Diana Chaikin

Diana Chaikin

Attorney · Seattle University School of Law

Diana Chaikin is a legal editor specializing in disability law at Nolo. She started writing articles as a freelancer in 2021 and joined the staff in 2022. Diana has worked as a solo practitioner based out of Seattle representing claimants before administrative law judges in Social Security disability hearings.

Education. Diana received a B.A. in Political Science from New York University and a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law, where she served as article editor on the Seattle Journal for Social Justice. During law school, Diana interned at the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska and Corbis Corporation. She also wrote an article on the Visual Artists Rights Act and how it pertains to outsider artists.

Disability experience. Fresh out of law school, Diana worked as Attorney Advisor for the Social Security Administration Office of Hearings Operations (formerly Office of Disability Adjudication and Review). While there, she worked for several administrative appeals judges to ensure disability decisions met the administration’s standard for quality. She then decided to work on the other side of the bench, successfully representing disability claimants for over 10 years before coming to Nolo.

Goals and interests. Diana finds satisfaction in making complex areas of the law seem intuitive to nonlawyers. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), and is on the board of the Washington Lawyers for the Arts.

Articles by Diana Chaikin

Is Your Disability a Serious Health Condition Under the FMLA?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take time off work for a "serious health condition" as defined in the act.
Are Laid-Off Workers Eligible for Disability?
Many workers who are laid off due their physical or mental impairments may be less attractive to prospective employers in a competitive market, and they may have a tough time finding a new line of work that matches their skill set.
What Is Disability Harassment and When Is it Illegal?
You can stop harassment or teasing by coworkers or supervisors about your physical or mental condition if it's a disability.
How to Fill Out SSA-8000-BK, Application for Supplemental Security Income
Here are some tips on answering questions in the SSI disability application.
ADA Leave as a Reasonable Accommodation
Often, employees with disabilities need time off work for surgery, therapy, recovery, rest, or ongoing medical treatment.
What You Can Win in an FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) Case
Are you considering taking legal action against your employer for violating the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
Can You Get Social Security Disability or SSI for Bursitis?
Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae, small sacs of fluid that are present in your joints.
Mental Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) in a Disability Claim
A mental RFC is used to see if you can perform complex, detailed, or simple tasks.
When Can an Employer Ask You Disability-Related Questions or Require Medical Examinations?
Employers are restricted in asking about disability or health and sending you for medical tests or exams.
Can I Get Disability Benefits After a Car Accident?
Here are some frequently asked questions about Social Security Disability benefits from those who have been in car accidents.
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