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

Maternity and Parental Leave Laws in New Jersey
If you work in New Jersey, the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and New Jersey’s parental leave law give you the right to take unpaid leave for these reasons.
New Jersey Short-Term Disability and Pregnancy
New Jersey's TDI program provides wage replacement to employees who can't work due to a non-work-related disability, including pregnancy.
Can You Get Disability for Migraines or Cluster Headaches?
Getting Social Security Disability benefits based on chronic migraines is difficult but not impossible.
How Much Are SSDI Benefits in 2026? Social Security Disability Calculator
Use our disability benefits calculator to find out how much your SSDI payment could be.
Social Security Disability Benefits for Kidney Failure
Claimants with poor kidney function will likely be approved for Social Security Disability benefits.
Getting a Closed Period of Social Security Disability Benefits
A closed period of benefits is when you are approved for a fixed period of disability in the past.
Maternity and Parental Leave Laws in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's Parental and Family Medical Leave Act (PFMLA) gives you the right to take time off work for parenting, childbirth, and pregnancy.
Rhode Island Short-Term Disability and Pregnancy
Rhode Island has a temporary disability insurance program (TDI) and a paid family leave program (TCI).
Can I Get Disability for Panic Attacks or Panic Disorder?
If you have frequent, unpredictable, and severe panic attacks despite being on medication, you might qualify for disability benefits.
Is Age a Factor in Social Security Disability Claims?
Your age can play a significant role in determining whether your claim for Social Security disability benefits is approved.