Aaron Hotfelder

J.D. · University of Missouri School of Law

Aaron Hotfelder is a legal editor at Nolo specializing in employment law and workers' compensation law. He has written for Nolo and Lawyers.com since 2011, covering topics ranging from workplace discrimination to unemployment benefits to employee privacy laws. He's a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA).    

Books and citations. Aaron has edited many Nolo titles, including The Manager's Legal Handbook, Dealing With Problem Employees, and Working With Independent Contractors, and is a co-author of The Employer's Legal Handbook. Aaron's work has been cited by U.S. News & World Report, TheStreet.com, the St. Louis University Law Journal, and the Minnesota Law Review, among many other outlets.

Early legal career. Before joining Nolo as a legal editor, Aaron worked at a small law firm in Columbia, Missouri, representing clients in Social Security disability, long-term disability, and workers’ compensation cases. He later spent three years serving as an employment law consultant for a human resources and benefits compliance firm.

Education. Aaron received his law degree in 2010 from the University of Missouri School of Law. He holds a B.S. in criminal justice from Truman State University, known by some as the "Harvard of Northeast Missouri." 

Articles By Aaron Hotfelder

Can You Get Disability Without Having Seen a Doctor?
Here’s how to get disability without a doctor who you've seen regularly for treatment.
Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits After a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
If you've suffered a traumatic brain injury that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
When to Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you think you won't be able to work for a long time, consider a consultation with a Social Security disability lawyer.
Understanding Your Unfavorable ALJ Decision (Social Security Disability Denial)
Here's how you can understand an ALJ's decision denying you Social Security disability benefits.
Psychological Evaluations for Social Security Disability
Learn about the different types of mental status and psychological evaluations there are for Social Security disability.
How Much Does a Workers' Compensation Lawyer Charge?
Workers' comp lawyers usually charge only if they win, and most states set limits on the amount of their fees.
Can I File a Workers’ Comp Claim After I Quit?
It’s possible to qualify for workers’ comp benefits if you were injured before you left your job—even if you didn’t file a claim until later—as long as you meet certain requirements.
Can I Get Disability for PTSD?
Proper medical documentation is the basis of a successful Social Security disability claim for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
ERISA Disability Benefits Applications: 6 Common Mistakes
Increase your chance of getting ERISA group disability benefits by avoiding these common mistakes.
How to File and Collect Unemployment Benefits in California
If you're a California worker who's been laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic or for any other reason, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits.