Morgan Weisbrod LLP
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI, long-term disability
150+ combined years legal experience. Among top disability lawyers in Texas by amount of benefits won.
- Fee structure
- Statutory cap
Denied SSDI in Dallas? Most claims are. Don't quit.
Top 10 Social Security Disability Lawyers in Dallas
About two-thirds of initial Social Security Disability applications are denied. The right lawyer makes the difference at the reconsideration and ALJ hearing stages. The Dallas SSA Hearings Office sits in north Dallas and serves all of North Texas.
These 10 Dallas firms specialize in SSDI/SSI denials, ALJ hearings, and federal-court appeals. Fees are capped by federal law.
How we picked these 10: We reviewed published verdicts and settlements, peer rankings (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Chambers and Partners, Avvo), client review patterns, and bar association recognition. Firms that appeared consistently across independent sources made the list. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
Paul B. Burkhalter, Attorney
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI
Board Certified in Social Security Disability Advocacy. 33 years representing thousands of Texans.
- Fee structure
- Statutory cap
- Free consultation
- Free
Kraft & Associates
Practice focus: SSDI, personal injury
Dallas firm representing individuals with PI and Social Security Disability matters.
- Fee structure
- Statutory cap / Contingency
- Free consultation
- Free
Heard & Smith, LLP
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI
30+ years helping clients obtain SSDI and SSI benefits.
- Fee structure
- Statutory cap
- Free consultation
- Free
Burke Barclay Law Office
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI, denial appeals
Helps individuals unable to work due to severe mental or physical conditions.
- Fee structure
- Statutory cap
- Free consultation
- Free
Denman Law Office
Practice focus: SSDI, denial appeals, ALJ hearings
30+ years serving SSDI applicants and disability denial appeals.
- Fee structure
- Statutory cap
- Free consultation
- Free
GetDisability.org (Plano + Dallas)
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI
Multi-office DFW SSDI practice with strong appeals bench.
- Fee structure
- Statutory cap
- Free consultation
- Free
Bemis, Roach & Reed
Practice focus: SSDI, long-term disability, ERISA
Multi-state Texas disability practice with long-term disability bench.
- Fee structure
- Statutory cap / Contingency
- Free consultation
- Free
Marc Whitehead & Associates
Practice focus: SSDI, ERISA, veterans disability
Multi-state Texas disability practice including ERISA and VA cases.
- Fee structure
- Statutory cap
- Free consultation
- Free
Pacific Workers' Compensation (Dallas)
Practice focus: SSDI, workers' comp overlap
Dallas SSDI practice covering workers' comp overlap.
- Fee structure
- Statutory cap
- Free consultation
- Free
Not sure which firm is right for you?
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Request Free Consultation →What to expect from a Dallas SSDI case
Initial application: 3-6 months. Reconsideration: 3-6 months. ALJ hearing: 12-24 month wait. Appeals Council, then federal court if needed.
What does a disability lawyer in Dallas cost?
Federally capped: 25% of past-due benefits, max $9,200 (2024). No fee unless you win.
Red flags to watch for when picking a Social Security Disability lawyer in Dallas
The legal directory you find on Google has thousands of Dallas Social Security Disability firms. Most are competent. A few are problematic. The patterns to avoid:
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can guarantee a result. If a firm promises a specific recovery, dismissal, or visa approval, walk away.
The disappearing partner. You meet a senior partner at intake, then never speak to them again. The case is handled by an unsupervised junior or a paralegal. Ask in writing who will be your day-to-day attorney.
Pressure to sign immediately. Reputable firms give you the retainer in writing, time to read it, and the option to take it home. High-pressure intake is almost always a sign of a volume mill, not a craftsperson's practice.
No verifiable track record. The firm should be able to point to verdicts, settlements, peer rankings, or bar association recognition. "We've helped thousands of clients" is marketing copy. Specific numbers, named cases, and third-party rankings are evidence.
Vague fee terms. "Don't worry about cost" is a red flag. Every legitimate Dallas lawyer will give you a written engagement letter with the fee structure, what's covered, what triggers extra charges, and what happens if you fire them.
10 questions to ask in your free consultation
Most Dallas firms on this list offer a free initial consultation. Use it. Bring a list of questions and write down the answers. Compare across at least two firms before you sign.
- Who, specifically, will handle my case day-to-day? Get a name. Get an email.
- How many cases like mine have you handled in the last three years? You want a number, not a brochure line.
- What is your fee, and what does it cover? Get the answer in writing before you sign.
- What case expenses am I responsible for, and when? Out-of-pocket costs surprise people. Ask now.
- What is the realistic range of outcomes for a case like mine? A good lawyer will give you a range. A bad one will promise the high end.
- How long will it take? Honest estimate, with the assumptions stated.
- Who else might be involved? Experts? Co-counsel? Larger cases routinely involve outside experts. Know who's on the team.
- How and how often will I hear from you? Email-only? Calls? Monthly updates? Set the expectation now.
- What happens if I want to change lawyers later? Rules allow it; the fee is sorted between firms. Make sure you understand the mechanics.
- What's the worst-case outcome for my case? A lawyer who refuses to discuss downside risk is selling you something.
What's specific about a Social Security Disability case in Dallas
Dallas is its own market. The procedure, the courts, and the strategy are city- and state-specific in ways that matter to your outcome.
Local courthouses matter. Dallas County District Courts at the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas have judges, calendars, and procedures that shape how cases move. A firm that knows the local courthouse has an advantage.
Filing deadlines are strict. Notice of Claim windows for cases against the City or County, Statute of Limitations periods, and pre-suit certification requirements vary by case type and are unforgiving. A missed deadline often means a lost case — full stop.
Local procedure rules matter. Each court has its own forms, motion practice, and judge preferences. The right Dallas firm will know not just the law, but the unwritten rules of the courthouse you'll be in.
Local plaintiffs/defendants do well in front of local juries. Verdict patterns vary by venue, and a trial-capable firm uses venue strategically.
Frequently asked questions
Why so many denials?
SSA's strict definition of disability — must prevent any substantial gainful activity for 12+ months.
What's a 'compassionate allowance'?
Certain conditions (specific cancers, ALS, etc.) get fast-tracked approval.
Can I work while applying?
Limited — SGA in 2024 is $1,550/month ($2,590 if blind).
Do I need a doctor?
Yes — SSA requires medical evidence from acceptable medical sources.
How long to get back-pay?
Typically 60-90 days after favorable decision.
Related reading
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Read the reviews. Call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one: How many cases like mine have you taken to verdict in the last three years? The answer tells you everything. — The LawFirmSquare team