Why Hire a Local Social Security Disability Attorney Over a National Firm?

When you decide you need representation for your social security disability claim, you generally have two options. You can hire a large national firm like the ones you see on TV, or you can find a local attorney. The person you hire to handle your case is called the authorized representative and is responsible for dealing with the Social Security Administration on your behalf.

You want the same attorney that you interview when you first hire her to be the same attorney sitting with you at the hearing.  You want the same attorney reviewing your medical records and returning your phone calls and meeting with you throughout the entire duration of your case.

Hiring a national firm often means your case is handled by someone who you will likely never meet until it's time for your administrative hearing. Additionally, you will not know which of the firms representatives will be handling your case, therefore you are not able to determine if he or she is really skilled at handling (and winning) disability cases.

At the hearing, it's critical for your attorney to know you - not just your medical records - but to know about you personally and how your disability impacts your life.  That's the only way your attorney can effectively present your case, and to deftly answer any oddball question that the judge might ask at the hearing.  

The last thing you want is for some stranger that you've never even spoken with show up at the hearing to represent you.

Finally, even though the law is the same nationwide, each of the local judges and offices have their own way of doing things.  An attorney experienced in the law, AND in working with the local offices, will get you the best results.