Social Security Disability Attorney
If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or have already applied and have been denied, you should have an attorney who knows how to handle your appeal. I have specialized in Social Security disability appeals for 5 years in Southeast Michigan, and I can give you the advantage you need to win the benefits you deserve. I'm your attorney, Michelle Gottesman.
Keywords: Social Security disability, SSI, SSDI
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
I became a solo practitioner December 1, 2009. However, prior to this, I was part of a Social Security disability firm for 5 years.
What is your primary product or service?
I provide specialized legal representation for claimants who have applied for Social Security disability and have been denied.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
My first "real job" after college was as a social worker. Although I never wanted to be an attorney, fate took me to law school where I was first introduced to Social Security disability while advising low-income claimants in the Urban Law Clinic of University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Upon graduation, there was only one job posting that interested me, and it was with a solo practitioner who handled Social Security disability appeals. It didn't take me long to realize I had found My Career: helping the disabled win the disability benefits they deserve in a very specialized area of law. In my 5-year tenure, the firm grew from 1 attorney and 1 law clerk with 2 secretaries to 7 attorneys, 2 paralegals, 7 secretaries, 3 law clerks and 11 administrative staff. I was an integral part of the legal training, writing department and overall growth of the firm. I also have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, studied architecture in Chicago, Cincinnati and Scotland, and worked in an architecture firm.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
My clients deal with me directly. Despite working in a firm with several attorneys in recent years where I had many other responsibilities, I have taken a great deal of pride in knowing that I have always been very involved with my clients' cases and have always done as much as I can as soon as I can. As a solo practitioner, my clients will be my only focus. I am your attorney.
Provide detailed directions to your location
My office is approximately one block East of I-75 in the Columbia Center, 101 W. Big Beaver, Suite 1400, Troy. From I-75 North or South, exit at Big Beaver Road and turn East. The Columbia Center is a brick-red, two-tower business complex approximately one block East on the South side of Big Beaver Road, just West of Livernois Road.
What type of payments do you accept?
ATTORNEY FEE FOR LEGAL SERVICES: I provide a free consultation. I do not charge an attorney fee unless I win your appeal, and you are owed past-due benefits. Upon winning your appeal, Social Security calculates the attorney fee, withholds it from the past-due benefits, and sends it directly to me. You don't have to do anything. COSTS: Costs are separate from an attorney fee. I pay all the up-front costs of your appeal, such as medical records, file copies, postage, etc., which you must only reimburse if I win your appeal. Upon winning your appeal, I will notify you of the total costs and payment can be made via check, money order or cash (cash only if in-person). There are no out-of-pocket fees or costs for legal representation when I am your attorney.
Which areas do you service?
Although I generally practice in the metropolitan Detroit area (Detroit, Oak Park, Southfield, Livonia), Social Security disability is a federally-governed program. I have handled hearings throughout Michigan including Lansing, Flint, Port Huron, Grand Rapids, and Sault Ste. Marie. I have even traveled to Toledo, OH, Chicago, IL and Fort Myers, FL for clients who had to relocate. Additionally, I have regularly appeared before judges from other states via video-teleconference hearings held in Michigan. Generally speaking, geography isn't a limitation on my services when I am your attorney.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
I am a solo practitioner with a receptionist to handle calls. The buck stops here when I am your attorney.
What are your hours of operation?
Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM. Appointments are required due to my varying hearing schedule.
randall sampson on 11/5/2011 11:04:11 PM
Contact Michelle R. Gottesman, P.C.:
