Oakland Social Security Disability Lawyers

Taking the guesswork out of the Social Security Disability claim process, we will help you to present the best-possible case so you can get the disability benefits you deserve.

Trust the experts with your Social Security Disability benefits in Oakland

For many who sustain a debilitating physical or mental disability and require Social Security benefits, dealing with the Social Security Administration is a daunting prospect.

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In Oakland, the Administrative Law Judges of the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review conduct Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) hearings, with the wait time for a hearing being 11 months and the case processing time 366 days on average. Notably, the Oakland hearing office has an approval rate of 46%. However, taking on the application process with the help of a Social Security Disability attorney can significantly improve your odds.

At LaPorte Law Firm, we understand what’s at stake for our clients, which is why we are known for our excellent attention to detail, contributing to our sterling record of winning thousands of disability cases in the Bay Area for over 40 years. We have represented hundreds of clients before judges in Oakland. Leave it to us, and we’ll make sure your case isn’t just another number in the system. With us in your corner, you gain a reputable legal partner who will be with you throughout the entire process.

Overlooking Lake Merritt, our office location is walking distance from the 19th Street Bay Area Rapid Transit station, the Oakland Hearing Office, and the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and US Courthouse.

Our Social Security Disability Lawyers and Experts in Oakland

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Terry LaPorte

Since receiving his JD from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1979, Terry LaPorte has dedicated his legal career to representing individuals in Social Security Disability claims and appeals. In 1982, he established LaPorte Law Firm in Northern California, specializing in Social Security Disability law. For over 40 years, Terry and the LaPorte Law Firm team have successfully represented thousands of clients in California and the Western States.

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Kevin LaPorte

Kevin LaPorte received his JD from the University of San Francisco Law School where he was also awarded an International and Comparative Law Certificate with Honors. He is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, where he has received specialized training in Social Security Disability Law.

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Kelsey LaPorte

Kelsey LaPorte is a zealous advocate for her clients, committed to helping them obtain the benefits they deserve while guiding them through a time in which they adjust to the effects of their disability on their daily life. With specialized expertise in appeals, she has demonstrated success in appeals to both the Social Security Appeal Council as well as federal lawsuits against the Social Security Administration.

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Maria Miranda-Hammon

Maria Miranda-Hammon has decades of experience as a Legal Specialist, representing clients since 1994. She is an experienced and dedicated Social Security legal representative who is deeply committed to achieving a successful outcome for every client. Maria specializes in the representation of claimants with SSI and SSA disability claims and appeals at Social Security hearing offices and district offices.

Why LaPorte Law Firm is the top choice for your Social Security Disability case in Oakland

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Our team has extensive experience winning Social Security Disability benefits for our clients in Oakland for several years, with the firm being founded in 1982. We are the top Social Security Disability attorneys in Oakland with unparallelled knowledge of the system and the local judges.

Constantly appearing before local judges, we understand the challenges presented by a complex Social Security system, but we also have unique insight into the opportunities for success for our clients, such as the fact that administrative judges in Oakland have been cutting into their backlog — occasionally, applicants are now getting hearings in as little as six months as opposed to 18 months as experienced in pre-pandemic times. Or the fact that there is a high standard of medical care in the Bay Area, which results in thorough medical evidence at the hearing. Observing these types of positive trends makes us even more committed to helping our clients win their Social Security Disability cases, because we know that with the right legal support and expertise, winning your well-deserved disability benefits is more than possible.

With the guidance of our seasoned legal experts, you can rest easy knowing your case is in safe hands. Every step of the process will be handled meticulously, ensuring your case has the best chance for success. For peace of mind and a stress-free application process, rely on our compassionate attorneys with on-the-ground experience with the Social Security Administration in Oakland.

We can help you get the benefits you deserve.

SSDI Applications and Appeals

SSI Appeals

If you are unsure of which hearing office your case will get assigned to, use the hearing office locator from the Social Security website. The Oakland hearing office services the following SSA field offices: Antioch, Berkeley, East Oakland, Fremont, Hayward/Livermore (merged), Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro, and Walnut Creek.

LaPorte Law Firm is your trusted legal partner in Oakland

Comprising born-and-raised locals with decades of legal experience in the Bay Area, our legal team has deep roots in the community. Due to the strong bonds we have with our local communities, our firm is passionate about making a positive impact.

These are a few of our noteworthy activities in Oakland.

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Alameda County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

We are listed on the ACBA Lawyer Referral Service, a highly reputable lawyer referral resource connecting clients in need of legal assistance with qualified lawyers for over 50 years.

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Community Outreach

Through donations to the East Oakland Collective food bank, we are directly involved in assisting communities in need in Oakland.

Our Social Security Disability lawyers in Oakland are here to answer all of your questions.

Want to ask one of our Oakland attorneys a question or get your Social Security Disability case reviewed free of charge?

Want to take our free quiz to check your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance?

Need more information about our legal fees for processing your SSDI application or appeal?

Want answers to frequently asked questions on SSDI and SSI?

The results you deserve

With over 40 years of service, LaPorte Law Firm has won thousands of claims and appeals for our clients.

I have known Terry LaPorte for over 20 years. When I had to have back surgery in 1998, Terry was highly recommended by a friend that Terry had also represented in a successful manner. From the moment I met Terry and his staff, I knew that I was in good hands. Within a short time, I was receiving my disability benefits. I was able to return to work five years after surgery; however, in 2017, I required Terry’s services once again, and within three to four months I was again receiving my disability benefits.

Ernie Zito

This law firm helped us win our case after many appeals. The people there were very attentive and sensitive to our needs. They made sure to follow up and connect every step of the way. I highly recommend them.

Claudia H.

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

100% Free, No-Obligation 30-Minute Consultation Call to Assess your Situation

Attempting to navigate the Social Security Disability claims process on your own can be overwhelming. However, you don’t have to go through this complicated process alone. The Social Security Disability law experts at LaPorte Law Firm are here to help you obtain your hard-earned benefits.

When we take on your case, we’ll be with you every step of the way until the final result. Best of all, we work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid once you win your case.

Reach out to us for a free consultation by filling out a few details about your situation so we can evaluate your case and help you decide your next steps.

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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.

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Terry LaPorte

Attorney

Since receiving his JD from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1979, Terry LaPorte has dedicated his legal career to representing individuals in Social Security Disability claims and appeals. In 1982, he established the LaPorte Law Firm in Northern California, specializing in Social Security Disability law. For over 40 years, Terry and the LaPorte Law Firm team have successfully represented thousands of clients in California and the Western States.

Throughout his career, Terry has continued to develop his expertise in various ways, such as attaining the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification and serving on the Board of Examiners of the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is also a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, a provider attorney to the American Association of Retired Persons, and a seven-time Chair of the Social Security section of the Santa Clara County Bar Association. In addition, he has served as a lecturer on disability law for the Continuing Education Program of the California Bar Association and for many community, legal, and support organizations.

Terry has received numerous awards and recognition for his commitment to individuals with disabilities and others in need in our community, including:

  • The Santa Clara County Bar Association Pro Bono Services Award
  • The Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association Community Service Award
  • The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley’s Philip J. Berelson Award for Generous Philanthropy
  • Chapter Programs Partner of the Year and Social Security Attorney of the Year by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
  • Client Distinction Award by Martindale-Hubbell and Lawyers.com (fewer than 4% of over 900,000 attorneys listed on Martindale.com and Lawyers.com have been awarded this distinction)
  • Acknowledgement of dedication to the disabled by the California State Bar’s Consumer Business Review, the Santa Clara County Bar Association, and the Pro Bono Project of Santa Clara County
  • Named a top Northern California attorney in Super Lawyers
  • Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly

Terry is licensed to practice in the State of California and the Northern District Federal Court.

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Kevin LaPorte

Attorney

Kevin LaPorte received his JD from the University of San Francisco Law School where he was also awarded an International and Comparative Law Certificate with Honors. He is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, where he has received specialized training in Social Security Disability Law.

Before joining LaPorte Law Firm, Kevin’s practice focused on international criminal law and human rights, such as serving as Assistant Attorney to the International Civil Parties in the trial of former Khmer Rouge leaders in Cambodia. This trial was conducted as a joint enterprise between the United Nations and the Cambodian government, and involved the drafting of closing statements in the historical trial of former Khmer Rouge leaders, along with conducting fact gathering missions for the crime of genocide. He also worked for the United Nations in The Hague, Netherlands, at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, which involved the criminal trial of a former general accused of genocide and war crimes.

Kevin’s experience helping victims of human rights abuses inspired him to assist individuals closer to home who are suffering from disabling illnesses and injuries. With his background in human rights law, he has gained a unique perspective in representing clients whose disabilities prevent them from being able to work. His practice now focuses on representing clients in Northern California in the Social Security Disability claims and appeals process. He was also named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2022.

Kevin is licensed to practice in the State of California and the Northern District Federal Court. Kevin LaPorte is also a member of the Alameda County Bar Association.

Kevin is also the main contributor to our blog, writing new articles every month on SSDI and SSI-related topics that you can consult for free here.

Kevin also contributes to other major online publications, like this Bloomberg article on SSDI and long Covid, thanks to his extensive experience as a Social Security Disability attorney

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Kelsey LaPorte

Attorney

Kelsey LaPorte is a zealous advocate for her clients, committed to helping them obtain the benefits they deserve while guiding them through a time in which they adjust to the effects of their disability on their daily life. With specialized expertise in appeals, she has demonstrated success in appeals to both the Social Security Appeal Council as well as federal lawsuits against the Social Security Administration.

Kelsey is a cum laude graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law with experience in appellate work with the Northern California Innocence Project and the California Public Defenders Office. As a graduate of the Center for Social Justice and Public Service at Santa Clara Law, she is committed to public service and has contributed to the Bay Area community by working on expungement petitions at the Santa Clara Public Defender’s office.

Kelsey is licensed to practice in the State of California and the Northern District Federal Court.

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Maria Miranda-Hammon

Legal Representative

Maria Miranda-Hammon has decades of experience as a Legal Specialist, representing clients since 1994. She is an experienced and dedicated Social Security legal representative who is deeply committed to achieving a successful outcome for every client. Maria specializes in the representation of claimants with SSI and SSA disability claims and appeals at Social Security hearing offices and district offices. She continues to expand her knowledge and experience through research and seminars offered by the Santa Clara County Bar Association, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, and the Annual 9th Circuit Conference for Experienced Social Security Practitioners.

With her vast litigation support experience and electronic filing software expertise, Maria’s assistance in preparing documentation presentations and conference materials is an invaluable asset to the firm. With a fully integrated bicultural background, she has represented many monolingual Spanish-speaking claimants.

Watch a free video presentation by the attorneys at LaPorte Law Firm – How to prepare for a Social Security disability hearing

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