Santa Cruz Social Security Disability Lawyers

Maximize your chance for success with expert guidance and legal support from the top disability law specialists in the Bay Area.

Take on the Social Security Disability claims process with the experts on your side.

Faced with the challenges related to losing the ability to work, you may not be in a position to devote countless hours to researching the Social Security Disability claims process and the various steps to be completed in order to win your disability benefits. Successfully claiming your benefits requires diligence, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail, which is why a large number of cases tend to be denied, especially when attempting to navigate the process without legal assistance.

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At LaPorte Law Firm, we know what’s at stake when you attempt to claim your disability benefits. You need a reputable legal advisor by your side who is able to guide you through the claims process and make sure every detail of your case is perfectly represented. Our team of compassionate legal professionals can be that support system for you. As the leading disability law experts in Santa Cruz and the rest of the Bay Area, we have decades of experience successfully helping our clients win the benefits they deserve by leveraging our unmatched expertise and familiarity with local judges, courts, and hospitals. With the right support and guidance, we can help you maximize your chance of success as well.

Conveniently located off Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, our office has plenty of parking for guests.

LaPorte Law Firm’s Social Security Disability lawyers and experts in Santa Cruz

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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.

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Why you need us to help you win your Social Security Disability case in Santa Cruz

Specializing in disability law for over 40 years, LaPorte Law Firm has unmatched expertise when it comes to dealing with the Social Security Administration. In Santa Cruz, your case will fall under the San Jose hearing office, where our team of disability lawyers have a firm foothold and know what needs to be done to maximize your case’s chance for success.

With the leading disability lawyers in the Bay Area handling your case, you will no longer have to worry about figuring out how the complex Social Security system works and whether you’re doing things incorrectly. We will guide you every step of the way, explaining the process and making sure every detail of your case is in order. From helping you with your documentation to preparing you for your hearing in front of a judge, our team will be by your side. By trusting the experts, you will gain peace of mind that your case is being handled by compassionate legal professionals renowned for their commitment to their clients.

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 this hearing office locator from the Social Security website. San Jose Services the following Social Security Field Offices:

CALIFORNIA: Campbell, Gilroy, Mountain View, Redwood City, Salinas, San Jose, San Jose (East), San Jose (South), Santa Cruz, Watsonville

LaPorte Law Firm is your trusted legal partner in Santa Cruz

Our team consists of born-and-raised Bay Area locals with decades of legal experience in the area. We have built strong bonds with our local communities, and remain steadfast in our goal of making a positive impact in any way we can.
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Sponsorship

We have sponsored Housing Matters, an organization that creates pathways out of homelessness and into permanent housing for individuals in need in Santa Cruz.

Our Santa Cruz disability lawyers are here to answer all of your questions.

Want to ask one of our San Jose 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 Social Security Disability application or appeal?

Want answers to frequently asked questions on SSDI/SSI?

Santa Cruz Office

The results you deserve

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

Terry LaPorte is the best. When I was looking for a referral, every knowledgeable attorney referred me to Terry (and only Terry). He worked hard for me, was an excellent advocate, and I completely trust his judgment. He is a kind and decent man, too. I’m grateful I found him.

Sam H.

If problems arise when dealing with Social Security Disability, calling LaPorte Law Firm is the best thing you can do. Professional, experienced, confident, and reassuring are a few words I’d use when recommending them.

Mitch Boo

My spouse was entering into the scary world of disability and we needed guidance. Kevin LaPorte and Sylvia Marichalar were patient, understanding, and helped us through the red tape of Social Security the first time around when most are denied. No stress, no fuss, just straightforward professionals with a heart.

Ben C.

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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Prepare for Your Remote Hearing