I represent claimants at every stage of the Social Security disability process, from initial applications and ALJ hearings through appropriate federal district court review.
I represent claimants at every stage of the Social Security disability process, from initial applications and ALJ hearings through appropriate federal district court review in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
I represent claimants at the beginning of the disability process, including initial applications and reconsideration.
I represent claimants before Administrative Law Judges and help develop the record and issues for hearing.
For appropriate cases, I am available to represent claimants in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). I am admitted to practice before that court.
I am available to work with other Social Security disability attorneys on referral or co-counsel arrangements when appropriate.
Before returning to private practice, I served as a Senior Attorney Advisor with the Social Security Administration. That experience shapes how I read ALJ decisions, identify potential errors, and evaluate whether the record supports further review.
My years inside the hearing operation help me evaluate whether an ALJ decision explains its reasoning in the way the governing law requires.
ALJ decisions often use recurring or template language. I look past the wording itself to whether the decision actually provides the explanation the governing law requires.
I pay close attention to whether a defense asks the court to rely on reasoning the ALJ did not provide, an issue that can matter under Chenery.
My approach is to identify the specific legal or regulatory issue in the decision, connect it to the administrative record, and explain clearly why the issue matters.
Send me the ALJ decision and Appeals Council denial letter. There is no charge for the initial federal-case review and no obligation to retain me.
I review the decision and record carefully, identify the strongest available issues, and give you a clear assessment of what I see — including when I do not believe an argument is strong enough to pursue.
If I accept a federal case, I move promptly. Federal filing deadlines are short, so early review matters.
If I accept a federal case, representation may include the Complaint, record review, merits briefing, judgment, and any appropriate fee proceedings. You are informed at every step.
When a client has exhausted administrative remedies and is considering federal court, I am available to evaluate whether the case is one I should take.
I am available to work with other Social Security disability attorneys on referral or co-counsel arrangements when appropriate.
I have been practicing Social Security disability law since 1993.
Before returning to private practice, I served as a Senior Attorney Advisor with the Social Security Administration. In that role, I worked inside the agency reviewing and advising on Social Security disability decisions and the legal standards that govern them.
That experience gives me an inside understanding of how ALJ decisions are constructed and helps me identify specific, articulable issues that may matter on further review.
Social Security Disability Attorney
Since 1993
Senior Attorney Advisor
Social Security Administration
Ohio Attorney Registration No. 0061197
Admitted — U.S. District Court
for the Northern District of Ohio
North Olmsted, Ohio
Serving the greater Cleveland area
Learn the Six Moves — Requirement, Failure, Proof, Foreclosure, Harm, and Remedy — and download the free one-page practice aid.
Explore the Book Get the One-Page AidFor a federal-court review: You may also call or email with the claimant’s name and the date on the Appeals Council denial letter. I will ask you to send the ALJ decision and Appeals Council denial letter separately.
For an initial application, reconsideration, or hearing matter: Tell me where the claim is in the process.
I will usually respond within 48 hours. If I cannot take the case, I will tell you promptly so you have time to explore other options.
Federal filing deadlines are short and can be unforgiving. Please contact me promptly after an Appeals Council denial. If a deadline is approaching, say so in your message, call, or email.