#1. Are You a Member of NOSSCR?
This is the first question to ask a disability lawyer when you talk to them. NOSSCR is the short, user-friendly name for the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives, a professional association comprised of nearly 4,000 advocates for disabled individuals under the Social Security Act.
Today, more than three decades after it was founded, NOSSCR continues to provide opportunities for lawyers to keep their legal knowledge sharp, to discuss current issues and to gain valuable insights from some of the leading disability representatives in the United States.
If an attorney tells you they are not a member of NOSSCR, it doesn't necessarily mean they aren't good at what they do or that they can't help you. What membership does tend to indicate is a higher level of commitment to helping disabled persons obtain Social Security benefits.
Every attorney at Shifrin Newman Smith Inc. is an active, contributing member of NOSSCR. In fact, founding partner Debra Shifrin was recently elected to serve as Treasurer for this preeminent national organization. For a free consultation, call our firm toll-free from anywhere in Ohio at 877-230-5500 or contact us online.
#2. How Many Disability Hearings Do You Attend Each Month?
Experience makes a difference.
- Our firm has been committed to this work since 1985, and our lawyers combined attend anywhere from 75 to 125 disability hearings in the state of Ohio every single month. Having had direct experience with nearly every one of the SSA's Administrative Law Judges in Ohio, as well as numerous Judges throughout the United States, we are always well-prepared to help our clients succeed.
#3. How Much Time Do You Invest Each Year to Keep Your Skills Sharp?
The Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio require every attorney to complete at least 24 hours of continuing legal education for every two-year period. Many attorneys do the bare minimum, with some taking courses that are completely unrelated to the type of law they practice because they waited until the last minute.
- At Shifrin Newman Smith Inc., we take the responsibility to keep our legal skills, knowledge and ethical standards sharp seriously. This means planning ahead, taking courses related to our disability practice and investing more than the minimum (at least 15 hours of time each year) to become better at what we do.
Providing Disability Help Statewide
From Our Offices in Akron and Cleveland
Our goal is your success. If we can't help you by recovering Social Security or veterans' disability benefits, you don't have to pay an attorney fee. There is absolutely no risk for you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. To schedule a free consultation, call 877-230-5500 or contact our firm online.
