Testimonials
Read what our clients say about our work
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Read what our clients say about our work
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LaPorte Law Firm has won thousands of claims and appeals for our clients
Here’s what our clients have to say…
I can’t recommend LaPorte Law Firm highly enough. After four long years, two denials, and finally a hearing, I was awarded disability benefits thanks to their dedication and expertise. My case was complex and required constant record updates, but attorney Kevin LaPorte and legal assistant Sylvia Marichalar guided me every step of the way. They always responded quickly, eased my worries, and gave me confidence to keep going through an overwhelming process.
When it came time for my hearing, Kevin’s preparation and deep experience made all the difference. He helped me know what to expect and supported me in presenting my case clearly and confidently. Even after I received a favorable decision, Kevin took the time to explain what it meant for my future.
I’ve since referred friends to LaPorte Law Firm in Oakland because they are truly a beacon of hope for people navigating the Social Security Disability process. They combine professionalism, compassion, and genuine care for their clients — qualities that mean everything when you’re facing one of life’s most uncertain moments.
Rachel Newell
Terry went above and beyond to get my brother approved for his Social Security benefits — jumping through many hoops in what should have been an easy process that was complicated by the unusual circumstances of the case. He fought through red tape and managed to get a successful outcome. His integrity and work ethic are fantastic!
Debbie Klahr
I had excellent service from LaPorte Law Firm. I highly recommend them for all your needs.
John Spooner
Our experience with La Porte Law Firm was, first and foremost, respectful and very humanitarian. As a lawyer, Mr. LaPorte always kept the goal in mind and worked very hard to have all the relevant information. He reviewed every single record, and we felt very good having him represent our son. We are most grateful to have had a positive outcome since the Social Security rules are so strict.
Gloria Carballo
Legal Top Guns
Filing an SSDI claim was daunting but Terry explained how the process would work and he was absolutely 100% right in how it played out! He handed off my case to his daughter and fellow attorney Kelsey. There was no drop off of support. Kelsey always believed in my case and she ably represented me when it came time to face the administrative law judge. I know for certain that my appeal would not have been successful without the Laportes.
Chris
Mr. Terry LaPorte won my case for me several years ago. He was extremely patient and diligent. After feeling inadequate for years of people questioning my health, Mr. LaPorte truly cared about my chronic conditions. I still regularly email and he calls me to talk about all my questions. I definitely trust Mr.LaPorte; he is incredibly sweet and I feel at ease knowing that I am always protected when it comes to my SSI.
Samantha
The Understanding, Professional, and Diligent Mr. LaPorte
Mr. LaPorte (Terry) has been my only and best experience working with a lawyer. I was initially really scared to apply to SSI because I thought my chronic health was not adequate enough. Mr. LaPorte worked with me in every way possible and was extremely professional. He always understands my concerns about questions I have with SSI now. I feel very at ease when my anxiety is high about reporting duties. Thank you so much Mr. LaPorte.
Samantha
Mr. LaPorte and Sylvia have been so helpful to me. After going through a lot in the past three years, it was very good to find someone who really cares about me and is willing to work with me despite my situation. I highly recommend this firm to anyone who is going through this difficult time.
M.G.
Dear Laporte Law Services,
I am writing this letter to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to your esteemed firm, with special attention to Maria, for the outstanding assistance and support provided during my disability case.
When I first approached your firm, I was overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate the complexities of the legal system. However, from the very beginning, Maria’s exceptional expertise and compassionate approach instilled a sense of confidence and reassurance in me. She listened attentively to my concerns, thoroughly analyzed my case, and diligently worked toward achieving a positive outcome.
Throughout the entire process, Maria displayed unwavering dedication, professionalism, and an unparalleled commitment to ensuring my rights were protected. Her in-depth knowledge of disability law, attention to detail, and strategic approach were instrumental in building a strong case. I was continually impressed by her ability to anticipate challenges and proactively address them, all while keeping me informed and involved at every stage.
Thanks to Maria’s exceptional legal skills, tireless efforts, and unwavering support, we achieved a victorious outcome. Winning my disability case would not have been possible without her expertise and guidance. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the outstanding job she did, and the profound impact it has had on my life.
In addition to Maria, I would also like to extend my appreciation to the entire team at Laporte Law Services. Your firm’s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and client-centered approach is truly commendable. The exceptional level of service I received from everyone involved in my case, including the support staff, reflects the high standards and values of your organization.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your outstanding legal representation and for helping me navigate the complexities of my disability case. I am forever grateful to Maria and the dedicated team at Laporte Law Services for their unwavering support, exceptional expertise, and ultimately securing a favorable outcome.
Please convey my appreciation and heartfelt thanks to Maria for her outstanding work. I will wholeheartedly recommend Laporte Law Services to anyone seeking exceptional legal representation.
With sincere gratitude,
Sean Schnoor
You are nothing but the best and have changed my life . I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Laporte Law firm 😁😁😁
Sean Schnoor
Kevin is an excellent attorney. He helped me get the very best financial outcome for my Social Security Disability case. He is professional, provided excellent advice, and was very prepared when my case was presented to the judge.
Diane C.
I am so grateful to LaPorte Law Firm for the expertise, guidance, and professionalism with which they handled my claim, helping me get the most positive outcome I could possibly hope for! The system seemed daunting and overwhelming to me at the beginning, but Terry LaPorte took the time to talk through the details of my case on several occasions before we started and helped familiarize me with the process.
Elena Cahalan
LaPorte Law Firm has been great. The team was professional, caring, and supportive throughout the entire process. I never once doubted that my case was in the best hands possible.
Scott Leandres
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Frequently Asked Questions
SSDI is a disability insurance program financed by your Social Security paycheck deductions. Unless prohibited by your age, you must have worked a total of 10 years (40 quarters), 5 of which must be within the last 10 years (20 of the last 40 quarters). In order to be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must have earned FICA-taxed wages during this work period.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, no work time is required at all. There are, however, limits to eligibility based on how much property you own or money you have in the bank, as the SSI program is aimed at individuals who lack income or resources and are disabled. Benefits are paid as a flat rate, and the amount may be reduced if you receive any money or assistance from any source.
With both SSI and SSDI, you must be found disabled. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees both programs and defines disability as being unable to perform any “substantial gainful activity.”
No, SSDI can be seen as a safety net. It will pay monthly benefits to you based on the amount of money that you have already paid into the system through employment taxes.
If your claim is approved upon the first attempt, the process should take just a few months. However, it should be noted that only approximately one-third of claims are approved on the first filing. As such, most applicants need to go through the appeal process to secure their benefits. If your claim is then approved after an appeal to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, delays of a year or more before benefit payment commences are also common.
Attorney’s fees are 25% of the first retroactive payment to you by the SSA; however, the fee is capped at US$7,200 regardless of the amount of money you are owed by the SSA. After November 30, 2024, the maximum attorney’s fees are capped at $9,200. There is no one-off or ongoing fee after you win your case. As the SSA can take several years to adjudicate a disability claim, disability claimants are often entitled to a large check for retroactive benefits for the period in which they were waiting for their claim to be decided. Our fees automatically come out of that first retroactive check, so our clients never have to pay us directly.
If your application is rejected on your first attempt, as is the case for many first-time applicants, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An appeal must be filed using the proper forms within 60 days of the date of the denial decision. Your chances of winning an appeal are greatly enhanced by retaining a firm that specializes in Social Security law.
The monthly amount you will receive depends on factors such as age, past earnings, and type of benefit. The law allows retroactive pay up to 12 months prior to the month of a disability application. To get a better idea of your situation, it is advisable to consult the SSA’s benefit calculator.
How it works:
- Complete the form so we can learn more about your situation.
- We will reach out within 48 hours to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney.
- If your case can be pursued, we’ll start working on it.
- We only get paid if your case is approved.
How we can help:
- Free case evaluation by an attorney
- Social Security Disability Insurance application
- Social Security Disability Insurance appeal
- Disability hearing preparation
NO FEES UNLESS YOU WIN.
At LaPorte Law Firm, we only receive a fee if you win your case – so you have nothing to lose. We’re with you every step of the way.
Award-winning service
Equipped with years of experience and thousands of successful cases, LaPorte Law Firm is the leading disability attorney in the Bay Area, and we have the awards and certifications to prove it.
