Navigating Social Security Disability claims—whether initial application, appeal, or hearing—can be overwhelming. The right attorney can make a strong difference in approval odds, understanding medical requirements, meeting SSA procedures, and ensuring representation at hearings. Below are five trusted firms with strong Boston-area reputations in SSDI/SSI representation.
Comparison Table
| Firm | Driving directions | Fees | Experience | Specialties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔗 Pulgini & Norton, LLP | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 Contingency only; no fee unless you win | 💼 Nearly 40 years handling SSD/SSI claims with experienced attorneys ([turn0search23]) | ✔️ SSDI & SSI applications ✔️ Appeals & hearings representation ✔️ VA‑to‑SSA benefit coordination ✔️ Chronic illness disability advocacy |
| 🔗 Rob Levine Law | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 No fee unless benefits are secured | 💼 Senior attorney Rob Levine with decades of SSA appeal success ([turn0search18]) | ✔️ Initial applications SSDI/SSI ✔️ Denial appeals and hearing prep ✔️ Chronic and mental health conditions ✔️ Responsive client communication |
| 🔗 Keefe Disability Law | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 Contingency model; initial consult free | 💼 Serving MA clients since 1994; firm-wide focus on disability law ([turn0search7]) | ✔️ SSDI & SSI filings and appeals ✔️ Denial reversal through hearings ✔️ Educational resources and client guidance ✔️ Health‑related expert coordination |
| 🔗 Law Office of Michael James Kelley | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 Fee only collected if claim is successful | 💼 Firm has handled SSD/SSI/veteran benefit claims since 1994 ([turn0search9]) | ✔️ SSDI & SSI benefit claims ✔️ ID/determination interviews ✔️ Veterans & disability interrelation ✔️ Full application through hearing process |
| 🔗 John J. Sheehan, Esq. | 🚗 map & directions | 💲 Free consult; contingency fees typical | 💼 30+ years handling SSD and workers’ compensation claims in Boston ([turn0search16]) | ✔️ SSDI & SSI claims ✔️ Appeal hearings & reconsideration ✔️ Injury‑related disability crossover ✔️ Local SSA office familiarity |
Firm Profiles
🔗 Pulgini & Norton, LLP
Fees: Contingency-only—no upfront fees or charges unless you win.
Experience: Nearly 40 years serving SSDI and SSI claimants with Boston-area expertise ([turn0search23]).
Specialties:
✔️ SSDI and SSI applications
✔️ Appeals, reconsiderations, and hearings support
✔️ Coordinating Veterans Administration and SSA benefits
✔️ Advocacy for chronic illness and medically complex conditions
Areas served: Boston and Greater Boston region.
Reviews/Reddit mentions: Highly rated on Yelp and legal directories for client care and high success rate in approvals.
🔗 Rob Levine Law
Fees: No charge unless benefits are approved.
Experience: Rob Levine has overseen many successful SSDI cases in the Boston region with high client satisfaction ([turn0search18]).
Specialties:
✔️ Initial SSDI and SSI filings
✔️ Appeal drafting and hearing representation
✔️ Expertise with chronic, mental health, and long COVID claims
✔️ Personalized communication and case tracking
Areas served: Boston metro area; remote client intake available.
Reviews: Featured on Yelp among top Boston SSD attorneys; praised for responsiveness and thorough preparation.
🔗 Keefe Disability Law
Fees: Contingency-based only; free assessments and educational resources provided.
Experience: Boston-based firm practicing since 1994 exclusively in disability law (SSDI and SSI) ([turn0search7]).
Specialties:
✔️ Handles SSDI and SSI filings from start to finish
✔️ Appeals, hearings, and denials
✔️ Extensive educational tools for clients
✔️ Collaboration with medical specialists to document disability
Areas served: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island; clients nationwide.
Reviews/Reddit mentions: Clients frequently mention the firm’s caring approach and competence in navigating SSA complexities.
🔗 Law Office of Michael James Kelley
Fees: Contingency-only—no cost unless benefits are secured.
Experience: Serving Boston and New England since 1994, including veterans benefit crossover cases ([turn0search9]).
Specialties:
✔️ SSDI and SSI benefit claims
✔️ Diagnostic and hearing process navigation
✔️ Integration of VA and SSA benefits claims
✔️ Full handling from application through appeals
Areas served: Boston, Providence, and across New England.
Reviews: Often listed on Yelp top Boston disability lawyers for professionalism and results for veterans and civilian claimants alike.
🔗 John J. Sheehan, Esq.
Fees: Free initial consultation; contingency fees typical.
Experience: Over 30 years assisting SSD and workers’ compensation claimants in and around Boston ([turn0search16]).
Specialties:
✔️ SSDI and SSI application processing
✔️ Appeal preparation and hearing advocacy
✔️ Integration with work-related injury disability claims
✔️ Knowledge of local SSA hearing officers and policies
Areas served: Boston proper and surrounding municipalities.
Reviews/Reddit mentions: Clients value his steady communication and local familiarity in documenting medical and vocational limitations.
Additional Considerations for SSD Representation
What to consider:
- Fee structure: All five firms use contingency basis—no client pays unless benefits are awarded, which aligns with SSA fee rules.
- Experience with hearings: Approval rates depend on hearing advocacy; look for attorneys with robust ALJ courtroom experience.
- Medical documentation support: Effective claim requires collaboration with medical sources, vocational experts, and detailed functional capacity arguments.
- Special populations: Veterans or those with work injuries benefit from firms skilled in coordinating VA and SSA claims (Keefe, Kelley).
- Record keeping and communication: Transparency in case status, scheduling, and document submission is critical (Sobosik, Glassman, Rob Levine reviewed favorably on Avvo and Yelp) (pulgininorton.com, justia.com, nedisability.com, yelp.com, keefelaw.com, attorneysheehan.com, rosenfeld.com, kecheslaw.com, jeffreysglassman.com, m.yelp.com).
- Support resources: Non-profit Disability Law Center offers advocacy but often refers complex or hearing-stage cases to private counsel (DLC) (dlc-ma.org).
Final Thoughts
Choosing an SSD attorney in Boston can make the difference between denial and award—especially when claims are complex or hearings are involved. These five firms reflect meaningful strengths:
- Pulgini & Norton, LLP — Deep local experience and high client-touch in chronic illness cases.
- Rob Levine Law — Responsive, personalized service with solid outcomes in appeals.
- Keefe Disability Law — Long-standing dedication to disability law and client education.
- Michael James Kelley — Regional coverage and specialty in veterans and SSD integration.
- John J. Sheehan, Esq. — Local Boston veteran familiar with SSA hearings and vocational documentation.