Step 1
Case evaluation
Send the complete exhibit file, Appeals Council decision, and ALJ decision. Justin conducts a merits review to assess federal court viability and responds with whether he can accept the referral.
For attorneys and EDPNA representatives
Federal court support without building a federal practice.
District court appeals require federal civil procedure, administrative transcript review, complex briefing, and legal arguments that differ from ALJ hearing practice. A referral partnership lets you extend advocacy while preserving the client relationship.
Referral process
How the partnership works.
When an unfavorable ALJ decision is followed by Appeals Council denial or another unfavorable final action, a potentially meritorious case does not need to end there.
Step 2
Federal court handling
If accepted, Justin handles the federal proceedings, including complaint drafting, procedural filings, transcript review, briefing, oral argument if required, and case resolution.
Step 3
Seamless client transition
Your client receives specialized federal court representation without disrupting the relationship they have with you and your office.
Step 4
Return on remand
If the federal appeal results in remand, the case can return to you for continued administrative representation through the next agency proceedings.
Fee structure
A structure designed not to disturb administrative fee recovery.
EAJA fees
Justin is typically compensated through Equal Access to Justice Act fees awarded by the federal court. These fees are separate from Section 406(a) administrative past-due benefits and do not reduce your potential administrative fee recovery.
Section 406(b) opportunities
When federal court success is followed by administrative success, Section 406(b) fees may apply. Appropriate fee-sharing arrangements can be discussed for those enhanced recovery situations.
Nationwide access
Justin's federal admissions allow him to handle cases across multiple jurisdictions. For courts where he is not currently admitted, pro hac vice admission may be available, so geography does not have to limit the advocacy you can offer.
Why partner
For your practice, your clients, and case outcomes.
Federal court appeals do not have to mean the end of your involvement in a case or a missed opportunity for your client.
For your practice
- Maintain client relationships while adding federal appeal capacity.
- Avoid investing time in federal court procedures outside your core practice.
- Offer complete disability advocacy from agency hearing through court review.
For your clients
- Access counsel with more than 15 years of exclusive Social Security Disability experience.
- Benefit from paralegal support with nearly 16 years of focused disability experience.
- Move between administrative and federal court stages with continuity.
For case outcomes
- Thorough merits evaluation before federal court filing.
- Experienced federal advocacy aimed at favorable remand where supported.
- Understanding of both administrative and federal court processes.
Referral intake
Ready to discuss a case?
The referral conversation can cover case evaluation procedures, logistics and timelines, fee arrangements and documentation, and specific cases you would like reviewed.
- Client consent and current representation status.
- Appeals Council action, receipt date, and federal deadline.
- Availability of the exhibit file, hearing transcript, and case notes.