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Lisa Claudette Gilinger

Lisa Claudette Gilinger

The Law Offices of Lisa Claudette Gilinger
635 North Alisos Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93103-2557

Phone: (805) 568-5370  |  Fax: (805) 568-5370

Contact Lisa Claudette Gilinger

Social Security - It's All I Do

Legal Topic

Government & Environment

Preferred New Clients

I prefer assisting people pursuing Social Security claims in disability or retirement and other related issues.

Sub-Categories

Administrative Law
  • Hearings & Adjudication
  • Investigations
Government Agencies & Programs
  • Medicare & Medicaid
  • State & Local Agencies

Bar Admissions

CA, Jun 1995
Bar Number: 177208

Other Court Admissions

All California Courts, California Supreme Court, US Central District Court

Association Memberships

California State Bar Association, Santa Barbara County Bar Association

Continuing Education

I attend two national conferences per year that are totally focused on Social Security issues. I am current on all my bar-required MCLE units.

Example Cases

I have been representation in over 500 hearings for disability.

Education

Degree:

B.S

School:

University of Redlands - Alfred North Whitehead Center

City:

Redlands

State:

CA

Year:

1982

Focus and Accomplishments:

Business Administration - Marketing emphasis

 

Degree:

J.D.

School:

Santa Barbara College of Law

City:

Santa Barbara

State:

CA

Year:

1995

Focus and Accomplishments:

Worked full time, had two children, remolded a home, and completed law school!
I was also a Legal Aide Volunteer at a Family Law Clinic.

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

My firm focuses solely on issues surrounding social security law. My firm opened its doors for business June 1995.

Previous Employment Summary

None that is relevant.

Activities and Awards

None

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

The more people understand the legal process of Social Security, the easier it is to have a successful claim. The more the client knows about how the system works, the more likely they will have successful claim. I spend time with each of my clients discussing successful strategies for their hearings.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Yes, I am willing to review documents prepared by clients. In fact, I sit down with each of my clients and we fill out the paperwork together.

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

No, I do not coach my clients to represent themselves. A big part of what I do is preparing my clients for their courtroom appearance. I coach my clients to understand their disability situation and provide them competent representation at their hearings.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I decided to be a lawyer because I wanted to make a difference in people's lives on a personal basis. My previous corporate experience was inadequate, so I went into law.

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

The experience of 30 years of working in an industry with people in everyday situations helped me be a better lawyer. This is such a personal, one-on-one area of law. You must be able to throw yourself behind every one of your clients and their cause.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I chose Social Security because it allows me to help people on a personal level. I am able to achieve satisfaction in my professional and personal life from helping others.

What do you like best about your career?

I most like that it gives me a chance to exercise a sense of personal integrity in my work. I get to put my money and mouth in the same place and pursue a professional career that allows me to make a difference in people's lives without focusing totally on personal enrichment.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am sole practitioner who runs a small and somewhat informal operation without sacrificing any accuracy. I have some clerical assistance.

What are your strengths and style?

My unique strength is extensive knowledge and experience in my field. I have a sense of compassion that serves me well.

My style is focused but informal.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy guitar, sailing, and hiking hills with dogs.

Office Manager/Assistant

Diane Hearn

Fax

(805) 568-5370

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency after hours by appointment only

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

My staff speaks Spanish.

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Fees as defined by statute and/or judicial approval.

Primarily contingency fee-based

Hourly Rates

Fees as defined by statute.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, I offer a free in-office or phone consultation.

Typical Retainer

None.

Understanding Fees

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.