make sure the information you get is accurate and complete.  Unfortunately, information provided by SSA personnel can lack both accuracy and completeness.  It is always wise to verify any information given out by SSA.  If we accept your case, we are only paid if the claim is successful and benefits are allowed.  SSA will  withhold 25% of the past due benefits if the case is successful, and if there is an expressed agreement between the attorney and the client allowing for this contingency fee arrangement, SSA will then pay that 25% but not more than $ 6,000.00, whichever is less, to the attorney through the initial hearing level.   If the case is lost, there is no attorney fee whatsoever.

5. WHAT KIND OF SERVICE SHOULD I EXPECT ONCE I CHOOSE AN ATTORNEY TO REPRESENT ME BEFORE SSA?

Our pledge includes,

1. Return every single phone call within 24 hours.

2. Assist with payment issues AFTER the case is won.  Many attorneys leave the client on his or her own after the fee is paid.  That is something we will NEVER do.

3. Keep our clients current on issues that can vitally affect their ongoing benefits

4. Provide guidance on attempting to try to work without jeapordizing benefits.

5. Assist with continuing disability review issues.

 There are many more factors that should be considered but the above 5 we feel are the most critical.  We trust this will give you some guidance on deciding in whom you should place your trust and confidence in selecting your representative.  Feel free to call us with any comments or concerns this article may raise.