Where to Find Disability Lawyers in Denver
Denver has disability lawyers in private practice, legal aid offices, and bar association referral services. The fastest way to find one is to contact the Colorado Disability Law Center, which maintains a list of attorneys who handle Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. You can also call the Denver Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 303-831-8000 and ask specifically for lawyers who work on disability cases.
Private disability law firms in the Denver area advertise online and through Google Maps. When you search "disability lawyer Denver," you will see firms with office addresses, phone numbers, and client reviews. Many of these firms work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay if you win, rather than charging an upfront fee. Legal aid organizations like Colorado Legal Services serve people with low income and may represent you at no cost if you meet their income limits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains its own list of approved representatives — called the "Find a Representative" tool on ssa.gov. This tool shows you every attorney, non-attorney representative, and organization authorized to charge a fee for SSDI or SSI work in your area. It is the most reliable way to confirm that a lawyer is actually permitted to represent you before SSA.
Key Takeaways
- The Colorado Disability Law Center and Denver Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with disability attorneys in your area within one phone call.
- Most disability lawyers in Denver work on contingency, taking a percentage of your back pay if you win rather than charging upfront fees.
- You can verify that any lawyer is authorized to represent you before SSA by using the "Find a Representative" tool on ssa.gov.
- Colorado Legal Services provides free representation to people with low income who meet their financial limits.
- Before hiring a lawyer, confirm their fee agreement in writing and ask what they charge if your case is denied.
What Disability Lawyers in Denver Charge
SSA limits what disability lawyers can charge. If you win your case, the lawyer can take up to 25 percent of your back pay, or $7,200, whichever is less. This is called a contingency fee. The lawyer cannot charge you anything if you lose. You should receive a written fee agreement before the lawyer begins work, and SSA must approve the fee before it is paid.
Some lawyers also charge for costs — things like obtaining your medical records, paying for informed reports, or filing court documents. Ask your lawyer in writing whether they will charge you for these costs and whether those costs come out of your back pay or are billed separately. A few lawyers charge hourly rates for initial consultations but then switch to contingency if they take your case.
If you use a non-attorney representative — such as a disability advocate or former SSA employee — they may charge lower fees than lawyers. Non-attorney representatives are also subject to the same 25 percent / $7,200 cap. Always ask for the fee agreement before you sign anything.
What to Expect When You Hire a Denver Disability Lawyer
Once you hire a lawyer, they will request your medical records, work history, and any previous SSA decisions. This usually takes two to four weeks. The lawyer will review your case to determine whether you have a strong claim and what medical evidence you need to strengthen it. They may ask you to see a doctor for an updated evaluation or to fill out detailed questionnaires about your daily activities and limitations.
If you are already in the SSA system — meaning you have already filed an initial claim or are in an appeal — your lawyer will take over communication with SSA. You will not hear directly from SSA; instead, your lawyer will receive notices and respond on your behalf. If you have not yet filed, your lawyer will help you prepare your initial claim and submit it to SSA.
Your lawyer will keep you updated on the status of your case, but the timeline depends on where you are in the process. An initial claim decision takes three to six months. An appeal to the Reconsideration level takes another three to six months. A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can take one to two years from the time you request it. Your lawyer should explain this timeline upfront.
Questions to Ask a Denver Disability Lawyer Before You Hire Them
Ask the lawyer how many SSDI and SSI cases they have handled and what percentage they have won. A lawyer who has handled hundreds of cases and won most of them is more experienced than one who is new to disability law. Ask whether they have experience with your specific condition or type of work — some lawyers specialize in mental health cases, others in back injuries or neurological conditions.
Ask what they will do if your initial claim is denied. Will they automatically file an appeal, or will they discuss it with you first? Ask whether they will represent you at a hearing before an ALJ if your case goes that far, or whether they will refer you to another lawyer. Ask what happens if you disagree with their strategy — can you fire them and hire someone else, and will they transfer your file?
Ask whether they have handled cases in Denver specifically or whether they work statewide. SSA has a Denver Field Office, but some cases are decided by judges in other parts of Colorado. A lawyer familiar with the judges and staff in your area may have an advantage. Finally, ask for references — the names of past clients you can contact, or at least a willingness to provide them.
Red Flags When Choosing a Disability Lawyer in Denver
Do not hire a lawyer who guarantees you will win. No one can may provide an SSA decision. Do not hire a lawyer who asks for money upfront before your case is decided, unless it is for documented costs like medical records. Do not hire a lawyer who pressures you to sign papers without reading them or who will not give you a copy of your fee agreement.
Be cautious of lawyers who advertise heavily on billboards or late-night television. Disability law is a small field, and the best lawyers are usually known by referral. Be cautious of lawyers who do not return your calls or who seem uninterested in your case. Be cautious of lawyers who tell you to stop working or to exaggerate your symptoms — SSA can deny your claim if it finds fraud, and your lawyer could lose their license.
Check whether the lawyer has any disciplinary history. You can search the Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Counsel website to see whether a lawyer has been disciplined or had complaints filed against them. If a lawyer has multiple complaints related to fee disputes or abandonment of clients, that is a warning sign.
Working With Your Lawyer Throughout Your Case
Stay in touch with your lawyer and respond promptly when they ask for information. If SSA sends you a letter, forward it to your lawyer when ready — do not respond to SSA directly. If your address or phone number changes, tell your lawyer right away so SSA can reach you. If your medical condition changes or you see a new doctor, tell your lawyer because this information may strengthen your case.
If you disagree with your lawyer's strategy or feel they are not working hard enough on your case, say so. You have the right to fire your lawyer at any time and hire a different one. If you do, your first lawyer must transfer your file to the new lawyer within a reasonable time. You can also file a complaint with the Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Counsel if you believe your lawyer has acted unethically.
Remember that your lawyer works for you. They should explain things in plain language, answer your questions, and keep you informed. If a lawyer makes you feel rushed, confused, or unheard, that is a sign to look for someone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change lawyers if I am unhappy with the one I hired?
Yes. You can fire your lawyer at any time and hire a different one. Your first lawyer must give your file to the new lawyer. You may owe the first lawyer a portion of the fee based on the work they did, but SSA will not approve a fee for both lawyers on the same case. Discuss this with both lawyers before you make the switch.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer?
Colorado Legal Services represents people with low income at no cost. Call them at 303-832-1347 to see whether you meet their income limits. You can also ask the Denver Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service whether any lawyers offer free initial consultations. Many do, and a consultation can help you decide whether to hire them.
Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI or SSI?
No. You can file on your own through ssa.gov or by visiting the Denver SSA Field Office. However, a lawyer can help you gather medical evidence, explain what SSA is looking for, and represent you if your claim is denied. Most people who win on appeal have a lawyer.
How long does it take to hear back from a lawyer after I contact them?
Most lawyers respond within one to three business days. If a lawyer does not return your call within a week, that is a sign they may be too busy or not interested in your case. Move on to the next lawyer on your list.
What is the difference between a disability lawyer and a non-attorney representative?
Both can represent you before SSA and charge the same fee (up to 25 percent of back pay or $7,200). A lawyer has a law degree and can represent you in court if your case goes to federal court. A non-attorney representative has passed an SSA exam but does not have a law degree. Either can be effective for most SSDI and SSI cases.