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Mindee K. Mortimer
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Mindee K. Mortimer
Law Office of Mindee K. Mortimer
1420 River Park Dr
Suite 110
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: (916) 729-5619 | Fax: (916) 725-3936
Helping Social Security disability claimants since 1991
Legal Topic
Government & Environment
Preferred New Clients
Anyone who isn't working due to a physical or mental impairment, or combination of impairments, is welcome to call. I prefer to represent claimants who deserve to receive the benefits they've worked for.
Sub-Categories
Administrative Law
- Hearings & Adjudication
- DAC (Disabled Adult Child Benefits)
- DWB (Disabled Widows and Widowers Benefits)
- Individual Disability
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1989
Bar Number: 144368
Other Court Admissions
Supreme Court of the State of California
Association Memberships
California State Bar
Continuing Education
I am current with the California State Bar continuing education requirements.
Example Cases
I recently received a favorable decision that included reopening a prior claim. The claimant had filed an earlier claim but became discouraged and didn't appeal the SSA denial. She subsequently filed another claim and sought my representation after it was denied. After reviewing the medical records, I obtained a supportive report from her treating physician. Based upon the medical evidence and my brief, the administrative law judge issued a fully favorable decision without holding a hearing and agreed to reopen the prior claim. This allowed the claimant to receive several years of back benefits. A hearing would not have been scheduled for many more months.
Every claim is different; this example does not constitute a guarantee or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Call me to discuss your factual situation or to schedule an appointment.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
School:
U.C. Davis
City:
Davis
State:
CA
Year:
1984
Focus and Accomplishments:
Biological Sciences
Degree:
J.D.
School:
King Hall School of Law, UC Davis
City:
Davis
State:
CA
Year:
1989
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I began representing Social Security claimants in 1991. Since 1993, 100% of my practice has been devoted to representing disability claimants before the Social Security Administration. I personally answer all telephone calls; this familiarity with my clients helps me to develop the evidence needed to support the claim. This can result in a quicker resolution of the claim.
Previous Employment Summary
My prior legal experience includes representing workers' compensation claimants.
Activities and Awards
None
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Claimants need to understand the requirements of the Social Security Disability Insurance program. Information can be obtained by visiting the SSA website (www.socialsecurity.gov) or consulting with an experienced attorney.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Information provided by the client is essential when developing the claim. The Social Security Administration will consider the claimant's age, education, work history, impairments, and functional capacity when deciding the claim. My first source of information on these topics is the client.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
A claimant is not required to have representation. However, I prefer to become involved in the claim as soon as possible. In appropriate situations, this may include before the claim is filed or a denial is received. Early representation provides the time needed to gather medical records and reports or arrange for a medical evaluation, and can reduce some of the delay before a decision is issued. A claimant should not attend the hearing before the administrative law judge without legal representation. The claimant is seeking monthly benefits and Medicare - potentially for the rest of his/her life - why leave this decision to chance?
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I became a lawyer because I wanted a career that was fulfilling personally.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I've represented Social Security disability claimants for 15 years. I understand how important these benefits are to the client/wage earner. When a claim is approved, the client is eligible to receive monthly benefits and Medicare. The client's dependents may also be eligible to receive benefits. It's a very satisfying feeling to know that I can improve the quality of my clients' lives.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Fifteen years ago, the firm I was working for asked me to take on Social Security Disability Insurance claims. In 1993, I opened my own Social Security practice.
What do you like best about your career?
I'm fortunate in that I really enjoy my practice. I provide a true benefit to my clients.
Tell us about your law firm:
As a sole practitioner, I realize the importance of being available to my clients. I answer telephone calls personally and strive to respond to telephone messages on the same business day.
What are your strengths and style?
My clients always speak directly with me and are encouraged to call. The frequent contact with my clients keeps me up-to-date on their medical conditions and treatment. This information is needed to develop the claim and know what evidence is potentially available. In appropriate factual situations, a fully favorable decision can be issued without a hearing before an administrative law judge. However, this requires a strong written record that can take months to develop.
I'm very hands-on and available to my clients.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy spending time with my family.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(916) 725-3936
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
There is no fee unless the claim is approved. Any fee must be approved by the SSA and is limited to 25% of the claimant's past-due benefits (not to exceed $5,300).
The client is responsible for any costs incurred in the development and presentation of the claim. Potential costs include obtaining medical records and reports or a doctor's evaluation. Total costs usually range from zero to $300.
Hourly Rates
See above.
Free Initial Consultation?
The claimant will speak directly with me and the initial consultation is free. If an appointment is set, the claimant should be prepared to meet with me for at least one hour. There is no charge for the appointment.
Typical Retainer
I never require a fee retainer. I may request a cost deposit (average: $100-$300).
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.
