Best Social Disability Lawyer in Columbus Ohio
Arianna Atkins
Disability Lawyer
Ms. Atkins was raised in Portage County Ohio, later attending The Ohio State University, where she majored in both international studies and political science. After obtaining her undergraduate degrees, Ms. Atkins attended the University of Toledo College of Law, graduating magna cum laude in 2010. With over a decade of experience, Arianna has handled hundreds of family law cases in the Central Ohio area.
Ms. Atkins is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Columbus Bar Association, and she is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
Arianna has two young children and her beloved dog Chester. In her spare time enjoys reading, cooking and gardening.
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
- Divorce
- Custody & Visitation
Bar Admissions
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
Education
- University of Toledo College of Law, Toledo, Ohio
J.D. – 2010
Honors: magna cum laude - The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
B.A. – 2007
Major: International Studies
Major: Political Science
Lisa K. Meier
Disability Lawyer
Our founding attorney, Lisa K. Meier, is a detail-oriented, fearless attorney with more than 12 years of experience in custody, divorce, and probate matters. She also has won awards in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 for Client Satisfaction from the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.
Lisa strongly advocates on behalf of clients both in the courtroom and in her trial briefs. She is also accessible to clients and carefully walks them through every step of the legal process. With her tools and skills, she has provided success for her clients in Dublin, Columbus, Westerville, Lewis Center, Franklin County, Union County, and Logan County, Ohio.
Bar Admissions
Ohio State Bar
Education
The Ohio State University, Juris Doctor (Class of 2008)
John T. Nicholson
Disability Lawyer
Those suffering with health problems commonly reach a point where holding down a job is no longer possible. That is where SSA’s disability program comes into play. Disabled individuals can apply for SSD (Social Security Disability) and/or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits. Unfortunately, the program is imperfect as the Social Security Administration denies many deserving people with incapacitating conditions.
Here at the Law Offices of John T. Nicholson, we fight for those incapable of working so that they can win and receive the benefits they need. We are a local practice based in Dayton, Ohio and work with clients throughout the Midwestern region.
For many people struggling to manage the responsibilities of a job while dealing with physical or mental ailments, there comes a point when it becomes too difficult to continue working.
To help replace this lost income, those who are unable to work can apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Unfortunately, many people with genuine needs are denied time and again by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
At the Law Offices of John T. Nicholson, we are committed to helping those struggling with disabilities so they get the SSDI benefits they need. We work with clients in Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati and throughout Ohio. We also help people throughout the Midwest.
Julie A. Hall
Disability Lawyer
A Columbus native, Julie has been practicing before the Social Security Administration since 1997. She has successfully represented adult and child claimants at all stages of Social Security Disability appeals, from the initial application to litigation in the United States District Court.
She is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives, was co-founder and 2010-2013 co-chair of the Social Security Disability Committee of the Columbus Bar Association, and in 2013 she received the Columbus Bar Association’s President’s Award for her contributions to the Columbus Bar Association.
Julie has organized and spoken at multiple continuing legal education Social Security Disability seminars and speaks frequently about Social Security Disability at public events.
When she isn’t working, Julie enjoys spending time at home with her husband and business partner, Ken Karlock. She is a devoted stepmother to two beautiful children, and an enthusiastic dog mom to the CHK office dog, Oliver.
Julie is a passionate advocate for animal rescue, she bleeds Scarlet and Gray, and she is a proud resident of Downtown Columbus.
KELLY HENSLEY
Disability Lawyer
Kelly is a partner with Agee Clymer in our Columbus office. Kelly focuses her practice in the following areas:
- Social Security Disability
- Ohio Public Employees Retirement System disability (OPERS)
- School Employees Retirement System of Ohio Disability (SERS)
- State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio disability (STRS)
- Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund disability (OP&F)
- Long and Short-term Disability policy appeals
Kelly is an Erie, Pennsylvania native with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Neuroscience and Psychology from Allegheny College. She also has Master of Social Work (MSSA) and Juris Doctor (JD) degrees from Case Western Reserve University. Kelly graduated from law school at Case in 2008.
Kelly is a graduate of the Ohio State Bar Association’s Leadership Academy. She is also a former member of the Board of Directors for Mid-Ohio Psychological Services (MOPS).
Away from the office, enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children.
The best disability lawyers in Columbus, Ohio, play a critical role in helping individuals navigate the complex process of applying for and obtaining disability benefits. Their expertise in disability law and their commitment to their clients’ rights are essential. Here are the key roles and responsibilities of the best disability lawyers in Columbus:
- Legal Expertise: Disability lawyers are well-versed in the laws and regulations related to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. They understand the eligibility criteria and the legal requirements for obtaining disability benefits.
- Initial Consultation: Disability lawyers offer a free initial consultation to assess a client’s case. During this consultation, they evaluate the client’s medical condition, work history, and eligibility for disability benefits.
- Application Assistance: One of the primary roles of disability lawyers is to help clients prepare and submit their disability benefit applications. They ensure that all necessary medical documentation and supporting evidence are included to strengthen the application.
- Appeals Process: If a client’s initial application is denied, disability lawyers can guide them through the appeals process. This may involve filing a Request for Reconsideration, representing the client at a disability hearing, or pursuing further appeals through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Appeals Council or federal court.
- Gathering Medical Evidence: Disability lawyers work closely with medical professionals to gather the necessary medical records and documentation to support the client’s disability claim. They may consult with physicians, specialists, and vocational experts to strengthen the case.
- Case Strategy: The best disability lawyers develop a comprehensive case strategy tailored to the client’s specific situation. They assess the client’s medical condition, limitations, and vocational factors to present the strongest possible case.
- Representing at Hearings: Disability lawyers represent clients at disability hearings before administrative law judges (ALJs). They prepare clients for the hearing, present evidence, question witnesses, and make legal arguments on behalf of the client to demonstrate disability.
- Review of Denials: When a disability claim is denied, disability lawyers review the reasons for denial and formulate a plan to address any deficiencies or inaccuracies in the SSA’s decision.
- Continual Communication: Effective disability lawyers maintain open and ongoing communication with their clients. They keep clients informed about the progress of their case and explain the legal processes involved.
- Timely Filing: Disability lawyers ensure that all documents, appeals, and requests are filed within the specified deadlines set by the SSA. Missing deadlines can jeopardize a client’s claim.
- Maximizing Benefits: The goal of disability lawyers is to help clients obtain the maximum disability benefits they are entitled to. This includes back pay, ongoing monthly benefits, and potential auxiliary benefits for family members.
- Cost-Efficiency: Disability lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if the client’s claim is successful. This arrangement ensures that individuals can access legal representation without upfront costs.
- Compassionate Support: Dealing with disability can be emotionally and financially challenging. The best disability lawyers provide compassionate support to their clients throughout the process, understanding the difficulties they face.
In summary, the role of the best disability lawyers in Columbus, Ohio, is to advocate for their clients’ rights and help them navigate the complex Social Security disability system. They provide legal expertise, assistance with the application process, representation at hearings, and support in securing the benefits to which their clients are entitled.