I met with this office for help with my Social Security disability appeal, and my experience did not meet the level of professionalism I expected. I got the newbie attorney with least amount of experience. I won't be citing the name to protect privacy.
Before the appointment, the attorney emphasized several times that I needed to arrive exactly at the scheduled time because he had a "tight workload" and another meeting right after mine. I arrived early, but I still ended up waiting about 30 minutes past the appointment time before being seen. I felt disrespected as a potential client, I shouldn't have ignored the terse and judgmental tone in the email of "Yes I am, but I need you here right at1:30, because I have a 2:30 appt, and it can be hard to get everything done in 1 hour".
The attorney asked if he could stand during our appointment due to medical reasons he had a standup desk so he couldn't sit down for the one hour since he had the option to stand up after the appointment?? Ifelt disrespected with him, standing up and peering over me when he clearly had the option to be able to be seated.
During our conversation, I was told I needed to bring a specific denial letter, even though I asked if the office could request it directly from SSA -- something disability attorneys typically handle. I was told that they would not do that due to their large workload and to avoid "confusion in the professional relationship." I felt pressured to immediately go retrieve the letter after the meeting, which I did. However, when I brought it back, the attorney barely reviewed it and simply said he "might potentially" take the case at a later date.
I was also given a fee agreement that included multiple charges for things like photocopying, postage, and faxing, which I would be responsible for whether I won or lost. There was no explanation of confidentiality, client rights, or what the representation process would actually look like -- just financial documents.
A disability attorney should NEVER say this to a potential client.
What he actually communicated was:
* "I'm overwhelmed."
* "I can't handle more cases well."
* "I'm unwilling to do even basic tasks."
* "I expect you to make my job easier or I'll get annoyed."
Imagine what he'd do when:
* SSA requests more evidence
* medical records are delayed
* a hearing needs preparation
* multiple denials stack up
* you need him to respond to the judge
If he can't handle ONE denial letter without stressing out, he cannot handle a full disability case.
This dynamic only gets worse later.
* He makes a mistake blames you
* He's disorganized pressures you
* He's impatient makes you feel at fault
That's not a stable or supportive attorney-client relationship.
The attorney is:
* impatient
* disorganized
* overburdened
* dismissive
* manipulative in tone
* unwilling to take on basic tasks
* showing you attitude before you even sign
You're already dealing with:
* symptoms
* stress
* disability claims
* rejections
* paperwork
* uncertainty
A disability lawyer who adds MORE pressure is the opposite of what you need.
You are supposed to feel supported, not lectured. There is no "consult" done at the free consult meeting and they are looking to nickle and dime clients.
Every good SSDI/SSI attorney has a heavy workload.
But a professional one would say:
"I can request the letter from SSA. No worries -- that's part of the process."
His reaction is exactly why clients fire attorneys.
Clients deserve someone who:
Is patient
Helps gather evidence
Does not pressure or blame you
Explains things clearly
Treats you with respect
Has time for your case
Makes your life easier, not harder
Overall, I felt the communication was abrupt, the expectations placed on me were inconsistent, and the approach added stress rather than support. Based on my experience, I chose not to move forward with representation here. Others may feel differently, but I want to share my honest experience for anyone researching disability attorneys in the area. read more
