Roeschke Law Review - Poor Communication, Disorganized Prep, and Disregard for Client Needs
My experience with Roeschke Law Group during my disability case and hearing scheduled for 6/20/2024 was extremely disappointing and emotionally draining. From the beginning, the process was riddled with poor communication, disorganization, and a lack of genuine advocacy.
Attorney Mitchell stated that she typically prepares for hearings 24 hours in advance. However, she did not call me until the afternoon of 6/19/2024, which was already less than 24 hours before the hearing. I missed the call because it was unscheduled and unannounced, and no alternative time was offered. I was later told that she had been in a meeting earlier and couldn't call sooner. That's not acceptable for something as serious as a disability hearing.
Because of this, I only reviewed the actual hearing questions 30 minutes before the hearing itself. That last-minute prep caused tremendous stress and left no time to go over vital parts of my file or case strategy. In fact, during that rushed review, the attorney brought up key facts from my medical file--some of which had never been mentioned before. She even suggested we postpone the hearing on the spot due to how unprepared we were. This level of last-minute handling is simply unprofessional.
I also want to emphasize how upsetting it was that no one reviewed my medical file thoroughly until the very last minute--sometimes just 30 minutes before the hearing. That meant critical factors weren't discussed or clarified with me in advance. Among those overlooked or mishandled issues were:
My participation in a tech school bootcamp, which I had to explain to the judge myself--only to be told after the hearing by my attorney that it complicated the case unnecessarily and wasn't helpful to bring up.
My Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) for a hypermobility-related disability, which I was told was inadmissible--something I only found out after the hearing.
The SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) guidelines as they applied to a part-time job I held earlier that year, which should have been proactively addressed.
The fact that my SMI (Seriously Mentally Ill) title was not considered a helpful factor for this type of hearing, and I was never told this in advance.
The discussion of medical marijuana use and past illegal substance use (over two years ago), which was raised as a factor against me only 30 minutes before the hearing--with no time to prepare an appropriate response or provide proper context.
The lack of preparation and guidance on these issues left me completely blindsided and unsupported. My input wasn't guided or strategized the way it should've been by experienced legal counsel.
Adding to the problem was the constantly changing staff. Every new person who picked up my case had no idea who I was or what the details were until they opened my file, which led to repetition, confusion, and a total loss of continuity. It felt like no one ever truly knew or understood my case in its full context.
Even worse, I had asked multiple times to withdraw from the case earlier in the appeals process--a request that was either ignored or met with vague responses. Only after everything did I learn there was a way to do that formally through SSA. That information would have spared me months of heartache and stress. I have since written to SSA requesting that Roeschke Law be removed as my appointed representative. Despite that and the fact that my hearing was dismissed at my request, they are still listed on record as representing me.
To top it off, the firm's response to negative feedback is to say clients are making "inaccurate claims." Let me be clear: I am not making claims--I am describing my lived experience, and invalidating that shows a lack of accountability and empathy.
If Roeschke Law Group wants to be taken seriously as a disability advocacy firm, they need to take a hard look at how they treat clients:
- Schedule prep calls in advance, not at the last minute.
- Read client files early and thoroughly.
- Discuss all relevant case factors well before the hearing--including those that may harm or help the case.
- Give clients the option to withdraw early, and honor that request when made.
- Ensure continuity and coordination when staff changes occur.
People seeking disability support are already going through enough. The last thing they need is to feel abandoned, unheard, or blindsided by the very people who are supposed to help. read more
