There are many options when looking for help with your claim from a Social Security Disability lawyer. There
are big national firms with many lawyers covering many states some of these handle just SSDI claims and others cover many
areas of law. There is also small firms that handle cases locally, some that do just SSDI cases and those that
handle many different types of cases. You also have many solo practitioners who usually handle claims in their geographic
area. There is also non-attorney firms both big a small that just represent SSDI claims. I think all of the different
types have there advantages and disadvantages. Big firms have many lawyers and resources but will probably not have
that personal touch a smaller firm or solo practitioner may have. Many people who e-mail me who have large firms
often complain they feel like a number and that their phone calls are not returned. A positive thing about large
firms is that you usually know if they handle many Social Security Disability claims but don't expect to see
the person whose name is on the firm to see you or be at your hearing. I believe from the responses I have
seen in my e-mails that smaller firms or solo-practitioners tend to be more personable and return phone calls
but many of the smaller firms may handle different types of cases and have less experience with SSDI cases. When
it comes to deciding between local representation or a representative that handles cases nationwide there are several
things you can consider. Many people like to have a local lawyer because they can make an appointment and
meet the attorney in person. If you have a representative that is not local most of your interaction will be by
phone, mail and e-mail. I handle cases for clients who are both close to me and others that are across the country.
In my experience doing this I have found that other than the initial meeting of the client there is no difference in
how the claim is handled because even with a local lawyer most interaction with the client is by phone and mail.
I will now tell you a little bit about my firm and how we handle these claims. We are a family law
firm that started with my father Lawrence Kazmierczak, Esq. about 30 years ago. I am Karl Kazmierczak, Esq. I
am a partner in the firm and my wife Robin Kazmierczak, Esq. is the other partner. I am a
Board Certified Social Security Disability Specialist by the National Board of Social Security Disability Advocacy. My mother has been
the office manager for 30 years and my administrative assistant has been with the firm for 20+ years. I have found
that their experience is a huge advantage to our clients. We also have additional staff including a Spanish interpreter
who before working for us was an interpreter for SSDI hearings. Our philosophy is to win as early in the process as
possible. It does not matter at what point the client is in the process we start to develop the case right away.
I am the author of this website and I have handled every one of my clients hearings for about the last 10 years and I continue
to be the only lawyer who does the hearings.
I understand that some people like to have a local representative
that is why I offer to help those who want a local social security disability lawyer to find one experienced in these
claims. I only find lawyers who are in the same organization I am for Social Security Representatives called NOSSCR
or that are Board Certified Social Security Disability Advocates. This insures the attorney you get handles SSDI
claims regularly.