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Steven M. Chabre

Steven M. Chabre

Law Office of Steven M. Chabre
1335 Park Ave.
Alameda, CA 94501

Phone: (510) 749-1440  |  Fax: (510) 749-0466
http://chabrelaw.com

Contact Steven M. Chabre

Helping with Social Security & Disability Issues

Legal Topic

Government & Environment

Preferred New Clients

Information coming soon.

Sub-Categories

Bar Admissions

CA, Dec 1994
Bar Number: 173271

Other Court Admissions

All California Courts, US District Courts for Northern, Eastern, and Central Districts of California, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Association Memberships

Alameda County Bar Association

Continuing Education

Medi-Cal planning.

Example Cases

Client suffers from repetitive strain injury, which is difficult to prove. Social Security has denied client's disability claim, and she faces severe financial hardship. Working closely with client's treating physician, we are able to establish that the client does have a medically provable impairment. Attorney writes detailed pre-hearing brief to Social Security Judge. Attorney thoroughly prepares client for Social Security hearing. Attorney and client attend hearing with attorney cross-examining Social Security's experts. Social Security grants the claim, allowing client to avoid bankruptcy and to obtain Medicare coverage.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

Hastings College of the Law

City:

San Francisco

State:

CA

Year:

1994

Honors:

Cum Laude

Focus and Accomplishments:

My interest was in disability and mental health issues. I worked at the General Assistance Advocacy Project in San Francisco during law school and eventually became the head of its disability benefits section.

 

Degree:

B.S.

School:

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

City:

Philadelphia

State:

PA

Year:

1990

Honors:

Summa Cum Laude

Focus and Accomplishments:

Economics

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

I founded my firm in 2002 after working as an attorney in the non-profit sector for eight years. While at the non-profit, I worked almost exclusively on individual Social Security disability claims. Since starting my firm, I have continued to focus on Social Security claims as well as other types of disability benefit cases, such as private disability insurance claims and applications for disability pensions. I represent claimants only.

Previous Employment Summary

1994 - 2002, Staff Attorney at the Hawkins Center of Law in Richmond California. Practice focused on Social Security disability claims.

1991-1994, Disability specialist in the General Assistance Advocacy Project, a non-profit organization in San Francisco. At the time I was a law student and handled many Social Security claims, including some hearing-level cases.

Activities and Awards

I am active in on-line groups devoted to Social Security and other disability issues.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I encourage my clients to understand their cases. The attorney-client relationship works best when the client is well informed of the facts and law affecting his or her case.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am willing to do so.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I am willing to do so.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I wanted to help people in need. I was particularly interested in writing and arguing about the law.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

Since entering law school and during all of my experience as a lawyer, I have worked with disabled persons on Social Security and other benefit applications. Over the course of my career, I have gained a broad and detailed understanding of physical and psychiatric medicine. I have good working relationships with the local Social Security judges and with many of our local physicians. I have handled claims at all administrative levels and I litigate cases in Federal Court.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I worked with disabled people during law school and found that I had a knack for getting claims approved.

What do you like best about your career?

I like that I make a positive impact on the health and well-being of my clients.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a solo practitioner and handle all aspects of my clients' cases.

What are your strengths and style?

I have a good understanding of medical issues and Social Security procedure. I write well and am persuasive. I speak Spanish fluently.

I am professional and persistent.

Personal Interests:

My wife and children. Painting and sculpture.

Office Manager/Assistant

Jana Liechty

Fax

(510) 749-0466

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

Spanish

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

I handle Social Security claims on a contingency basis. My fee is 25% of the past-due benefits owed at the time we win the case. The fee cannot exceed $5,300.

Hourly Rates

$250

Free Initial Consultation?

I do offer free initial consultations.

Typical Retainer

The vast majority of my cases are handled on contingency, so I do not have a typical retainer.

Understanding Fees

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