Who Mrs. Patel is and what she handles
Mrs. Patel is a disability lawyer based in Highland Park who represents people in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. She works with clients from the point of initial process through appeal hearings before an Administrative Law Judge, and handles cases involving denials, reconsiderations, and requests for hearing.
Like most disability lawyers, Mrs. Patel works on a contingency fee basis, meaning she is paid only if you win your case. The Social Security Administration sets a cap on what she can charge — typically 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability began until the month you were approved), up to a maximum of $6,000, whichever is less.
Before you hire any lawyer, including Mrs. Patel, you should understand what a disability lawyer can and cannot do. A lawyer cannot speed up Social Security's processing time, cannot may provide approval, and cannot change the medical evidence in your file. What a lawyer can do is organize your medical records, help you explain how your condition affects your work, prepare you for a hearing, and represent you in front of a judge.
Key Takeaways
- Mrs. Patel charges a contingency fee capped by Social Security at 25 percent of back pay or $6,000, whichever is smaller, and only if you win.
- You can hire a disability lawyer at any stage — after a denial, during reconsideration, or before a hearing — though earlier representation often helps more.
- To contact Mrs. Patel, you will need to call her office directly or visit in person; her contact information should be available through local bar associations or disability law directories.
- A disability lawyer's main role is to organize evidence and represent you at a hearing, not to change Social Security's timeline or may provide a result.
- You have the right to fire your lawyer at any time and represent yourself, though most people find representation improves their chances at a hearing.
When to hire a lawyer and what stage you are at
You can hire a disability lawyer at three main points in the SSDI or SSI process: after your initial process is denied, during the reconsideration stage (the first appeal), or before a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.
Most disability lawyers, including those in Highland Park, prefer to take cases once they reach the hearing stage. At a hearing, a judge reviews your case in person, and having a lawyer present makes a measurable difference in approval rates. If you are still in the initial or reconsideration stage, some lawyers will take your case, but many will wait until a hearing is scheduled.
If you have already received a denial notice and are deciding whether to appeal, contacting Mrs. Patel's office can help you understand whether representation would be useful for your specific situation. Some cases are stronger with a lawyer from the start; others benefit more from legal help once a hearing date is set.
How to contact Mrs. Patel and what to bring to a first meeting
To reach Mrs. Patel, contact her office directly by phone or visit in person at her Highland Park location. You can also search for her name through the State Bar of Illinois lawyer directory or through disability law referral services that list attorneys in your area.
When you call, be ready to describe your case briefly: when you applied, whether you have been denied, and what stage you are at now. Many lawyers offer a free initial consultation, though you should ask whether Mrs. Patel's office does.
If you schedule a meeting, bring your Social Security denial notice (if you have one), any medical records or test results you have at home, a list of doctors who have treated you, and dates of any work you have done since your condition began. You do not need to have everything organized perfectly — the lawyer's job includes gathering and organizing your records from Social Security and your doctors.
Understanding the fee agreement and what happens if you win
Before Mrs. Patel represents you, you will sign a fee agreement that explains her costs. The agreement must state that she works on contingency and will charge only if you win. It must also list the exact fee — usually 25 percent of back pay up to $6,000, but the exact amount should be written in your contract.
If Social Security approves your case, you will receive back pay — money owed from the date your disability began until the month you were approved. Mrs. Patel's fee comes from this back pay. For example, if your back pay is $20,000 and her fee is 25 percent, she receives $5,000 and you receive $15,000. If your back pay is smaller, her fee is smaller too.
You do not pay anything out of pocket if you lose. You also do not pay for the time Mrs. Patel spends preparing your case, gathering records, or representing you at a hearing. All of that is covered by the contingency arrangement.
What to expect during representation and at a hearing
Once you hire Mrs. Patel, she will request your file from Social Security, review your medical records, and ask you questions about how your condition affects your daily life and your ability to work. She will also likely request updated medical records from your doctors and may ask you to see a doctor for a new evaluation if your records are old.
As your hearing date approaches, Mrs. Patel will prepare you for what to expect. A hearing is informal — you sit across from an Administrative Law Judge in a small room, and the judge asks you questions about your medical condition, your work history, and how your condition prevents you from working. Your lawyer sits beside you and can object to questions, ask follow-up questions, and present evidence on your behalf.
The judge may also call a vocational informed — a witness who testifies about whether someone with your condition and work history could do other jobs. Your lawyer can cross-examine this witness and challenge their conclusions.
Your rights if you are unhappy with your lawyer
You have the right to fire Mrs. Patel or any lawyer at any time, for any reason. If you want to end the relationship, tell her in writing and keep a copy. Once you fire a lawyer, you can represent yourself or hire a different lawyer.
If you believe Mrs. Patel has not done her job or has acted unethically, you can file a complaint with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). Complaints are investigated and can result in discipline if wrongdoing is found.
If you win your case and believe the fee charged was unfair, you can ask Social Security to review the fee agreement. Social Security has authority to reduce a lawyer's fee if it finds the fee unreasonable, though this is uncommon.
Alternatives if Mrs. Patel is not available or not the right fit
If Mrs. Patel is not taking new cases or is not the right fit for your situation, other disability lawyers work in Highland Park and the surrounding area. You can search the State Bar of Illinois directory, ask for referrals from local legal aid organizations, or contact the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) for a list of members near you.
You also have the option of working with a non-lawyer representative — someone called an accredited representative who is not a lawyer but is authorized by Social Security to represent you. Accredited representatives charge the same contingency fee as lawyers and often have deep experience with SSDI cases. Some work for nonprofits and charge reduced fees or no fee at all.
If cost is a concern, contact your local legal aid office. Some legal aid organizations represent SSDI and SSI cases for free if you meet income limits, though their caseloads are often full and they may not be able to take your case when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Mrs. Patel represent me if I have already been denied twice?
Yes. Once you have been denied at the initial and reconsideration stages, you have the right to request a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge. This is the stage where most disability lawyers, including Mrs. Patel, take cases. You can hire her at this point even if you have already been denied twice.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer's fee?
Disability lawyers work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win. If you are concerned about the fee amount, ask Mrs. Patel's office to explain the exact fee in writing before you hire her. You can also explore legal aid organizations or accredited representatives, some of whom charge reduced fees or work for nonprofits.
How long does a case usually take with a lawyer?
The timeline depends on how long it takes Social Security to schedule your hearing, which varies by location and current caseload. From the time you hire a lawyer to the time of your hearing can be anywhere from a few months to over a year. After the hearing, the judge usually issues a decision within a few weeks to a few months.
Can Mrs. Patel help me if I am still working part-time?
Yes. Working part-time does not automatically disqualify you from SSDI or SSI. What matters is whether your earnings are substantial — Social Security sets a threshold called substantial gainful activity. Mrs. Patel can help you explain your work situation and how your condition limits what you can do, even if you are earning some income.
What happens if the judge denies my case even with a lawyer?
If the judge denies your case, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and if that is denied, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. Mrs. Patel can advise you on whether further appeal makes sense for your situation. You do not owe her fee if you lose, so you have no financial penalty for continuing to fight.