Often, clients are frustrated with the Social Security process and want to hire an attorney who can help them fight back against the Social Security Administration and win the benefits to which they are entitled. However, not all attorneys are equal. While it is true that you do not pay attorney fees unless the attorney helps you win back-due benefits, you want to have the best chance at winning your case. That can start with hiring the right attorney for your situation. Here are five tips for hiring an attorney to help you with your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
First, you want to make sure your attorney has experience. You want your attorney to know the local judges and the local procedures, so that they can use that information to your advantage in the hearing room.
Second, you want to make sure your attorney has compassion. You are going through a very hard time and you want to have someone in your corner who will listen to your concerns, understand them, and try to help you find a solution.
Third, you want an attorney who has professionalism and courtesy. When you first call the office, pay attention to the way the staff and/or lawyer are speaking with you. While attorneys and their staff can be busy, you should still be able to speak with a firm representative, receive timely callbacks, and be given the opportunity to ask questions so you can best understand your situation.
Fourth, you want an attorney who knows and understands medical conditions. While it is hard for an attorney to know everything about every condition, they should have a basic understanding of most common conditions, and should have a standard approach to how they can win these types of cases.
Lastly, you want an attorney who will take the time to speak with you directly and get to know you. When you go in for your disability hearing, it is often just you, your attorney, the judge, and the hearing reporter in the hearing room. Many times, this is the client’s first experience with a judge and it can be intimidating. You want someone sitting next to you who knows you, understands you, and can be there as a reassuring force to help you get through the hearing.