Get To Know Andrea

We sat down with Andrea to learn more about what she does and why they are in the business of helping people with various Social Security and disability issues.  

Tell us how you first became interested in practicing (social security/disability) law.
Right out of law school, I went to work for a firm on the Plaza that was primarily focused on Social Security disability law. I could tell right away that this was going to be a great field for me. I really enjoy the close relationships we develop with our Social Security Claimants. I find it very rewarding to help the Claimants develop their story, their narrative, in order to persuade the Judge to find them disabled.

What are some of the main reasons people need (social security/disability) legal help in the first place?
We can’t always control the things that happen to us. Both as a consequence of age and of events, Social Security Claimants find themselves unable to sustain their past work or any other work. For this reason, Congress long ago established this program to allow the disabled to access their Social Security retirement benefits prior to retirement age.  This is based upon very strict and challenging guidelines. This is the reason disabled Claimants need help to meet these standards. 

If anyone has one of these issues, when should they contact an attorney?
Over the years, it has become increasingly important that Social Security Claimants get help as early in the process as possible. For one thing, they may be able to obtain benefits much more quickly if their cases is developed properly from the beginning. For another thing, as it is so very difficult to get benefits under the strict guidelines of the Social Security Act, disabled Claimants will in all likelihood need help in presenting their case in the best manner possible.

Once someone contacts you, what are the next steps? What does the process look like?
We have a whole team of people assembled to work on cases. We work together on all aspects of the case, from initial application to Federal District Court. We are committed for the long haul.

What general advice do you have for someone who thinks they might need legal help with a (social security/disability) issue?
Give us a call so we can help to guide you in beginning the process.