Law Office of Helen R. Zane

Strong and Caring Legal Help for Social Security Disability Claims. Local attorney serving Sacramento, Yuba City/ Marysville, Grass Valley/Nevada City, Chico/Oroville, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

This lawyer is licensed to practice in and has no record of discipline from the bar association.*

Firm Overview

I focus solely on Social Security Disability law: Social Security Supplemental Income/SSI, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), and Over-Age-50 disability claims. I work with clients across all stages of the process, from initial application through the entire appeals process.

Example cases

Every case and every client is different and must be treated uniquely - no one or two examples are going to relate to another persons personal circumstance. Individualized service and attention is what my staff and I achieve. I work cases across the spectrum: Musculoskeletal, Respiratory, Sense and Speech, Cardiovascular, Digestive, Genitourinary, Hematological, Skin, Endocrine, Neurological, Mental, Multiple Body Systems, Malignant Neoplastic diseases and Immune System disorders.

Main Office

Law Office of Helen R. Zane
8880 Cal Center Drive
Suite 400
Sacramento CA 95826

Phone

(916) 642-8180

Fax

Websites

http://www.californiasocialsecuritylawfirm.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, free of charge. Between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the situation.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

There are no legal fees unless we win. We represent individuals only on a contingency basis, charging no more than 25% of past due benefits, not to exceed $6,000, in winning a client's case at the administrative level. This contractual agreement is consistent with the Federal Social Security statute regulating attorney fees. Initial consultation's with the attorney is part of the contingency nature of the contract.

Hourly Rates

N/A

Office Information

Office Hours

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, by appointment only. Please call before coming in.

Emergency After Hours

Other Offices

Satellite Locations in Yuba, Sutter, Butte, and Nevada Counties

Satellite Locations in Yuba, Sutter, Butte, and Nevada Counties

Is your firm willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?

Because the Social Security appeals process is both complicated and precise, it's not possible for me to work only one discrete part of a case, because that "discrete part" may have implications for the entire case.

What are your policies about dividing work within the firm to make the process most cost-effective for the client?

I'm a solo practitioner, so I work personally and directly with all of my clients. My paralegal assists me so that I have more time to spend with my clients and more time to develop winning legal strategies. My paralegal also works directly with my clients to make sure that nothing falls through the cracks and everything moves smoothly. You will find that my staff and I make the best efforts to ensure that you will get excellent and personal legal representation.

How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?

N/A

Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?

Yes.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

I provide strong and caring legal help for my Social Security Disability clients. I understand how difficult and frustrating the process can be — and I treat all of my clients with compassion and respect. I am local and I work solely on Social Security Disability cases.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I believe it's important for the client to educate themselves, but it's more important for the attorney to assist their clients in the learning process.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I review all documents for new and existing clients to ensure that they are correct, adhere to Social Security regulations, and provide the legal basis for winning disability benefits. I'm afraid that I'm not able to review documents for individuals that are not my clients.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

The Social Security process is complicated and driven by a set of precise government laws and regulations, so we generally don't encourage clients to represent themselves. Please think twice and call me before you consider going it alone - we're happy to speak with you to help you make this decision and understand the implications.

Helen Zane

I first became interested in Social Security Disability law in the early 1990's from my own experience having had a temporary illness, and having had to apply for Social Security disability benefits. It's the reason why I eventually became a disability attorney, and it's the reason why I only work on Social Security cases. I've seen the process from both sides, as a claimant and as an attorney, and I know how frustrating it can be. I also know, personally, what it takes to win a disability claim.

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.