Author: wwlawyer

Potential clients often ask me what it is that I will do for them, and in a lot of ways the main answer is that I know how to win Social Security benefits, and I take them through the process. It’s true that, if the steps are followed carefully, you may not need help from…

The government has proposed drastic changes to the Social Security law which would have a devastating effect on Social Security claimants.  The proposed regulations and explanatory documents can be found here: http://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=SSA-2012-0035 The rule is presented to look benign enough and even beneficial.  The rule is proposed as elevating non-doctor medical sources, such as social workers,…

It’s become a harsh fact of life for experienced Social Security advocates: the government simply isn’t granting cases like they used to.  The grant rate at the hearing level is down below 50% nationwide according to disabilityjudges.com, which notes that the nationwide average grant rate is down to 44%.   Most advocates have seen our…

I’ve been a bit down about work lately and I don’t fully feel like I’m making the difference in the world that I want to make. I’m in Social Security.  I advocate for people seeking benefits from the government.  The work is depressing because the situation is depressing.  Most of my clients wait at least…

I’m very excited to announce that I’ll be transitioning to an of-counsel role at Ramos & Ramos, and ramping up my roles at Pasternack Tilker, Allsup, and now primarily the office of Lewis Schwartz. Lewis is quite possibly the foremost solo practitioner in Social Security in Western New York, an absolute pillar of the Social Security…

Why go with James for your SSI claim?  There are more lawyers and more law firms than ever before.  You are constantly bombarded with ads on TV, radio, and billboards. So by now you know pretty well what they all say. What aren’t they saying? At many large firms, your case may not be much…

Paying for legal services is scary. Lawyers can be expensive.  Legal fees can be unpredictable.  Expenses can quickly mount.  Up-front retainers can be hard to gather. Flat rate services are a new and rapidly trending option in paying for legal services, that can control the magnitude and predictability of costs. The way it works is…

To manage a Social Security practice effectively, it is essential to have a system in place for routinely reviewing cases in order to make important case decisions.  In order to win cases, you need to know what you have, what you need, and how you will get it.  To concentrate your efforts where they will…