How Atticus Vets Disability Lawyers

Finding the right Social Security Disability lawyer can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating the challenges of a disability. It’s important to choose someone experienced and trustworthy who can guide you through the complex process of applying for benefits and advocate on your behalf every step of the way.  At Atticus, we make finding a lawyer simple. Instead of sifting through the Yellow Pages or scrolling through endless online reviews, Atticus can introduce you to carefully vetted disability law firms nationwide. Our team of in-house lawyers works tirelessly to ensure every firm in our network meets the highest standards of expertise, compassion, and results. Read on to learn more about how we select lawyers to work with.

Why specialization matters

Atticus exclusively works with lawyers specializing in Social Security disability. You might get a recommendation through a friend or family member for a firm that works in Social Security disability law, among many other fields of law. But you want an attorney with Social Security disability as a primary area of practice who understands the process in and out.

“SSD cases often hinge on intricate rules and detailed medical documentation, and a seasoned attorney will know how to present your case in the most compelling way to maximize your chances of approval,” says Victoria Muñoz, managing attorney at Atticus.

Our dedicated team of lawyers thoroughly researches every potential law firm and considers:

• Education credentials: Lawyers should have the necessary academic background and training in Social Security disability law.

• Reputation: Atticus knows the leaders in the Social Security disability field, and many in our network come from referrals by trusted partners our clients have had good experiences with.

• Experience: Lawyers have years of experience in Social Security disability law, or were trained under firms we trust.

• Win rates: It’s important to evaluate the firm’s success in securing benefits for their clients.

• Client reviews: Feedback helps assess client satisfaction and the firm’s reputation.

• Accolades: Awards and recognitions demonstrate professional excellence.

If you’re looking for a lawyer on your own, it’s important to use the same standards. Make sure the law firm you’re thinking about focuses on Social Security disability law and has years of experience in that practice area. Also, Social Security disability lawyers can practice in any state, so location isn’t the most important factor.

The Atticus vetting process

The team personally meets with each firm to ensure their professionals are compassionate, capable, and aligned with our values.

“We've been doing this for so long that we know what to look for, and we know what questions to ask at the outset to make sure these attorneys have the client's best interests in mind and are going to do right by our clients,” says Muñoz.

The vetting process is about focusing on the details that shape the client experience. These questions help Atticus understand how the firm operates and if it can effectively serve clients:

• Will clients have a good experience when they call this law firm?

• Are these lawyers dedicated to getting clients good outcomes?

• How quickly can clients connect with representatives?

• Do firms use convenient tools like DocuSign to ease the client experience? How is the firm’s front-of-house organized? 

• How are intake calls handled, and how quickly clients can connect with representatives?

• Does the firm use efficient tools like DocuSign?

If you’re looking for a lawyer on your own, make a list of questions to ask during your consultation call. You might have specific communication preferences and want to ensure the firm is a good fit for your needs. A call is the first step in figuring out if the lawyer is the right choice for you.

Why choose Atticus

In addition to doing the heavy lifting of finding a lawyer for you, the lawyers with Atticus go the extra mile. Atticus evaluates the firm’s willingness to take on more challenging cases, such as those involving applicants under 50 or claims for mental health conditions. “We want lawyers who are willing to put up a fight if the case has merit,” says Muñoz. Lawyers with Atticus take on the toughest cases and go the extra mile to fight for the benefits clients deserve. For example, Ida Comerford of Hiller Comerford, an Atticus attorney since 2022, had a client who became homeless and missed their disability hearing court date. 

“The case was incredibly strong on the merits, so I convinced the judge, who wanted to dismiss it, to waive her testimony, approve the case, and give her time to appear for her pre-effectuation review conference to claim her benefits,” says Comerford. “I hired a PI to find her and we were able to help her get to the SSA office to get her SSI benefits.” 

Michael Liner of Liner Legal, who has worked with Atticus since 2017, works closely with clients and their medical teams. One client with chronic pain was unable to articulate their limitations to their doctor, so Liner helped the client keep a symptom journal. “By the time we got to the hearing, the judge had clear, consistent evidence from both treating and examining sources, making it difficult to deny the claim,” said Liner. “The client was approved, and much of the success came from building the case with strong medical evidence well before the hearing.”

Above all, Atticus works with lawyers the team would want to represent their loved ones. “Is this a lawyer I'd feel comfortable referring my mom to? Is this someone you would refer the most important person in your life to? That’s the standard,” says Muñoz. “If we wouldn't refer a family member to them, then we don't want to work with them.”

Ongoing support for clients

Vetting law firms is just the beginning. Atticus works closely with each partner firm, tracking client progress, advising on any issues, and making sure all partners are fully equipped to provide the best possible service to clients. Our commitment is always to our clients. If you have questions at any point in the process or need additional support, Atticus is here to step in, facilitate communication, and provide valuable resources to guide you.

Proven results

Some of the Atticus lawyers have as many as 60 years of experience. “Together, Atticus has advised thousands of clients and helped them win disability benefits,” says Jennifer Popp, an attorney at Atticus. “In fact, we’ve won 80% of the cases we’ve taken on compared to a national average of just 53%.”

What clients have to say

Don’t just take our word for it, here’s what one client had to say: “Atticus set me up with a law firm that I’ve retained to help me with my disability case. They were easy to work with and followed through each step of the way...I finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Another client shared, "I really needed someone to step in on my behalf. That's what I got when I called Atticus." You can read more client testimonials on Trustpilot, where Atticus holds a 4.9-star rating with over 13,000 reviews.

Take the next step

If you're unsure about hiring a lawyer, consider this: Applicants with legal representation at the hearing stage are three times more likely to win benefits. Ideally, having a lawyer by your side from the start can make all the difference. 

“They can anticipate potential obstacles, gather the right evidence, and effectively advocate on your behalf—whether at the initial application stage or at a hearing,” says Muñoz.

Take our quick, two-minute quiz and connect with our team. If you qualify for benefits, we can introduce you to a qualified Atticus lawyer who can guide you every step of the way.

Related resources:

What Do Social Security Disability Lawyers Do (That I Can’t)?

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Can a Lawyer Help My Social Security Disability Appeal?

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