Lindsay Preston Rand | Braintree Social Security Lawyer

• Member U.S. Federal District and Appeals Courts, District of Massachusetts and South Carolina
  Present
• Member | First and Fourth U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals

I handled a case where a claimant had been denied benefits after an ALJ hearing. I filed an appeal with the Appeals Council, and the case was sent back for a second hearing before the same ALJ.At the second hearing, I was able, through cross examination of a medical expert, to establish that the claimant was in fact disabled from the time of the original application. The ALJ changed his opinion and found the claimant disabled. In another case, I cross examined another medical expert who had testified that my client was only "moderately" impaired. The medical expert was not able to define what "moderate" meant and the claimant was awarded benefits.

I built my practice by accepting the difficult cases that other lawyers turned down and winning them. Also by treating everyone respectfully, listening to people, and working hard for them.

Clients should look for a lawyer who listens to them respectfully, asks the right questions, and allows them to work "with" him for the common goal of winning.

Local knowledge would be knowing various individuals in the community where I practice who may have an impact on my clients' claims. Not just the ALJ's, but people within the SSA and medical community. Also various other specialists, like vocational experts and others who could provide professional opinions on the disability process.

I usually provide information concerning the disability evaluation process, including the bureaucratic steps involved in processing a disability claim. I would provide some information regarding the standards applied by the SSA to evaluate disability claims, both medical and vocational. I would provide information regarding work activity as well.

I need to know a person's age, work history, educational level and the kinds of skills used in their prior work.

I have many years of experience in the Social Security disability area. I used to work for the agency myself from the time I was still a law student. I have actively engaged in this area of practice since I graduated from law school in 1981. I practice at all levels of appeal within the Social Security disability law. I have appeared at hearings or been the attorney of record in over fifteen states.

Helping individuals and their families who need assistance is the biggest reward. It keeps me doing what I'm doing.

I enjoy music and play guitar and piano in my spare time.

I have been involved in community organizations.