The Short Answer
To choose the best Social Security disability lawyer in North Carolina, start by verifying that they are a licensed attorney specializing in Social Security law, not just a non-attorney advocate. Select a lawyer with specific experience handling cases with local North Carolina judges and medical providers. You should choose a lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless you win—and who clearly explains who will handle your case and how they will communicate with you throughout the process.
This guide will walk you through each of these steps for selecting an SSDI lawyer who will advocate for you. Choosing the right representative is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and having a qualified and experienced Social Security lawyer is key to pursuing your benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Qualifications Matter: Your first step is to confirm you are hiring a licensed attorney experienced in SSDI cases, not a non-attorney SSDI advocate, to ensure the highest level of legal representation.
- Local Experience is an Advantage: A North Carolina lawyer’s familiarity with local Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and medical experts can be a significant benefit to your claim.
- Ask About Case Management: You need to know who will be your primary point of contact and how the firm will provide regular updates on your case, which can often take months or years.
- Fees Are Contingent on Success: Reputable disability lawyers charge no upfront fees. Their payment is a percentage of your back pay, capped by the SSA, and is only collected if they win your case.
The First Choice: Licensed Lawyer vs. Non-Attorney Advocate
Before you evaluate experience or fees, you must answer one fundamental question: is the person you’re considering a licensed attorney or a non-attorney advocate? The difference is significant.
- Social Security Disability Lawyer: A lawyer has earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school and passed the rigorous North Carolina state bar exam. They have the authority to represent you at all levels of the claim process, including appealing a negative decision in Federal Court if necessary.
- Non-Attorney Advocate: An advocate is an individual who is not a lawyer but has passed a specialized exam and background check administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). They can represent you through the hearing level but cannot file an appeal for you in Federal Court.
While many non-attorney SSDI advocates are competent, a licensed Social Security disability attorney provides a higher level of qualification and can see your case through every possible stage.
4 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Your initial consultation is your opportunity to interview a potential lawyer. Use this time to ask direct questions that will help you make the right choice.
1. What Is Your Experience With North Carolina Cases and Judges?
Social Security is a federal program, but local knowledge is a powerful asset. An experienced North Carolina disability lawyer brings a distinct home-field advantage. They should be familiar with:
- Local Administrative Law Judges (ALJs): Understanding the specific procedures and expectations of the judges in North Carolina hearing offices can be invaluable in preparing your case.
- The Regional Medical Community: A local lawyer often has established relationships with area hospitals, clinics, and specialists, making it easier to obtain the detailed medical evidence needed to prove your disability.
- State-Level Processes: They have hands-on experience navigating North Carolina’s Disability Determination Services (DDS), the state agency that makes the initial decision on your claim.
2. Who Will Actually Manage My Case and How Will We Communicate?
At some firms, the lawyer you meet initially may not be the person managing your file day-to-day. You need to understand who you will be working with. Ask directly: “Will you be my primary point of contact?” and “Will you be the one representing me at my hearing?”
Establish clear expectations for communication. A good attorney should be able to tell you how often you can expect updates and the best way to reach them with questions. Social Security cases are long–you deserve a representative who will keep you informed, make you feel like a priority, and be your champion.
3. What Is Your Process For Managing My Claim and Its Paperwork?
Filing for disability involves a mountain of complex forms, strict deadlines, and constant requests for information. A key part of your lawyer’s job is to act as the manager for this entire process. Ask them to walk you through their strategy for handling a claim like yours. This includes how they assist with filling out forms, filing appeals on time, gathering all necessary medical records, and preparing you for a hearing. Their answer will reveal their level of organization and experience.
4. How Are Your Fees Structured?
This is an important question, and the answer should be clear and transparent. Reputable Social Security disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
This means you pay no attorney’s fees unless you win your case.
By federal law, the fee is strictly regulated by the SSA. It is set at 25% of the past-due benefits you are awarded, but it cannot exceed a specific maximum amount. Currently, that cap is $7,200. This fee is paid directly to the attorney out of your back-pay settlement, so you never have to pay out of pocket.
Be sure to ask if there are any other costs. While the attorney’s fee is contingent, you may be responsible for small, direct expenses like the cost of printing your medical records. These should be minimal and clearly explained in your fee agreement.
What to Expect Working with The Social Security Disability Lawyer at Lewis & Keller
At Lewis & Keller, our team has a strong track record of helping people across North Carolina secure the disability benefits they may deserve. We’ll partner with you and your doctors here in North Carolina to gather the evidence needed to build the strongest case we can. And you’ll never feel left in the dark—we make it a priority to keep you updated and make sure you always have a direct line for any questions you have along the way.
We also know that when you’re unable to work, the last thing you should worry about is the cost of legal help. That’s why we make our fee structure straightforward and stress-free. We’ll cover the details in your free consultation, but our promise is simple: you pay us absolutely nothing unless we win your case. There’s no upfront cost and no financial risk, which means you have nothing to lose by finding out how we can fight for you.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Your Free Case Evaluation
Choosing a disability lawyer is a major decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. By asking the right questions, you can find a qualified and dedicated partner in North Carolina to fight for the benefits you may deserve.
The team at Lewis & Keller is composed of experienced North Carolina lawyers who are experienced with taking Social Security disability cases. We understand the system, we know the local landscape, and we are ready to help. We serve clients throughout the Piedmont Triad in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Lexington, Salisbury, and surrounding areas.
Contact our office today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your claim.
