Oakland Social Security Disability Lawyers
Taking the guesswork out of the Social Security Disability claim process, we will help you to present the best-possible case so you can get the disability benefits you deserve.
Oakland Social Security Disability Lawyers
Taking the guesswork out of the Social Security Disability claim process, we will help you to present the best-possible case so you can get the disability benefits you deserve.
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Trust the experts with your Social Security Disability benefits in Oakland
For many who sustain a debilitating physical or mental disability and require Social Security benefits, dealing with the Social Security Administration is a daunting prospect.
In Oakland, the Administrative Law Judges of the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review conduct Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) hearings, with the wait time for a hearing being 11 months and the case processing time 366 days on average. Notably, the Oakland hearing office has an approval rate of 46%. However, taking on the application process with the help of a Social Security Disability attorney can significantly improve your odds.
At LaPorte Law Firm, we understand what’s at stake for our clients, which is why we are known for our excellent attention to detail, contributing to our sterling record of winning thousands of disability cases in the Bay Area for over 40 years. We have represented hundreds of clients before judges in Oakland. Leave it to us, and we’ll make sure your case isn’t just another number in the system. With us in your corner, you gain a reputable legal partner who will be with you throughout the entire process.
Overlooking Lake Merritt, our office location is walking distance from the 19th Street Bay Area Rapid Transit station, the Oakland Hearing Office, and the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and US Courthouse.
Our Social Security Disability Lawyers and Experts in Oakland
Terry LaPorte
Since receiving his JD from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1979, Terry LaPorte has dedicated his legal career to representing individuals in Social Security Disability claims and appeals. In 1982, he established LaPorte Law Firm in Northern California, specializing in Social Security Disability law. For over 40 years, Terry and the LaPorte Law Firm team have successfully represented thousands of clients in California and the Western States.
Kevin LaPorte
Kevin LaPorte received his JD from the University of San Francisco Law School where he was also awarded an International and Comparative Law Certificate with Honors. He is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, where he has received specialized training in Social Security Disability Law.
Kelsey LaPorte
Kelsey LaPorte is a zealous advocate for her clients, committed to helping them obtain the benefits they deserve while guiding them through a time in which they adjust to the effects of their disability on their daily life. With specialized expertise in appeals, she has demonstrated success in appeals to both the Social Security Appeal Council as well as federal lawsuits against the Social Security Administration.
Maria Miranda-Hammon
Maria Miranda-Hammon has decades of experience as a Legal Specialist, representing clients since 1994. She is an experienced and dedicated Social Security legal representative who is deeply committed to achieving a successful outcome for every client. Maria specializes in the representation of claimants with SSI and SSA disability claims and appeals at Social Security hearing offices and district offices.
Why LaPorte Law Firm is the top choice for your Social Security Disability case in Oakland
Our team has extensive experience winning Social Security Disability benefits for our clients in Oakland for several years, with the firm being founded in 1982. We are the top Social Security Disability attorneys in Oakland with unparallelled knowledge of the system and the local judges.
Constantly appearing before local judges, we understand the challenges presented by a complex Social Security system, but we also have unique insight into the opportunities for success for our clients, such as the fact that administrative judges in Oakland have been cutting into their backlog — occasionally, applicants are now getting hearings in as little as six months as opposed to 18 months as experienced in pre-pandemic times. Or the fact that there is a high standard of medical care in the Bay Area, which results in thorough medical evidence at the hearing. Observing these types of positive trends makes us even more committed to helping our clients win their Social Security Disability cases, because we know that with the right legal support and expertise, winning your well-deserved disability benefits is more than possible.
With the guidance of our seasoned legal experts, you can rest easy knowing your case is in safe hands. Every step of the process will be handled meticulously, ensuring your case has the best chance for success. For peace of mind and a stress-free application process, rely on our compassionate attorneys with on-the-ground experience with the Social Security Administration in Oakland.
We can help you get the benefits you deserve.
If you are unsure of which hearing office your case will get assigned to, use the hearing office locator from the Social Security website. The Oakland hearing office services the following SSA field offices: Antioch, Berkeley, East Oakland, Fremont, Hayward/Livermore (merged), Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro, and Walnut Creek.
LaPorte Law Firm is your trusted legal partner in Oakland
Comprising born-and-raised locals with decades of legal experience in the Bay Area, our legal team has deep roots in the community. Due to the strong bonds we have with our local communities, our firm is passionate about making a positive impact.
These are a few of our noteworthy activities in Oakland.
Alameda County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
We are listed on the ACBA Lawyer Referral Service, a highly reputable lawyer referral resource connecting clients in need of legal assistance with qualified lawyers for over 50 years.
Community Outreach
Through donations to the East Oakland Collective food bank, we are directly involved in assisting communities in need in Oakland.
Our Social Security Disability lawyers in Oakland are here to answer all of your questions.
The results you deserve
With over 40 years of service, LaPorte Law Firm has won thousands of claims and appeals for our clients.
You will not find a more dedicated disability attorney
I cannot say enough great things about Terry. He has decades of specialized legal knowledge and experience in the area of disability law and it shows. In addition to his level of competence, he is such a genuine person. He regularly demonstrated how much he cares about me. One of the things I particularly appreciated is how responsive he was to my numerous inquiries. He consistently responded to me in a very timely manner, whether it was responding with an email or calling me on the phone. Attorneys often do no show this level of professionalism and so it’s refreshing to work with an attorney who does. I prevailed in my disability claim. It was not a straightforward claim, as it involves an “invisible disability.” Terry was able to present convincing arguments during my disability hearing and I could tell how experienced and confident he is in that environment. After my hearing, he would track the status of my case and keep me updated whenever there was any movement in the process. I could tell by his actions that he was dedicated to fulfilling my interests and would do whatever it took to assure I prevailed.
Jennifer
Wow! I am so impressed with Mr. LaPorte. He is the kind of man you hope for when you need a lawyer. I did a fair amount of research on Bay Area lawyers who handle disability and found that most firms don’t want to take your case until it’s time for an appeal, because they make more money that way. But that is not in your best interest. I went to Terry before starting my SSDI application. He took my case, did all the upfront work, and I was approved in three months. I seriously doubt that I would have had such a great result if Terry was not in my corner. He is clearly about helping people, and not just making money. I am so grateful to him.
Keith C.
I came to California after filing for disability and being denied in another state. I was then denied twice in California as well, before being referred to Terry LaPorte. He is great — easy-going but very intelligent. I have to admit, after being turned down over three times, I had my doubts. I was on mental health medication and just couldn’t deal with things anymore. Many days, I could not even manage to take a shower. It was grim. It is difficult to make it in California with no money and no place to live. I don’t know what I would have done had I been denied again. It seemed like there was no way out of my situation, but I am forever grateful for Terry believing in me and going to bat for me. I feel like I can live a little now. Thanks, Terry!
Gina S.
100% Free, No-Obligation 30-Minute Consultation Call to Assess your Situation
Attempting to navigate the Social Security Disability claims process on your own can be overwhelming. However, you don’t have to go through this complicated process alone. The Social Security Disability law experts at LaPorte Law Firm are here to help you obtain your hard-earned benefits.
When we take on your case, we’ll be with you every step of the way until the final result. Best of all, we work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid once you win your case.
Reach out to us for a free consultation by filling out a few details about your situation so we can evaluate your case and help you decide your next steps.
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Award-winning service
Equipped with years of experience and thousands of successful cases, LaPorte Law Firm is the leading disability attorney in the Bay Area, and we have the awards and certifications to prove it.
