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 is the editor for the Disability Law Center and the Social Security and Medicare Center. She 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. Bethany has also 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 Get Disability Benefits for My Child's Cystic Fibrosis?
A child with CF can automatically qualify for disability benefits if the child meets the specific medical criteria detailed in the listing for childhood cystic fibrosis.
Are Learning Disabilities Covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
Learning disabilities generally qualify as disabilities under the ADA.
Getting Social Security Disability Based on a Medical-Vocational Allowance
If your disability doesn't meet a listing, Social Security may award you benefits based on your inability to work.
Getting Disability Benefits for Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease
When memory problems, disorientation, or mood disturbances due to Alzheimer's lead to problems with social or personal functioning, disability may be available.
Can I Get Disability Benefits if Agoraphobia Keeps Me From Leaving My House?
Agoraphobia can be disabling if it prevents you from working.
Social Security Disability & SSI for Interstitial Cystitis
The pain and changes in urination caused by IC can sometimes be disabling.
How Much Cash or Money Can I Have Without Affecting SSI Disability Eligibility?
SSI limits how much money or property you can have and be eligible for disability benefits, but many assets don't count.
Can I Get Disability Benefits for Macular Degeneration?
Disability benefits are awarded based on how poor your vision is and how your vision limits your abilities.
Can I Get Disability for Poor Eyesight?
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you generally need to have poor eyesight while wearing glasses or contacts.
How Much in Social Security Disability Benefits Can You Get?
Your SSDI payment depends on your average lifetime earnings.