Best Disability Lawyer in Michigan
Harper A. Smith
Disability Lawyer
Harper Smith has been representing plaintiffs in personal injury and civil rights litigation since 2011 and has been a part of the Rubenstein & Rynecki team since 2014. Her practice areas include premises liability, labor law, motor vehicle negligence, institutional abuse, and police misconduct. A graduate of Brooklyn Law School, she is admitted to practice law in New York and Maryland.
Harper handles dispositive motions and appeals at Rubenstein & Rynecki and has secured numerous victories for our clients in the Appellate Division, First Department, and Second Department. In addition, Harper is an accomplished trial lawyer, winning six-figure verdicts in courts throughout New York City. In 2018, she was selected by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in the New York Metro area.
Christine Dunn
Disability Lawyer
Christine Dunn is a Partner at Sanford Heisler Sharp and Co-Chair of the firm’s Criminal/Sexual Violence Practice Group.
Since joining Sanford Heisler Sharp, Christine has been recognized in the legal community as a Lawyer of Distinction and as one of Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment & Civil Rights Lawyers. Profiles in Diversity Journal has named Christine among its Women Worth Watching in Leadership (2022) and as a Latino Leader (2023). The National Law Journal named Christine a 2023 Plaintiffs’ Attorney Trailblazer.
At Sanford Heisler Sharp, Christine’s practice has focused on criminal/sexual violence cases, whistleblower/qui tam matters, and employment discrimination actions, representing individuals and classes. Christine’s representations have included:
- Litigating and resolving lawsuits against a major shipping company on behalf of two female United States Merchant Marine Academy cadets who were sexually assaulted and sexually harassed while working aboard a commercial ship as part of their “Sea Year” requirement.
- Reaching a settlement with boarding school Phillips Exeter Academy on behalf of a former student who was groomed and sexually abused by a longtime math teacher at the school, while also serving as the victim’s advocate during the criminal proceeding against the teacher.
- Litigating on behalf of a certified class of approximately ten thousand African American current, former, and prospective Deputy U.S. Marshals who experienced race discrimination
- Negotiating settlement of more than a million dollars on behalf of a female general counsel of a financial services company who was discriminated against on the basis of her gender
- Negotiating settlement on behalf of a young woman who was sexually assaulted in a residential treatment facility
- Negotiating settlement on behalf of a male client who was sexually assaulted as a child by a teacher at an elite private school
- Litigating on behalf of a female medical student who was sexually assaulted in her apartment building as a result of her landlord’s negligence in failing to repair a known security risk
- Negotiating robust programmatic relief from an elite high school on behalf of a sexual assault survivor
- Protecting the interests and rights of a crime victim during the criminal prosecution of the perpetrator
- Assisting a former employee of a construction and engineering company to obtain a recovery for blowing the whistle on fraud and allowing the government to achieve a $5.65 million settlement under the False Claims Act
Bridget Drop
Disability Lawyer
Attorney Bridget Drop received her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law where she graduated with honors. Prior to law school, Ms. Drop received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University. During her time in law school, Ms. Drop worked at the Veterans Law Clinic where she represented veterans in disability cases. It was this hands-on experience and training, before becoming a lawyer, that solidified her passion to helping veterans in need.
Bridget started at Disability Law Group as a law clerk, during her time in law school, where she worked in the firm’s VA Disability practice. She quickly demonstrated her knowledge and commitment to helping veterans with their disability case. Ms. Drop understands that diving deep into the veterans’ service treatment records, while performing extensive legal and medical research, is required to help prove service-connection and disability for her clients. She finds this process to be critical in ensuring success for her clients, and extremely rewarding.
Clifford L. Weisberg
Disability Lawyer
Clifford L. Weisberg has been a practicing attorney for over 40 years. The majority of that time has been devoted exclusively to Social Security Disability law, handling his first Social Security Disability case in 1969. In 1979, he was one of the three founding members of the National Organization of Social Security Claimant Representatives (NOSSCR), the only nationally recognized group of attorneys specializing in social security disability law.
As past president, member of the executive committee, and current member of the Council of Past Presidents, he has seen NOSSCR grow into a 4,000-member organization. As part of his duties, he has given over 200 presentations on various aspects of the Social Security Act, and has conducted numerous training seminars for attorneys just starting practice. He has also been a member of the editorial board of West Publishing Company’s SOCIAL SECURITY REPORTING SERVICE, since its inception in 1985. In 1993, Mr. Weisberg was presented with the NOSSCR Pro Bono Award for legal services to the poor.
3000 Town Center Suite 1820, Southfield, MI 48075, United States
(248) 281-4247
www.sshelpcenter.com
Rachel
Rachel Pinch attended the University of Michigan, where she played tuba in the Michigan Marching Band and graduated with a double major in Organizational Studies and Psychology in 2012. She then earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2015.
During her time in law school, Rachel worked with the Disability Law Clinic, served as an intern to federal district judge Arthur J. Tarnow, and was a published member and editor of the Wayne Law Review.
Having the best disability lawyers in Michigan can offer several advantages when you’re dealing with a disability claim or appeal. These advantages include:
- Expertise in Disability Law: Top disability lawyers in Michigan have in-depth knowledge of federal and state disability laws and regulations. They can interpret the law accurately and apply it to your specific case, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
- Experience with the Application Process: Applying for disability benefits can be a complex and lengthy process. Skilled lawyers are experienced in helping clients navigate the paperwork, ensuring that your application is complete and well-prepared.
- Increased Approval Chances: Having a reputable attorney by your side can significantly improve your chances of being approved for disability benefits. They can present your case in the best possible light, increasing the likelihood that your application will be successful.
- Efficient Handling of Appeals: If your initial disability claim is denied, a top disability lawyer will be well-equipped to handle the appeals process. They know the specific procedures and deadlines involved and can build a stronger case for your appeal.
- Gathering Medical Evidence: Disability claims often rely on medical evidence to support your case. Skilled lawyers can work with medical professionals to gather the necessary documentation and expert opinions to strengthen your claim.
- Negotiating with Insurers: If you have private disability insurance, a lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
- Representation at Hearings: If your case goes to a disability hearing, a knowledgeable attorney can represent you before an administrative law judge. They will present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for your eligibility for benefits.
- Protection of Your Rights: Disability lawyers are well-versed in protecting your legal rights throughout the process. They will ensure that you are treated fairly and that your rights are upheld.
- Reduced Stress: Dealing with disability claims can be stressful and overwhelming. Having an attorney handle the legal aspects of your case can relieve a significant burden, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.
- Cost-Effective in the Long Run: While you may be hesitant about legal fees, a skilled disability lawyer can often help you secure more benefits than you would have received without their assistance. In the long run, this can be financially advantageous.
- Personalized Guidance: Top disability lawyers provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation. They will assess your case and provide advice and strategies that are specifically suited to your needs.
In summary, having the best disability lawyers in Michigan can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your disability claim or appeal. Their expertise, experience, and dedication to your case can help you navigate the complexities of disability law and maximize your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.