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Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ALII Gold
Biography
For over 20 years I have helped thousands of individuals navigate the claims process for government benefits. Social Security Disability and Veterans Benefits are federal programs with often complicated and confusing claims processes. I work with each client personally to help make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Education
- University of Richmond School of Law
- J.D. (1999) | Law
- University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
- B.A. (1994) | Psychology
Professional Experience
- Partner
- Lunn & Forro, PLLC
- - Current
- Attorney
- Wolf & Hogan, PC
- -
- Attorney
- Charles Hall Law Firm
- -
- Attorney
- Legal Aid of NC
- -
Speaking Engagements
- Using the HITECH Act, Disability CLE
- Case Law Update, North Carolina Advocates for Justice Fall Conference
- 2009, 2011
- Converting to a Paperless Office, North Carolina Advocates for Justice Fall Conference
- Preparing Cases for Federal Court, DAS - Beginners CLE
Certifications
- Accredited Representative
- Department of Veterans Affairs
Awards
- AV Preeminent Peer Rating
- Martindale-Hubbell
- Superb Rating
- Avvo
- Order of Service
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice
- 2010
- Order of Service
- North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers
Professional Associations
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Member
- Current
- National Organization of Veterans Advocates
- Member
- - Current
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice
- Member
- - Current
- Activities: Former Technology Chair for the Disability Advocacy Section; Disability Advocacy Section
- National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives
- Member
- - Current
- North Carolina State Bar
- Member
- - Current
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- North Carolina
- U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans' Claims
- U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle & Western Districts of North Carolina
Fees
-
Free Consultation
There is never a charge for a case evaluation -
Contingent Fees
25% for Social Security 20% for Veterans Compensation
Practice Areas
- Social Security Disability
- Military Law
- Veteran's Benefits
Languages
- English: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
- Q. Can my boyfriend will me his social security benefits even though we aren't married
- A: No he cannot do this. There are no benefits that he would receive after his death so there is nothing to give to you. After his death his minor children (if he has any) and his legal spouse may be eligible to receive survivor's benefits. There are also benefits that an older legal spouse may be able to receive based on his earnings record. However, none of these benefits can be inherited by someone in a will.
- Q. Do I need to find a Disability lawyer before applying or only after my first application is rejected?
- A: You do not have to hire an attorney to file your claim. Some people prefer to do that, particularly if they can find an attorney with a lot of experience handling Social Security cases who can assist you with the application. If you are still able to work, then that may make you ineligible for benefits. That depends on how much you are earning. Go ahead and apply because the worst thing that will happen is that your claim is denied. If you don't have an attorney assist you with the application, be sure to call one as soon as you get the denial notice.
- Q. Will social security withhold $6,000 or the updated amount of $7,2000?
- A: SSA should withhold the $7200 as that is the amount in the statute in your agreement and is less than the full 25%. The fee agreement states only that the fee set in that statute was currently capped at $6000. The agreement limits itself to the statute, not the dollar amount listed.
Social Media
Websites & Blogs
- Website
- Social Security and Veterans Compensation
Videos
Contact & Map