When I was a young boy, Carl Yastrzemski was the left fielder for the Boston Red Sox. His years of experience at Fenway Park gave him an advantage, and he was adept at playing the carom off the left field wall and working with the odd angles in the left field corner. In contrast, visiting players were sometimes bewildered by that ballpark's unusual characteristics.
I limit my Social Security disability practice to the states of Maine and New Hamsphire. I don't restrict my practice to these states to avoid travelling to distant hearing offices. I do it because it makes me a more effective advocate for my clients. Think of it as a home field advantage.
There are three main reasons why you should consider a local Social Security specialist rather than an out-of-state firm:
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I work with the same staff and the same judges all the time. I know what to expect from the staff at my local Social Security offices, and I have learned how each administrative law judge has a different approach to a Social Security disability hearing.
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I also work repeatedly with many of the same doctors and counselors. I have a good relationship with these professionals. I explain to these medical providers why a medical source statement is so important for a Social Security disability claim.
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Most importantly, I get to spend time with my clients well in advance of the hearing. I have an office in both Maine and New Hampshire. I can meet with my clients at the beginning of the case. This helps me to better prepare each claim.
By limiting my practice to this corner of New England, I believe I can more effectively represent my clients. Regardless of where you live, look for a lawyer with extensive experience in your state.