I am pleased to announce that I have been asked to join the faculty of an innovative and new online learning center called Solo Practice University.    Founded by Susan Cartier Liebel, a lawyer and editor of the Build a Solo Practice blog, SPU offers lawyers training about how to go into business – something definitely not taught in law school classrooms.

Solo Practice University™ is a revolutionary new web-based educational community that picks up where your legal education left off.

Learn from some of the most progressive lawyers, marketing pros, technology consultants and legal business giants how to:

* Plan, build and grow your private practice
* Differentiate yourself from the competition
* Attract and engage new clients more easily

… and much more. They just can’t teach you that in law school.

I will be teaching a class about how to set up and build a Social Security disability practice.   The doors to SPU will open on March 20, 2009 and when you enroll you will have access to practice building training in a variety of disciplines, including bankruptcy, commercial litigation, personal injury, malpractice, criminal defense, trusts and estates and more.  In addition, Susan has lined up several highly respected experts in essential practice development areas such as marketing, blogging and office technology.

If you are a new lawyer, or if you are a more seasoned lawyer contemplating starting your own practice, I can't think of a better resource to shorten the learning curve than SPU.   Over the years I have taught continuing legal education courses about Social Security and most of the questions I get have to do with the practical side of lawyering – what books or computer programs should I get?  How do I get paid?  How do I spot good cases?  SPU goes a long way in filling this gap. Read more on Jonathan Appointed to Faculty of Solo Practice University…

Over the past year, Social Security has made meaningful strides in reducing hard copy paperwork and improving the efficiency of the disability adjudication process.  One of the most noticeable changes has been the gradual elimination of cardboard and paper files, which are being replaced by compact disks.  Social Security personnel now scan medical records and burn the files to compact disc.   Employees at the hearing office mail the discs to the attorney for pre-hearing review.  From the perspective of an attorney the CD system avoids the hassle of scheduling time to review the files or hiring someone to physically photocopy the files.

Read more on Social Security Hearing Exhibit Files Now on Compact Disk…

I frequently get emails from frustrated disability claimants who are upset at the long delays.  Often the claimant expresses frustration with his lawyer because of the delays.  Earlier this week, for example, I received an email from an individual who is suffering with a fairly significant medical problems and who is about to lose her home – she wanted to fire her lawyer and retain me.  I responded by telling the claimant that the delays were not her lawyer's fault and to stay the course.  In that case, I happened to know the lawyer and I also told her that she had very capable counsel.

Read more on What to do if You are Getting the Run-around from your Lawyer's Office…

My question is this.  I had a lawyer in NC for my disability hearing which I lost. His representation was horrible, not to mention his communication with me. Anyway, I told him I no longer wanted his services for my appeal. He said he would file a form with SSA stating that he was not my lawyer. I ask him to send me a copy 3 weeks ago. He did not. I emailed him again and ask him if he had even sent the form. he sent me a very rude reply with no answer.
I need to let SSA know that this man is not my lawyer. I called and they still have him listed. How do I get him off as my lawyer? He obviously isn't going to cooperate. He is horrible. Some advice????
Robin

Read more on How Do I Fire my Disability Lawyer?…

In my law practice, I have handled both bankruptcy and Social Security disability cases.  Unfortunately, with delays in the Social Security system approaching 3 years, more and more of my disability clients find themselves considering bankruptcy.

Read more on Will Filing a Bankruptcy Affect My Social Security Disability Case?…

Why is it a doctor will say they will help you to get disability because they believe you are disabled but then require extra money just to write an attorney a letter?
–Shannon

Read more on Why Do Physicians Charge to Write Medical Narrative Reports?…

From time to time, I receive emails or blog comments from disability claimants who are frustrated with the slow pace of the disability adjudication process and who want to change lawyers.  They often express frustration at how long it takes to even get to a hearing and they think that their lawyer should be doing more to move the process along.

Read more on Why You Should Avoid Changing Lawyers in the Middle of Your Disability Case…