Who Shook & Stone is and what they handle

Shook & Stone is a law firm that represents people in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. They work with clients who have been denied benefits and need representation at the appeal stage, as well as people explore for the first time who want a lawyer from the start.

The firm handles the full range of disability cases: initial applications, reconsiderations (the first appeal after a denial), Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearings, and Appeals Council reviews. They also take cases involving overpayments and work incentive questions for people already receiving benefits.

How Shook & Stone charges for their work

Shook & Stone operates under the same fee structure that all SSDI lawyers must follow. They cannot charge you an upfront fee. Instead, they take a percentage of your back pay—the money Social Security owes you from the date you became disabled to the date your benefits begin.

The fee is capped by federal law at 25 percent of your back pay, or $7,200, whichever is less. This means if you win $20,000 in back pay, the firm takes either $5,000 (25 percent) or $7,200—whichever is smaller. You pay nothing if you lose the case.

The firm also charges for costs—things like medical records requests, informed witness fees, or court filing fees. These are separate from the attorney fee and come out of your back pay as well. You should ask about estimated costs before you hire them.

Key Takeaways

  • Shook & Stone represents people at every stage of SSDI and SSI cases, from initial process through Appeals Council review.
  • They charge no upfront fee; instead they take 25 percent of your back pay (or $7,200, whichever is less) if you win.
  • Case costs like medical records and informed witnesses are separate from the attorney fee and also come from your back pay.
  • You should compare their experience and approach to other disability lawyers in your area before deciding to hire them.

What happens when you hire them

Once you sign a fee agreement with Shook & Stone, the firm takes over communication with Social Security. They request your file, review your medical records, and identify what evidence is missing or weak. They then work with you to gather the right medical documentation and, if needed, arrange for a medical informed to examine you or review your records.

If your case goes to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, Shook & Stone prepares you for testimony, organizes your evidence, and presents your case in front of the judge. They may also call informed witnesses—vocational experts or medical experts—to testify on your behalf.

Questions to ask before hiring them

Before you sign a fee agreement with any disability lawyer, including Shook & Stone, you should know their track record and approach. Ask how many SSDI cases they handle per year, what percentage of their cases result in approval at the ALJ hearing stage, and whether they have experience with your specific condition or medical field.

Ask also whether they will represent you at every stage or only at the hearing, and what happens if you disagree with their strategy. Find out whether they have a medical advisor on staff or whether they hire outside experts, and how they decide when an informed is necessary. These details vary between firms and affect how your case is handled.

You should also ask what costs they typically charge and whether they can estimate the cost for your specific case. Some firms are transparent about this; others give only a range. The more specific they can be, the better you can plan.

How to find their contact information

Shook & Stone maintains an office website and a presence on legal directories like Avvo and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR). You can also search for them through your state bar association's lawyer referral service, which will confirm they are licensed to practice in your state and whether any complaints have been filed against them.

When you contact them, ask whether they are currently taking new cases. Some firms close their intake during busy periods. If they are not available, ask for a referral to another firm in your area.

How Shook & Stone compares to other options

You are not required to hire a lawyer to pursue SSDI. You can represent yourself, though most people who do are denied at the hearing stage. You can also hire a non-lawyer representative—a disability advocate or accredited representative—who charges the same fee structure as a lawyer but may have lower overhead and faster availability.

Some people hire a lawyer only for the hearing stage, after they have already been denied once. Others hire a lawyer from the start because they know their case is complex or their medical records are scattered. There is no single right choice; it depends on your situation, your confidence in handling the process, and what you can afford to pay if you win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Shook & Stone represent me if I live out of state?

Disability cases are handled by federal Social Security offices and federal judges, so a lawyer does not need to be licensed in your state. However, Shook & Stone must be licensed in at least one state and in good standing. Call them to confirm they represent clients in your state.

What if I already have a lawyer and want to switch to Shook & Stone?

You can fire your current lawyer and hire a new one at any time. You will need to sign a new fee agreement with Shook & Stone. Social Security will recognize the change once both lawyers file the paperwork. Your old lawyer's fee is based on the back pay earned while they represented you; Shook & Stone's fee is based on back pay earned after you hire them.

Do I have to pay Shook & Stone if I win but decide not to accept the benefits?

If Social Security approves your case, you owe the fee regardless of whether you accept the benefits. The fee is based on the back pay Social Security calculates, not on whether you actually receive it. Discuss this with the firm before you hire them if you have concerns.

How long does a case usually take with Shook & Stone?

Timeline depends on whether you are at the initial process stage (typically 3 to 6 months for a decision) or appealing a denial (typically 1 to 2 years to a hearing). Shook & Stone cannot speed up Social Security's timeline, but they can move your case along efficiently on their end.