Archive for the tag 'Attorneys/Lawyers'

Could You Pick Your Attorney Out Of A Line Up?

Tomasz Stasiuk May 9th, 2008

Pittsburgh Pirates Logo Man Bobble Head SeriesAre you represented by an attorney on your Social Security case? You are? Terrific! You obviously know that your chances of winning your case increase significantly if you have an lawyer helping you.

Now, close your eyes - ok, wait until the end of this paragraph - then close your eyes and try to picture your attorney.

Can you remember what he or she looks like?

Do you have a better memory of their receptionist or legal assistant that the attorney who is supposed to represent you at your hearing?

Hmmm. If you cannot recall what your attorney looks like, what do you think your attorney remembers about you, and more importantly, your case?

Unfortunately, there are a number of lawyers out there that simply take cases, then do nothing until the hearing is set.  Or, maybe you meet with the named partner, then once you are signed on, you get passed off to a (very) junior attorney, or maybe a legal assistant. If you call the lawyers office, do you ever speak to the lawyer?

It is not unreasonable to expect to be able to speak to the person who will be representing you at your hearing!

Just so you know, there are attorneys out there that will actually work with you to develop your case. This direct interaction helps the attorney develop a keener insight into your disabilities.  AND it helps the attorney show Social Security why you should be approved benefits.

But if the lawyer does not take the time to get to know you and how your disabilities affect you, how is he or she supposed to communicate that to Social Security?

Keep in mind, you may ultimately be paying the lawyer thousands of dollars! In my opinion, that entitles you to some face time.  Creative Commons License photo credit: daveynin

DisabilityAppeal.com Agrees: Get a Specialist!

Tomasz Stasiuk February 27th, 2008

Bullseye!I have been a strong advocate for getting a specialist whenever you hire a lawyer. I specialize in Social Security disability cases and I feel this gives me an advantage over other attorneys.

If you are in a lawsuit, which side would you rather be on? The side with a lawyer who does a bit of everything, or the side where the lawyer specializes in your legal matter.

DisabilityAppeal.com agrees:

It is imperative that you retain a disability lawyer well in advance of the hearing who knows how to prep a witness properly. And not just any disability attorney, but one who handles the majority of his or her cases in this area of specialization, and regularly appears before Social Security judges in your jurisdiction. Remember, a good attorney knows the law, but an excellent one knows the judge, meaning he or she understands the type of proof expected to win before the ALJ assigned to your case. Emphasis added.

I could not say it better myself.

Creative Commons License photo credit: mfshadow