Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Paul M. Ryan
Law Office of Paul M. Ryan
7529 Sunset Avenue
Suite E-2
Fair Oaks, CA 95628-4725
Phone: (916) 965-6298 | Fax: (916) 863-5379
My practice focuses on medical disability issues.
Legal Topic
Government & Environment
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to represent disabled clients seeking Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. I also handle public employee disability retirement cases: (CalPERS, CalSTRS and county employees' retirement systems.)
I also enjoy working with clients who have documentation about their disabilities.
Sub-Categories
Administrative Law
- Hearings & Adjudication
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1977
Bar Number: 74984
Other Court Admissions
All California courts, Eastern District of California
Association Memberships
California State Bar
Continuing Education
I am current with continuing education requirements and have focused on seminars on litigation and medical-legal issues.
Papers and Publications
I have developed or participated in the development of seminars on disability retirement and Social Security disability.
Example Cases
I was successful in obtaining disability benefits for a person who suffered from Myofacial Pain Syndrome, which is not a widely recognized condition by the medical profession. In another case, I obtained benefits for a client who suffered from another rare condition known as Behcet's Syndrome.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Western State University College of Law
City:
Fullerton
State:
CA
Year:
1976
Focus and Accomplishments:
American Jurisprudence Award in Criminal Law
Degree:
B.A.
School:
St. Mary's College
City:
Moraga
State:
CA
Year:
1967
Focus and Accomplishments:
Major in Psychology
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I founded my firm in 2000 after serving as Senior Counsel for the California Public Employees' Retirement System for 16 years, where I handled litigation. Much of the litigation focused on medical disability claims.
My practice continues to focus on medical disability issues in the sole areas of public employee disability retirements and Social Security Disability claims - - with emphasis on Social Security disability matters.
Previous Employment Summary
1984 - 2000: Senior Counsel for CalPERS
1981 - 1984: Counsel for California Health Facilities Commission.
Activities and Awards
I have served on seminar panels on medical disability issues and processes, specifically for CalPERS and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. I also do pro bono work for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I encourage my clients to be well informed about their cases.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review documents prepared by clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I've always wanted people to be treated fairly and practicing law is a way to help people get fair treatment. I also enjoy developing written and oral arguments.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
While I attended law school, I worked in a government job where I researched and contributed to the "Dictionary of Occupational Titles." This is a publication used by the Social Security Administration to determine whether disability claimants meet vocational requirements for disability benefits. I also studied and worked in the field of psychology, and so I am able to understand and work with psychiatric claims.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I have an ability to understand medical and psychiatric illnesses, and their causes. This helps me represent clients with medical-legal issues.
What do you like best about your career?
My efforts often improve the lives of my clients when they are awarded disability benefits, and so I like that part the best.
Tell us about your law firm:
I'm a solo practitioner and handle all aspects of my clients' cases. When I need assistance, I contract out to other attorneys and paralegals, but I remain responsible to my clients.
What are your strengths and style?
I have understanding of and experience with medical issues and the procedures of the various government agencies with which I deal. I also write well.
I am diligent and persistent and involve my clients in decision-making with respect to their cases.
Personal Interests:
My family (wife, children and grandchildren); reading for pleasure, bicycling, boating, swimming, skiing, and traveling.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(916) 863-5379
Office Hours
By appointment
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Fees in Social Security cases are contingency fees, meaning that there is no fee unless benefits are awarded. Fees are limited to 25% of any retroactive benefits awarded, up to a maximum of $5,300.
Hourly Rates
$300.00/hr for disability retirement cases. Alternative fee arrangements are available in appropriate circumstances.
Free Initial Consultation?
Initial consultation is free.
Typical Retainer
The minimum retainer is $2,500 for public employee disability retirement cases but can be higher depending on the scope of work to be done.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
