HOW TO PICK A GOOD SOCIAL SECURITY LAWYER

Social Security lawyers are everywhere. They even come on late night TV advertising their services. The ones who advertise heavily usually try to attract thousands of clients all over the USA and they may not be able to provide you with any local or personalized service. They often operate by volume--large numbers of clients serviced by "warehouse" employees, with no real contact with an actual lawyer or advocate. You may be better served with a LOCAL lawyer that you can meet, talk to and develop of professional relationship with.

My important qualities for a good Social Security disability lawyer are:

• He or she must be local--close enough to meet in person, sit down and talk to. The same person who prepares your case actually attends the hearing with you!

• Must be available: No passing off to a secretary, paralegal or staff member. Is the lawyer av available to talk to me? Will he/she return my phone calls? AVAILABILITY IS THE GREATEST ABILITY.

• Should have extensive experience in Social Security disability, including hearings before administrative law judges (where most claims are approved these days). You don't want a lawyer who dabbles in Social Security; you want one who makes a living with Social Security.

• Should have good user reviews on the Internet. Anyone who's been in practice for a long time usually has client reviews on Google, Yelp, or other internet sites. How does he/she rate? (Few people earn all 5-stars; but would you hire one with 2 stars?

• Good Communication. Can I talk to this person? Is he/she able to explain issues to me? Again, will he/she take or return my phone calls in a reasonable time? (Many do not).

• He/She should have a reasonable success rate winning disability claims. Nobody wins them all. But it's fair to ask about success ratio.

• Are consultations free? Social Security regulations do not permit lawyers to charge a fee until after you win your claim AND collect past due benefits. If you don't win your claim, no fee should be payable. This applies, of course, only to Social Security claims or appeals.

At the Forsythe Firm, I value developing close professional relationships with my clients. I take a limited number of clients so I can sit down and talk to each one, return my own phone calls and get to know each person. When you call me, you will not be answered by a call center. Our receptionist will send you call straight to my desk. If I'm not able to take your call, I will call you back promptly. Our representation is courteous, no pressure, and no money up front. In fact, we will never ask you for money. If you are approved and get past due benefits, Social Security will deduct the fee that they approve and pay us directly.

We are NOT the only good Social Security representatives in town. There are many. Find a lawyer/advocate in your area who will work closely with you go get the maximum Social Security benefits that you are due. But please, choose a professional close enough to meet in person and sit down and talk to. Do you really want a lawyer 1,500 miles away trying to represent you here in Alabama (or Tennessee, or anywhere)?