Choosing the best disability lawyer isn’t just another item on your to-do list, it’s the decision that determines whether you finally secure the Social Security Disability benefits you deserve or get stuck fighting the system alone. In Chicago, the stakes are even higher. Claims get denied every day, paperwork gets lost, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) is notoriously slow. If you want results, you need a legal team that knows how to push back, cut through red tape, and win.
At Ankin Law, we’ve built our reputation by doing exactly that. So if you’re wondering how to choose the best disability lawyer, here’s what you need to know.
What Makes the Best Disability Lawyer in Chicago?
The best disability lawyer focuses primarily on SSDI and SSI cases, understands local SSA offices and judges, prepares clients thoroughly for hearings, and handles appeals through federal court if necessary.
Look for a Law Firm That Lives and Breathes Disability Law
Some attorneys “dabble” in disability cases on the side. That’s not who you want. The best disability lawyer focuses on SSDI and SSI cases every single day. The SSA system is a beast. If your lawyer isn’t deeply familiar with what judges look for, how claims are evaluated, and where people typically get tripped up, you’re already at a disadvantage.
Ankin Law has represented disability claimants across Chicago and throughout Illinois for more than three decades. We know the judges. We know the process. And we know how to build disability claim packages that get approved.
Choose a Lawyer Who Knows Chicago, Not Just Disability Law
Disability cases in Illinois have their own quirks. Local SSA field offices, hearing wait times, and the reputations of Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) all play a role in case strategy. A national chain may boast experience, but they don’t know the actual Chicago landscape: what to expect at the downtown SSA office, how local vocational experts operate, or how to prepare a claimant for hearings held in Illinois.
When the system works against you, you want a team that already knows how to push back, not one that’s learning on the fly. When you choose Ankin Law, you’re choosing a Chicago law firm that knows this city’s legal terrain inside and out.
Ask the Hard Questions About Experience And Demand Real Answers
If you want the best disability lawyer, you need transparency. Ask:
- How many disability cases have you handled?
- How often do you go to hearings?
- What percentage of your practice is Social Security Disability?
- Who will actually work on my case, an attorney or a case manager?
At Ankin Law, we answer these questions without hesitation because we have the results to back them up. We don’t rely on guesswork or generic advice. Our attorneys handle thousands of claims, and we prepare every case like it’s going to hearing, because that’s what wins approval.
Look for a Firm That Prepares You Like You’re Going Into Battle
The SSA system isn’t friendly. It’s not forgiving. And it certainly doesn’t give out benefits just because someone is sick or injured. The burden is on you, or more accurately, your lawyer, to prove your disability through medical evidence, testimony, and airtight documentation.
That’s why preparation is everything.
The best disability lawyer will:
- Dig into your medical records and fix gaps
- Work directly with your doctors to strengthen your evidence
- Prepare you for testimony that actually helps your case
- Challenge weak vocational expert statements
- Anticipate and counter SSA arguments before they even happen
At Ankin Law, we don’t wait for problems, we eliminate them before they derail your claim.
Make Sure Your Lawyer Handles Appeals, Not Just Applications
Many firms help you “file paperwork,” but filing is only the beginning. Most disability claims in Chicago are denied at least once. If your attorney can’t handle reconsiderations, ALJ hearings, Appeals Council reviews, and even federal court filings, then you’re stuck restarting the process with someone new, or worse, trying to fight alone.
The best disability lawyer handles every stage, from application to federal court. Ankin Law does exactly that. When we take your case, we’re in it all the way until we win or exhaust every available legal option. That’s the kind of loyalty and persistence you deserve.
Make Communication a Priority
You shouldn’t be left wondering what’s happening with your case. Delays, missing medical records, or missed deadlines can kill a claim. The best disability lawyer keeps you informed, responds quickly, and makes sure you understand the steps ahead.
At Ankin Law, communication isn’t optional, it’s built into our process. When the stakes are this high, you shouldn’t have to chase your lawyer. They should be chasing results for you.
Evaluate Client Reviews and Reputation
Chicagoans are honest. If a law firm delivers results, the city knows. If they don’t, the city knows that too.
Look at:
- Google reviews
- Client testimonials
- Case results
- Longevity in the disability field
Ankin Law has earned the trust of thousands of disability clients across Illinois because we fight hard and don’t back down.
Why Ankin Law Is the Right Choice for Chicago Disability Claimants
You’re not just looking for a lawyer. You’re looking for someone who can change your life. Benefits mean stability. Medical care. Income. Security.
The right lawyer can mean the difference between approval and denial.
At Ankin Law, we bring:
- Chicago experience
- A professional, strategic approach
- Deep knowledge of Social Security Disability law
- Personalized case preparation and attention
- A reputation for winning difficult claims
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t wait. Don’t guess. Don’t risk another denial due to avoidable mistakes. Call Ankin Law today at (872) 529-9377.
FAQs
1. When Should I Hire a Disability Lawyer?
Immediately. The earlier a lawyer gets involved, the stronger your medical record and application will be, and the better your chances of approval.
2. Do Disability Lawyers Charge Upfront Fees?
No. Disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning you pay only if you win.
3. Can a Lawyer Help if I Was Already Denied?
Absolutely. Most claims are denied initially. A skilled disability lawyer can appeal the denial, strengthen your evidence, and represent you at your hearing.
