Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or ERISA long-term disability in Massachusetts can feel overwhelming—particularly after denials or appeals. Experienced local attorneys help navigate SSA processes, ensure accurate medical documentation, represent you at hearings, and substantially improve your chances of approval. Below are five leading firms in Boston selected based on experience, client satisfaction, specialization, and peer recognition.
Comparison Table
| Firm Name | Driving Directions | Fees | Experience | Specialties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔗 Keefe Disability Law | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 No fee unless you win (contingency) | 💼 Founded 1994; decades of SSD/SSI/VA disability focus | ✔️ SSDI / SSI ✔️ VA disabilities ✔️ Appeals / hearings |
| 🔗 Pulgini & Norton, LLP | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 Free consultation; capped SSA attorney fee | 💼 Nearly 40 years combined SSD experience | ✔️ SSDI / SSI ✔️ Appeals process expertise ✔️ Personal attorney handling |
| 🔗 Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 No recovery, no fee | 💼 30+ years representing disabled claimants | ✔️ SSDI / SSI ✔️ Coordination with workers’ comp/personal injury ✔️ Aggressive advocacy |
| 🔗 Sheehan Law Firm (John J. Sheehan) | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 Free consultation; no fee unless awarded | 💼 30+ years SSD/VA/disability practice | ✔️ SSDI / SSI ✔️ Bilingual Spanish/English ✔️ Responsive client service |
| 🔗 Block & Roos, LLP | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 Contingency on ERISA claims | 💼 Seasoned at disability insurance litigation | ✔️ ERISA long‑term disability ✔️ Bad‑faith denial / termination ✔️ Attorney fee recovery |
Firm Profiles
🔗 Keefe Disability Law
Areas served: Boston and throughout Massachusetts, also assisting veterans statewide.
Fees: Operates on a contingency basis—no charge unless benefits are secured. Typical SSD attorney fee is capped by SSA rules. (Keefe Disability Law, Pulgini & Norton, LLP, Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, Law Office of John J. Sheehan, Block & Roos, LLP)
Experience: Founded in 1994, with decades of singular focus on SSDI, SSI, VA benefits, and appeals. (Keefe Disability Law, NEDisability)
Specialties:
✔️ SSDI / SSI claim applications ✔️ Veterans’ disability claims ✔️ Appeals and hearings at SSA level ✔️ Educational support and FAQs for claimants
Reviews & Mentions: Offers free book and educational materials to guide clients—high praise for responsiveness and success. (Keefe Disability Law, NEDisability)
Reddit insights: Several posts caution that large disability firms may not provide consistent personal contact:
“These big disability firms are so sketchy. I’ve had several claimants who didn’t even know they had attorneys.” (Reddit)
That said, Keefe’s longevity and client-focus sets them apart from mass-recruitment models.
🔗 Pulgini & Norton, LLP
Areas served: Boston metro, also offices in Braintree.
Fees: Free consultation; SSA attorney fee capped at statutory limit (25 % of back pay up to cap). (SuperLawyers.com, Justia, Justia, Pulgini & Norton, LLP)
Experience: Nearly 40 years of combined SSD practice. Founding partners personally manage cases rather than passing to paralegals. (Pulgini & Norton, LLP, SuperLawyers.com)
Specialties:
✔️ SSDI / SSI application and appeals ✔️ Personal attorney involvement in all phases ✔️ Experience with ALJ hearings and federal appeals
Reviews: Frequently rated among Super Lawyers in SSD category. Their Justia profiles highlight 40+ years of practice for Paul d’Oliveira and Norton. (NEDisability)
🔗 Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers
Areas served: Boston and surrounding cities including Cambridge, Dorchester, Fall River.
Fees: Contingency—no payment unless you win benefits.
Experience: Over 30 years in personal injury and SSD/SSI cases. Coordinates between injury claims and disability claims. (Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, Justia)
Specialties:
✔️ SSDI / SSI claims ✔️ Integration with workers’ comp or injury litigation ✔️ High settlement and award experience
Reviews & Recognition: Rated 10.0 on Justia; over 500 five-star client reviews praising effective advocacy and strong communication. (Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, Justia)
🔗 Sheehan Law Firm (John J. Sheehan)
Areas served: Boston and Essex County; bilingual support.
Fees: Free initial consultation; no fees unless benefits obtained. (Law Office of John J. Sheehan, Justia)
Experience: John J. Sheehan has 30+ years handling SSDI, SSI, VA and related claims. (Justia, Law Office of John J. Sheehan)
Specialties:
✔️ SSDI / SSI applications and hearings ✔️ Spanish/English bilingual service ✔️ Responsive and personalized legal guidance
Reviews: Highlight friendly communication, cultural accessibility, and adept handling of denials and appeals. (Law Office of John J. Sheehan, Justia)
🔗 Block & Roos, LLP
Areas served: Boston-based, statewide ERISA disability litigation.
Fees: Contingency on ERISA benefits cases, including those involving insurance bad faith; attorney fees recoverable under ERISA statutes. (Block & Roos, LLP)
Experience: Specializes in disputes over long‑term disability insurance, insurer denials, delays, and lowball offers. (Block & Roos, LLP)
Specialties:
✔️ ERISA long‑term disability claims ✔️ Bad‑faith denial or termination ✔️ Retroactive awards and fee recovery
Recognition & Outcome Focus: Known for aggressive representation in insurer disputes—recovering both benefits and legal fees. (Block & Roos, LLP)
🗣️ Reddit & Community Mentions
- On r/SSDI, users frequently remind seekers:
“Attorney gets 25 % of your back pay, capped at $9,200. Make sure they charge nothing else.” (Reddit)
- Another thread highlights that large non-local firms can lack transparency:
“Some claimants didn’t even know they had attorneys.” (Reddit)
- In r/boston, community members recommend relying on local legal aid and nonprofits for first attempts:
“Greater Boston Legal Services… Disability Law Center may also be a good resource.” (Reddit)
Additional Considerations in Disability Claims
✔️ Fee Transparency
SSA caps attorneys’ fees at 25 % of retroactive benefits, up to a limit. Confirm whether there are additional costs for file retrieval or appeals.
✔️ Local Experience Matters
Massachusetts-specific knowledge of SSA offices, state vocational rules, and local ALJ hearing tendencies improves outcomes—local firms like the ones above tend to perform better.
✔️ Appeals & Hearings Expertise
Most initial SSD applications are denied. It’s essential to have representation through reconsideration, ALJ hearings, and potentially federal appeals.
✔️ Language and Accessibility
Bilingual services (like Sheehan’s Spanish support) can be vital for clients with limited English. Also confirm whether your attorney personally manages your case.
✔️ ERISA vs SSDI Cases
If you’re dealing with private disability insurance (employer plan etc.), SSA regulations don’t apply. Firms like Block & Roos focus on ERISA legal standards and insurer accountability.
✔️ Reviews and Real Client Feedback
Look for consistent client praise in Google, Justia, or Avvo—especially for communication, diligence, and case outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Disability claims in Boston is complex—having the right attorney can make all the difference.
- For veteran-focused or general SSDI/SSI representation with decades of experience and educational support, Keefe Disability Law stands out.
- If you prefer personal handling by experienced partners and nearly 40 years of disability law, Pulgini & Norton, LLP is a strong choice.
- For integrated representation of injury claims and SSDI benefits, Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers bring broad experience and strong client satisfaction.
- Sheehan Law Firm combines bilingual accessibility with decades of local SSDI expertise and responsive service.
- Facing denial from a long-term disability insurer? Block & Roos specializes in ERISA litigation, bad-faith denials, and fee recovery.
Remember to always ask prospective attorneys these key questions:
- Who will be handling your case day‑to‑day?
- What is their fee structure beyond SSA limits?
- How will they communicate updates?
- How many appeals or hearings have they taken to decision?
Review both peer-recognized credentials (e.g. Super Lawyers, Justia) and client reviews to find the best fit for your case. Choosing counsel you trust materially improves your experience and success rate.