Sackett & Associates
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI
40+ years. Harvey Sackett has represented 15,000+ disabled persons in Northern California.
- Fee structure
- SSA-set 25%/$7,200 cap
Denied benefits? You're not alone — and you have options.
Top 10 Social Security Disability Lawyers in San Francisco
About two-thirds of initial SSDI applications are denied. Most people who try to do it without help give up. Most people who hire an experienced SF disability lawyer win their case — usually on appeal.
These 10 SF firms specialize in SSDI, SSI, and overlapping disability matters. By federal law, fee comes out of any back-pay award.
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 →
LaPorte Law Firm
Practice focus: Social Security Disability (only)
40+ years specializing exclusively in Social Security Disability law since 1982.
- Fee structure
- SSA-set fee
- Free consultation
- Free
Kelly Disability Law
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI
Pat Kelly has 30+ years focused on SSDI/SSI in the Bay Area.
- Fee structure
- SSA-set fee
- Free consultation
- Free
Geri N. Kahn — SSDI
Practice focus: SSDI
35 years of SF SSDI experience. Personal-attention model.
- Fee structure
- SSA-set fee
- Free consultation
- Free
Bay Area Disability Lawyers
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI, ALJ hearings
SF disability boutique with strong client tracking and bilingual intake.
- Fee structure
- SSA-set fee
- Free consultation
- Free
Bohrer Brady, LLC
Practice focus: SSDI, ERISA disability
Multi-state disability practice with SF presence. Strong ERISA private disability practice.
- Fee structure
- SSA-set + ERISA contingency
- Free consultation
- Free
The Law Office of John D. Williams
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI, federal court appeals
SF SSDI boutique with strong federal-court appeals practice.
- Fee structure
- SSA-set fee
- Free consultation
- Free
Disability Advocates Group — SF
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI, ALJ hearings
Multi-state firm with Bay Area office. Heavy advertising and intake.
- Fee structure
- SSA-set fee
- Free consultation
- Free
Larson Brown PC
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI, federal appeals
SF SSDI boutique with strong client communication.
- Fee structure
- SSA-set fee
- Free consultation
- Free
California Disability Law Group
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI
Statewide CA disability practice with SF presence. Bilingual intake.
- Fee structure
- SSA-set fee
- Free consultation
- Free
Not sure which firm is right for you?
Tell us about your situation and we'll match you with vetted Social Security Disability attorneys in San Francisco. Free, confidential, no obligation.
Request Free Consultation →What to expect from an SF SSDI case
Initial application: 4-6 months. If denied, reconsider (3-6 months) and request ALJ hearing. Most cases won at ALJ stage. Total timeline 12-24 months.
What does a disability lawyer in SF cost?
Federal cap: 25% of back pay or $7,200 (whichever is less), paid by SSA out of award. If you don't win, you don't pay.
Red flags to watch for when picking a Social Security Disability lawyer in San Francisco
The legal directory you find on Google has thousands of San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco
San Francisco 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. the San Francisco Superior Court at Civic Center and the Northern District of California 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 San Francisco 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
How do I know if I qualify for SSDI?
Unable to perform substantial gainful activity (~$1,550/month in 2026) for 12+ months due to medically determinable impairment, with enough work credits.
Should I apply on my own first?
You can. Many lawyers recommend you call them first. There's no fee until you win.
What if I'm denied?
Don't give up. ALJ approval rates are far higher than initial decisions. 60 days to appeal.
Can I work while my case is pending?
Limited part-time work (under SGA) is allowed.
How long for back pay?
Once approved, back pay typically issued within 60-90 days.
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