Sara L. Gabin P.C., Attorney at Law

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

Firm Overview

I help people with Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, Personal Injury claims, and Oregon Workers Compensation claims. I have been practicing law since 1981, in solo practice since 1984.

Example cases

In the Social Security and SSI areas, the cases that find me typically involve chronic pain that is not well explained by medical tests and mental illnesses.

Main Office

Main
Five Centerpointe Drive
Suite 400
Lake Oswego OR 97035

Phone

(503) 620-3171

Fax

(503) 620-3365

Websites

http://www.gabinlawoffice.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

In Social Security and SSI cases I charge 25% of past due benefits up to $5,300 for all cases one at the administrative level. In federal court, I request government paid fees for my federal court time. Depending on a how a case is resolved in federal court, I still take a fee out of past due benefits, sometimes beyond the $5,300 cap. My fee agreement explains this in detail.

Hourly Rates

Not applicable

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
but until 6:30 p.m. at least
two nights a week.
I see clients between
10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

After hours and weekends
by appointment; I will
also meet with clients
outside of the office.

Office Manager

None

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Languages Spoken

None

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

I thought that I would be good at it, and I liked the fact it was a service and people-oriented career.

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

On the job training - being in the trenches, and borrowing from the style of others whose work I admire.

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

I fell into it and it seems to be a natural fit.

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

I enjoy the autonomy, helping others, and solving puzzles. I feel satisfied when I see the cases come together for my clients.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

I am a solo practitioner, so my clients deal directly with me in all phases of their case.

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

This is fine, as long as clients understand they have a choice when they think they understand conflicts with my advice: to believe what they think they know or what I tell them. Sometimes, I learn something from a client I did not know. It is a two way street.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

No. When I give legal advice or provide a legal service, I am risking negligence for which I pay substantial malpractice premiums. Therefore, I advise only in these instances: an initial telephone screening, follow-up initial consultation, and afterward, only if I am retained.

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

No.

Sara L. Gabin

I passed the Bar in September, 1981, did court appointed work and some law clerking the next nine months, worked for another lawyer the next 18 months, and, in November 1983, became a solo practitioner. I have been self-employed ever since. I have been doing Social Security and SSI work since 1986. My practice also includes workers' compensation and personal injury. Over the years, I phased out criminal defense and family law.

On the job training - being in the trenches, and borrowing from the style of others whose work I admire.

There is no better multi-tasker, and I am good for my word. I also expect this of others.

Direct, honest, and receptive.

Personal interests:

Outdoor exercise, bookstores, yoga, meeting friends, a variety of cultural events - concerts, plays, foreign films.

License

Bar Number: 812345
Oregon , 1981

Education

Willamette University College of Law
J.D. , 1981
Salem, OR
Law
University of Michigan
B.A. , 1978
Ann Arbor, MI
Economics
Willamette University College of Law
J.D. , 1981
Salem, OR
Law
University of Michigan
B.A. , 1978
Ann Arbor, MI
Economics

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