What to look for in a Davis-area disability lawyer
An SSDI attorney in Davis works on what is called a contingency fee—meaning they take payment only if you win your case, and only from your back pay. They cannot charge you upfront. The Social Security Administration sets a cap on what they can collect: either 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. This is the same everywhere in the country, including Davis.
Because the fee structure is fixed by law, the real difference between attorneys comes down to how they handle your case. Some focus on SSDI claims specifically and know the local hearing office well. Others take disability cases alongside other practice areas. Neither approach is wrong, but a lawyer who handles mostly SSDI cases in the Sacramento region (where Davis falls) will likely know the judges and examiners you might face.
Davis itself is a smaller city, so you may find fewer local offices than in Sacramento or the Bay Area. Many attorneys in those cities will represent Davis clients remotely or travel to the local hearing office when needed. The location of the lawyer's office matters less than whether they are licensed to practice in California and have experience with Social Security cases.
Key Takeaways
- SSDI attorneys in California charge a contingency fee capped at 25 percent of back pay or $7,200, whichever is lower, and only if you win.
- You can find Davis-area attorneys through the Social Security Administration's official representative payee list, the State Bar of California, or by calling the local Legal Aid office.
- Many Sacramento and Bay Area attorneys represent Davis clients and will appear at the local hearing office when your case goes to a judge.
- Before hiring, ask how many SSDI cases the attorney has handled, what their success rate is, and whether they have appeared before the judges in your local hearing office.
- You have the right to change attorneys at any time, and you do not need permission from Social Security to do so.
How to find attorneys licensed in California
The Social Security Administration maintains a public list of representatives—lawyers and non-lawyer advocates—authorized to charge fees for SSDI work. You can search this list by state and city at ssa.gov/representation. Search for "Davis, California" or the broader Sacramento area to see who is listed. The list includes their phone numbers and addresses.
The State Bar of California also lets you search for attorneys by location and practice area at calbar.ca.gov. You can filter for lawyers who list disability or Social Security as a practice area. The State Bar search will show you whether an attorney is in good standing and whether any complaints have been filed against them.
If you cannot afford an attorney, Legal Aid—Seniors and Disabled serves Yolo County (where Davis is located) and may represent you for free or low cost. Call them at 1-800-222-5346 to ask whether your case qualifies. Legal Aid attorneys work on the same contingency fee structure as private lawyers, but you pay nothing out of pocket.
Questions to ask before you hire
When you call an attorney's office, have a list ready. Ask how many SSDI cases they have handled in the past two years. Ask what percentage of those cases resulted in approval. Ask whether they have appeared before the judges at the Sacramento hearing office (which covers Davis). Ask whether they will handle your case personally or assign it to someone else in the office.
Ask what they will need from you—medical records, work history, a list of doctors—and when. Ask how they will stay in touch with you and how often you should expect to hear from them. Ask what happens if your case is denied at the first level and you need to appeal. A good attorney will answer these questions clearly and not rush you off the phone.
You can also ask whether they have worked with the Disability information Services office in Sacramento, which makes the initial decision on SSDI claims. Familiarity with how that office works can matter when building your case.
The difference between attorneys and non-lawyer representatives
You do not have to hire an attorney. You can also work with a non-lawyer representative—often called an advocate or accredited representative. These are people trained and certified by Social Security to represent claimants. They charge the same contingency fee as attorneys and have the same fee cap. Some people find them more affordable or easier to work with, though the legal authority is the same.
Both attorneys and non-lawyer representatives appear on the Social Security list of representatives. When you search, the list will tell you which are lawyers and which are not. Both can represent you at a hearing before a judge. The choice is yours.
What happens after you hire someone
Once you sign a fee agreement with an attorney or representative, they file a form called an SSA-1696 with Social Security. This form tells Social Security that this person is now your representative and can receive information about your case. You can see a copy of this form before they file it.
Your representative will request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. They will review your work history and the reasons Social Security gave for any denial. They will prepare you for a hearing if your case goes that far. They will also handle all written communication with Social Security on your behalf, so you do not have to.
You can change representatives at any time by filing a new SSA-1696 with a different person's name, or by filing a form to end representation. You do not need Social Security's permission to make this change.
Understanding the hearing office in your area
If your case goes to a hearing, it will be held at the Social Security hearing office in Sacramento. This office covers the Davis area. The hearing is before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), not a Social Security employee. The judge is independent and makes the final decision on your case at the hearing level.
An attorney or representative who has appeared before the Sacramento judges will know their patterns—which types of evidence they find convincing, how they question claimants, whether they tend to approve or deny cases. This local knowledge can help your representative prepare you and present your case more effectively. When you interview attorneys, ask specifically about their experience with this hearing office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire an attorney before I explore for SSDI?
Yes. Some people hire an attorney before filing their initial claim, especially if they have a complex medical history or have been denied before. The attorney can help you gather records and build a stronger case from the start. You still pay nothing unless you win and receive back pay.
What if I was already denied and did not hire an attorney?
You can hire an attorney at any point in the appeal process. If you have already filed an appeal, an attorney can take over and represent you going forward. They can also file a new appeal if your time to appeal has run out, though this is more complicated. Call an attorney right away if you have been denied.
How long does it take to hear back from an attorney after I call?
Most offices return calls within one to two business days. If an office takes longer than that or does not return your call, that is a sign they may be overloaded. You have the right to shop around and call multiple attorneys before deciding.
Do I have to go to the attorney's office in person?
Not necessarily. Many attorneys in the Sacramento area handle Davis clients by phone and email. They will meet you in person if your case goes to a hearing in Sacramento, but initial consultations and case preparation can happen remotely. Ask about this when you call.
What if I cannot afford the attorney's fee?
The contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless you win. If you are concerned about the 25 percent fee, remember that you only pay it from money you would not have received otherwise—your back pay. Legal Aid may also represent you for free if you may have access to based on income. Call 1-800-222-5346 to ask.