Bethany K. Laurence

Attorney · UC Law San Francisco

Bethany Laurence is a Senior Legal Editor at Nolo, where she has worked since 1997. She holds a J.D. from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) and is a member of the California Bar. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Boston University. 

Disability law. At Nolo, Bethany edits the Social Security, Medicare, and disability content, and she is the managing editor of the DisabilitySecrets website. She also edits the books Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability; The Complete IEP Guide, and Social Security, Medicare, and Government Pensions. Bethany is a member of NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives).

Business law. Bethany has also combined her legal and financial expertise to edit many Nolo small business books, such as LLC or Corporation and How to Form an LLC, and is the lead editor for Nolo’s online LLC and corporation services. Over the years, she has co-written several business books, including Business Buyout Agreements: Plan Now for Retirement, Death, Divorce or Owner Disagreements; Save Your Small Business: 10 Crucial Strategies to Survive Hard Times or Close Down & Move On; and Bankruptcy for Small Business Owners: How to File for Chapter 7. 

Other pursuits. In addition to her work at Nolo, Bethany co-founded several educational nonprofit organizations, including River Montessori Charter School and Red Barn Montessori, and served on their boards of directors. She most recently served on the board of the Magnet Program Foundation of Hillcrest Middle School. In the past, Bethany has volunteered her time at a disability law clinic in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco.  

Originally from Rhode Island, Bethany enjoys reading and hiking in the redwoods of northern California.


Articles by Bethany K. Laurence

Can I Start a Small Business on SSDI?
Social Security has detailed rules on how much you can work for yourself or earn from your business while still collecting Social Security disability benefits.
Tax Deductions for People With Disabilities Who Receive SSDI or SSI Benefits
SSDI or SSI recipients can benefit from a larger standard deduction, a deduction for disability-related work expenses, exemptions for disability benefits, and tax-advantaged savings and retirement accounts.
What Happens When a Child Receiving SSI Disability Turns 18
How Social Security attempts to make age 18 redeterminations fair for children receiving disability benefits through SSI.
Filing for Social Security Disability in Iowa
Iowa disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), are provided through federal programs for those who are disabled and are unable to work.
Buying a Short-Term Disability Policy for Pregnancy
Short-term disability insurance policies cover time off work for pregnancy and childbirth.
Your Right to FMLA Leave for a Short-Term Disability
If you need time off work for health, disability, or caregiving reasons, you might be protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Understanding Your Social Security Award Letter
Here's what you'll find out in your Social Security disability award letter.
Getting Disability Benefits After Knee Replacement Surgery
If you have had knee replacement surgery on a knee with degenerative joint disease or after a bad knee injury, you may be able to get Social Security disability benefits.
Social Security Disability Process: From Application to Award
How many disability claims are filed with Social Security? How many win benefits? How does it work?
Can You Get Disability for Low or Poor Ejection Fraction?
If you have a very poor ejection fraction (less than 30%), you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits.