What Atticus Disability Lawyers does

Atticus Disability Lawyers is a law firm that represents people in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. They work on cases at the initial stage, reconsideration stage, and hearing stage — meaning they represent clients from the first process through appeals if a claim is denied.

The firm operates under a contingency fee arrangement, which means they only collect a fee if you win your case. If Social Security approves your claim, Atticus takes a percentage of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability began). You do not pay anything upfront or if your case is denied.

Atticus handles both SSDI claims (based on your own work history) and SSI claims (based on financial need). They also represent clients seeking benefits for their children under the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) program.

Key Takeaways

  • Atticus Disability Lawyers charges only if you win, taking a percentage of back pay rather than an upfront fee.
  • You can reach Atticus by phone, and they will ask basic questions about your case to determine whether they can represent you.
  • Atticus represents clients at all stages of the SSDI and SSI process, including initial applications, reconsiderations, and hearings before an Administrative Law Judge.
  • The firm works within Social Security's fee rules, meaning their charge is capped at 25 percent of back pay or $6,000, whichever is less.

How to reach Atticus by phone

Atticus Disability Lawyers accepts phone calls from people interested in representation. When you call, a staff member will gather information about your case — your age, work history, medical conditions, and whether you have already filed with Social Security or been denied.

The firm uses this initial conversation to decide whether they can take your case. They typically represent people with strong medical evidence and cases that are likely to succeed, because they only earn money if you win. If Atticus declines to represent you, they may refer you to another disability lawyer or suggest other resources.

Phone calls are free, and there is no obligation to hire the firm after speaking with them. Many people call multiple disability lawyers to compare how each one explains the process and what they think about the case.

What happens after you call

If Atticus agrees to represent you, they will send you a retainer agreement — a contract that explains the fee structure, what the firm will do, and what you need to provide. You sign and return this agreement before work begins.

Atticus then gathers your medical records, work history, and any existing Social Security file. They may ask you to complete forms or provide additional information. The firm handles communication with Social Security on your behalf, meaning letters and decisions come to Atticus first, and they explain what they mean to you.

If Social Security denies your claim, Atticus will discuss your options — reconsideration, hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, or appeals court. The firm continues to represent you through these stages under the same fee agreement.

Contingency fees and what you actually pay

Under Social Security rules, disability lawyers can charge either 25 percent of your back pay or $6,000, whichever is smaller. This is a cap set by federal law, not a choice the firm makes. Atticus cannot charge more than this amount.

Back pay is the money Social Security owes you from the date your disability began (or the date you filed, depending on the program). If you win and receive $20,000 in back pay, Atticus would take 25 percent of that ($5,000), which is less than the $6,000 cap. If you win and receive $30,000 in back pay, Atticus would take $6,000 (the cap), not 25 percent.

You do not pay this fee directly — Social Security deducts it from your back pay and sends it to Atticus. You receive the remainder. If your case is denied at every stage, you owe nothing.

When to call a disability lawyer

You can call Atticus at any point in the SSDI or SSI process. Some people call before filing, to understand what the firm can do and whether representation makes sense. Others call after receiving a denial letter. Both are common.

If you have already been denied once, calling sooner rather than later is practical — you have a important date to request reconsideration (usually 60 days from the denial letter). If you miss that important date, you may lose the right to appeal that particular decision.

You do not need to have medical records organized, a diagnosis letter from your doctor, or anything else prepared before you call. Atticus will tell you what they need and help you gather it.

Other disability lawyers and how to compare

Atticus is one of many law firms that represent people in disability cases. Other well-known firms include Binder & Binder, The Disability Advocates Group, and Allsup. Many solo practitioners and small firms also handle disability cases in your area.

When comparing lawyers, ask each one the same questions: Do they work on contingency? What is their fee? How many disability cases have they handled? What percentage of their cases result in approval? How long do they typically take? Will they represent you at a hearing if needed?

You have the right to choose your representative, and you can change lawyers if you are unhappy. If you switch, you will need to file a new fee agreement with Social Security, and the old lawyer's fee is deducted from back pay earned under their representation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to hire a lawyer to file for SSDI or SSI?

No. You can file on your own through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person at a local office. Many people file without a lawyer, especially for initial applications. A lawyer becomes more useful if your claim is denied and you need to appeal.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer?

Disability lawyers work on contingency, so you do not pay anything upfront. The only cost is a percentage of back pay if you win. If you cannot afford to wait for back pay, some nonprofits and legal aid offices offer free or low-cost help with initial applications.

How long does it take Atticus to get a decision?

Timeline depends on the stage. Initial applications typically take three to six months. If denied and you request reconsideration, add another three to six months. Hearings before a judge can take one to three years, depending on your local hearing office's backlog. Atticus can give you a more specific estimate based on your case.

Can Atticus represent me if I have already been denied twice?

Yes. Atticus represents clients at the hearing stage, which is where many cases are won. Even if Social Security has denied you at the initial and reconsideration stages, you still have the right to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Atticus can take your case at this point.

What if Social Security approves my claim but the back pay is small?

Atticus's fee is capped at 25 percent of back pay or $6,000, whichever is smaller. If your back pay is $2,000, the firm would take $500 (25 percent). If back pay is very small, some lawyers decline the case because the fee does not justify the work. Atticus will tell you directly whether they can represent you given the expected back pay.