| I began practicing Social Security Disability in 1998, taking a pro-bono case for Volunterer Lawyers Project in Massachusetts www.vlpnet.org. The case was for a Spanish-speaking client, who happened to be a child. Although I have only handled a small number of children's cases since, this experience showed me the opportunity to make a positive impact in people's lives.
I have represented clients before Administrative Law Judges in 45 states and Puerto Rico.
Of the more than 3,000 hearings, many of them have required a translator. SSA provides a translator for whatever language is required. I have utilized translators at hearings for many languages: Spanish, Korean, Khmer, Greek, Samoan, Polish and more. I have also represented many individuals who are illiterate and this has an impact on the determination as to whether someone is capable of performing certain jobs that exist in the national economy.
One of the things I have learned is that disability does not discriminate in that men and women, young and old, and people of all ethnicity, races, religions, and sizes encounter physical and mental impairments that can prevent the performance of competitive employment. No one ever plans on being disabled. Impairments, sickness, disease, car accidents--all of these happen unexpectedly and somehow at some point people have essentially said to me, "How did I end up here?" (going through the process of applying for Social Security Disability).
I have immensely enjoyed intersecting with people at this point and being able to help people obtain the benefits they need and deserve.
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