Social security/disability solo practice Forum

[Anonymous User]

How much potential is there to make bank $$ as a social security disabilty attorney as a solo practitioner? Can they make as much as personal injury or other potentially lucrative fields?

From my observatuon, it seems like it's volume based, given the cap in attorneys fees. But other than that, I gave no information

[nixy]

My impression is much less money than personal injury, because of caps, but that’s just an impression, I haven’t personally done the work.

[papermateflair]

The one person I know who does this has repeatedly said it's not that lucrative because of the caps, but that it was her best way to start her solo practice after struggling to break into the legal market. Based on what I've heard, I would say it's not remotely like personal injury, and if you're looking to make a ton of money this isn't the area of the law where that will happen. But I only have second hand knowledge, and haven't worked in the field at all.

[ivankasta]

Established firms can make $$ on social security, but only by the sheer volume of cases they process. Firms that get to this point have a pretty sweet gig since the cases are so procedural and non-adversarial. However, starting a solo practice without making a name for yourself first likely will not be very lucrative since you won’t be able to pull that volume of cases. One option is to go work for an established social security firm, be very attentive to your clients so you establish a good reputation, then 5+ years down the line you might be able to strike out on your own with good success.

Personal injury is far more lucrative at every level, but just like with social security, you need to make a name for yourself to attract cases in the first place. Again I’d say that the most realistic path would be to join a personal injury firm, do good work for 5+ years, then try to go out on your own.