3478 Buskirk Avenue
Suite 1000
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Social Security Disability Attorney
The focus of my practice is the representation of claimants that are seeking Social Security Disability benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income. I have extensive experience representing adults and children with many different ailments and impairments.
RAYMOND V. UGARTE
LAW OFFICE OF RAYMOND V. UGARTE
➤ LOCATION
☎ CONTACT
raymond@ugartelaw.com
(925) 482-6262
(925) 482-6292 (fax)
➤ HOURS
Monday – Friday
8:30AM – 4:30PM
Advocating for disabled individuals since 2009.
I am committed to providing competent and complete services focusing on my clients’ needs, best interests, and wishes.
I am available to meet in office or in a location that is convenient for you.
I am based in Pleasant Hill but I represent clients throughout the Bay Area, as well as Stockton and Sacramento.
WHY CAN'T I DO THIS MYSELF?
The vast majority of cases get denied at the Initial and Reconsideration level, which means that an overwhelming number of disabled individuals will need to appear before an Administrative Law Judge to obtain their benefits. This alone is incentive enough to seek representation.
ABOUT RAYMOND V. UGARTE
I understand that finding the right attorney to represent you is not a choice to be taken lightly. That’s why I have included extensive information regarding my career and experience. Should you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
COST
I offer free consultations and my fee structure is consistent with the standard set by the federal regulations for Social Security disability claims. My fee is 25% of your past due benefits; however, my fees are contingent on winning your case.
Passion. Experience. Diligence.
History
I grew up in Santa Ana, CA and graduated from Century High School in 1999. I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in 2004 and graduated from Chapman University School of Law in 2009.
I passed the California bar exam in February 2010 and started working as an attorney representative for one of the largest Social Security disability firms in the nation. I represented clients in approximately 1,000 hearings over a five year period. My clients were mostly in the Bay Area, but I also represented people in Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington.
After five years in private practice, I went to work for the Social Security Administration as an Attorney-Adviser. My duties consisted of advising judges during the decision making process and drafting decisions on behalf of the judges. As a result, I have an extensive knowledge of the expectations and minute details required to provide competent and efficient representation.
I established my practice in order to provide disabled individuals with the necessary representation to obtain the benefits that they are desperately entitled to.
Education
CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
Juris Doctor, 2009
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA
B.A. Political Science, 2004
Activities & Affiliations
• American Bar Associate, member
Bar Admissions
• California, Bar Number 270037
Get in Touch
I know that finding the right attorney to represent you is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why I offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your representation.
Legal support and representation for Social Security disability.
REPRESENTATION IS IMPORTANT
Statistically, the overwhelming majority of Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income claims are denied at the initial claim and reconsideration levels. As a result, most claimants will have to appear before an Administrative Law Judge who will determine whether they are disabled. An attorney can drastically improve a claimant’s chances of obtaining benefits by developing the case appropriately and ensuring that the judge has all the necessary information to make the right decision. An attorney can also help prepare the claimant’s testimony by focusing on the relevant information that the judge needs to hear. Significantly, an attorney can help the claimant avoid any unnecessary surprises by keeping the claimant informed throughout the process. Most importantly, an attorney will be able to link the claimant’s medical impairments with the vocational factors required for a finding of disability.
FEE STRUCTURE
I offer a free initial consultation to assess the case and answer any preliminary questions. If we win your case at or below the initial hearing level, my fee consists of 25% of the past due benefits with a maximum of $7,200.00; this is consistent with the federal regulations. Importantly, I only get paid if we win your case and my fee must be approved by the judge.
In the event that we win the case beyond the initial hearing level, my fee consists of 25% of your past due benefits and must be approved by the judge through a fee petition.
Please note that clients are responsible for the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses (i.e. fees for medical records), whether we win or lose the case.
Questions?
Book an Appointment
Use the form below to tell me about your legal inquiry, and I will contact you to schedule an appointment. Please be as detailed as possible without revealing confidential or sensitive information. You may also email me or call to make an appointment. I am generally able to respond within a few hours.