1. Understand Why You Need a Disability Attorney

A disability attorney can:

• Evaluate your case strength before you apply
• Help you gather and organize medical evidence supporting your claim
• File your application accurately to avoid common errors and omissions
• Represent you in appeals and hearings, preparing you to testify effectively
• Communicate with SSA on your behalf, saving you stress and confusion

Hiring an attorney is particularly crucial if your condition is complex, your medical records are extensive, or you have been denied in the past.

2. Know Where to Search for Disability Attorneys

Here are the most effective ways to find a disability lawyer in Massachusetts:

a. Social Security Administration Referrals

The SSA maintains a list of representative organizations but does not endorse specific attorneys. Ask your local SSA office for a list of regional legal aid and disability advocacy organizations.

b. Online Directories

Use reputable legal directories such as:

• NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives): Lists attorneys specializing in SSDI and SSI cases.
• Avvo.com: Provides lawyer profiles, ratings, and client reviews.
• FindLaw or Justia: Offers searchable databases of disability attorneys by state.

c. Massachusetts Bar Association

Visit the Massachusetts Bar Association website or call their Lawyer Referral Service for names of qualified attorneys specializing in Social Security Disability law.

d. Recommendations from Medical Providers or Support Groups

Doctors, therapists, and local disability support groups often know attorneys who have successfully helped other patients in similar situations.

e. Word-of-Mouth Referrals

Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have been through the disability process for attorney recommendations based on their experiences.

3. What to Look for in a Disability Attorney

When reviewing potential attorneys:

• Ensure they specialize in Social Security Disability law, not general practice.
• Ask how many SSDI or SSI cases they handle per year.
• Confirm they have experience representing clients at reconsideration, hearing, and Appeals Council levels.
• Review their client testimonials and success rates.
• Make sure they practice in Massachusetts and are familiar with state Disability Determination Services (DDS) offices and local SSA offices.
• Evaluate their responsiveness and whether they explain processes clearly in your initial consultation.

4. Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Prepare these questions during your consultation:

• How many years have you been practicing disability law?
• What is your success rate for initial applications and appeals?
• How do you prepare clients for hearings before an Administrative Law Judge?
• Will you handle my case personally or assign it to a different attorney or advocate?
• What are your fees, and are there any upfront costs?

5. Understand Disability Attorney Fees

Disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• No upfront payment is required.
• They receive 25% of your awarded back pay, capped at $7,200 as of 2025.
• You owe nothing if your claim is not approved.
• Out-of-pocket costs for obtaining medical records or specific reports may be billed separately, so confirm policies during your consultation.

6. How to Verify an Attorney’s Credentials

Before finalizing your choice:

• Confirm they are a licensed attorney in Massachusetts in good standing with the state bar.
• Check for disciplinary records on the Board of Bar Overseers website.
• Review NOSSCR membership if you want a lawyer deeply committed to disability law.

7. Benefits of Working with a Local Massachusetts Attorney

A local disability attorney:

• Understands the unique practices of Massachusetts DDS offices and regional hearing offices
• Knows local Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and how they approach cases
• Can meet with you in person to review documents, prepare testimony, and build rapport before your hearing

8. What to Expect After Hiring Your Attorney

Once retained, your disability lawyer will:

• Review your initial or denied application thoroughly
• Identify missing or insufficient medical evidence
• Coordinate with your doctors for detailed Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessments
• File your appeal or application promptly, ensuring deadlines are met
• Prepare you for hearings with mock questions and credibility coaching
• Advocate persuasively before the SSA or ALJ to secure your benefits