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…
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
You will not find a more dedicated disability attorney
I cannot say enough great things about Terry. He has decades of specialized legal knowledge and experience in the area of disability law and it shows. In addition to his level of competence, he is such a genuine person. He regularly demonstrated how much he cares about me. One of the things I particularly appreciated is how responsive he was to my numerous inquiries. He consistently responded to me in a very timely manner, whether it was responding with an email or calling me on the phone. Attorneys often do no show this level of professionalism and so it’s refreshing to work with an attorney who does. I prevailed in my disability claim. It was not a straightforward claim, as it involves an “invisible disability.” Terry was able to present convincing arguments during my disability hearing and I could tell how experienced and confident he is in that environment. After my hearing, he would track the status of my case and keep me updated whenever there was any movement in the process. I could tell by his actions that he was dedicated to fulfilling my interests and would do whatever it took to assure I prevailed.
Jennifer
I came to California after filing for disability and being denied in another state. I was then denied twice in California as well, before being referred to Terry LaPorte. He is great — easy-going but very intelligent. I have to admit, after being turned down over three times, I had my doubts. I was on mental health medication and just couldn’t deal with things anymore. Many days, I could not even manage to take a shower. It was grim. It is difficult to make it in California with no money and no place to live. I don’t know what I would have done had I been denied again. It seemed like there was no way out of my situation, but I am forever grateful for Terry believing in me and going to bat for me. I feel like I can live a little now. Thanks, Terry!
Gina S.
Great Lawyer
Mr. Laporte is very professional and I liked that he would contact me and be very detailed and kept me updated all along the case. His office is very professional and replied to all my emails within 24 hours or sooner.
Anonymous
I’m really glad you guys were there for me in my time of need. You can be sure that I will be calling on you if I or someone in my family needs help.
Charles Bryley
Terry was extremely helpful. I only wish I had found him much sooner! I actually had another previous attorney, which I dismissed due to negligence and incompetence, but Terry restored my confidence and helped me win my case without having to appeal. Terry and his team did a great job!
Arlene R.
Kevin LaPorte is outstanding! He is the best attorney for Social Security, and I cannot recommend him enough. I had a tough case, but Kevin successfully tackled every problem related to my case. With his professionalism, knowledge, thoroughness, and experience working with the Oakland judges, he won this tough case. I obtained a fully favorable decision with back pay going back three years. Wow!
After interviewing multiple attorneys, I chose Kevin because of his professionalism, expertise, commitment, and his willingness to prepare me as much as I needed until I felt very comfortable and very confident to appear before the judge. No other attorney was willing to put in that extra effort or study my medical records as carefully as Kevin. It’s rare to find an advocate as dedicated to clients as him as well as someone who has experience with the local judges, which is very important, as you don’t want an attorney going in blind. Go ahead and interview a few attorneys; I’m sure you will reach the same conclusion: Kevin is the best.
V.N.
Two words: we won!
James Alvares
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
LaPorte Law Firm helped me with my case from start to finish. They explained every detail to me and answered every question I had. They were on top of my case and helped me get through it with much less stress on my part. I recommend them to anyone who is looking for professional help on their claims.
Divina Mendoza
Professional Empathetic and works with Integrity
I had the absolute pleasure to work with Terry LaPorte. He was professional, understanding, efficient and put my needs first. I would highly recommend him to anyone. I have never met a better lawyer or a better man.
Anonymous
I was referred to LaPorte Law Firm several years ago by another lawyer who was not able to help me with my case. After meeting Terry LaPorte, I understood why he had been recommended. From the very first visit, he showed a genuine interest in who I am as an individual and was compassionate in helping me accomplish what I needed. Terry is a good listener and made me feel immediately comfortable. His knowledge of his business and the laws and regulations surrounding it gave me the confidence that I was at the right place. The process turned out to be very timely, made things incredibly easy for me, and was a great success. What I still find gratifying is that years later, if I have a question, I can call Terry, and his willingness to help is just as awesome as it was the day I hired LaPorte Law Firm.
Daunell S.
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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.”
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.
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.
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.
