Where disability law firms post their openings
Social Security disability law firms post job openings on the same sites where most legal employers do: Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor. You can also search directly on individual firm websites — most have a "Careers" page that lists open positions before they appear anywhere else.
The fastest way to find openings is to search by job title and location together. Try "Social Security disability attorney" or "SSDI paralegal" plus your city or state. Many firms also use the term "benefits attorney" or "disability benefits" in their listings, so searching those terms will catch positions you might otherwise miss.
If you are looking for remote work, add "remote" to your search. Many disability law firms now hire paralegals, case managers, and administrative staff who work from home, though attorney positions are less commonly remote.
Key Takeaways
- Disability law firms post openings on Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor, and also on their own websites under a Careers page.
- Search by job title ("SSDI paralegal," "benefits attorney") and location together to find positions faster than browsing general legal job boards.
- Paralegal and case manager roles are more commonly available than attorney positions and often accept candidates without prior legal experience.
- Firms that handle Social Security cases often hire seasonal staff during peak filing periods, so checking back monthly increases your chances of finding openings.
What positions disability law firms actually hire for
Disability law firms do not hire only attorneys. In fact, most of the staff at a typical SSDI firm are paralegals, case managers, and administrative assistants. These roles handle client intake, gather medical records, prepare hearing documents, and manage important date — the work that keeps cases moving.
Attorney positions exist but are fewer in number. Firms hire associate attorneys to represent clients at hearings and appeals, and senior attorneys to manage cases and supervise staff. Many firms also hire contract attorneys on a part-time or project basis during busy seasons.
Other common openings include client service representatives (who answer phones and schedule appointments), medical record specialists (who request and organize documents from doctors), and office managers. Some larger firms hire investigators to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
How to search effectively on job boards
On Indeed, use the search box to enter "Social Security disability" or "SSDI" as your job title, then filter by location and job type. You can set up a saved search that sends you new listings by email — this is faster than checking the site daily. Indeed also shows you which firms are hiring most actively, which tells you where to focus your effort.
On LinkedIn, search for the firm name directly, then click "See all jobs" on the company page. LinkedIn shows you which of your connections work there, which can help you decide whether to reach out to someone you know before submitting your resume. You can also follow firms you are interested in and get notified when they post openings.
Glassdoor shows you salary ranges and employee reviews of the firm, which helps you understand what working there is actually like. ZipRecruiter aggregates listings from many sources, so a single search there can show you openings that appear on multiple job boards at once.
Finding firms in your area that might be hiring
If you do not see openings posted, you can still find firms that handle SSDI cases and contact them directly. Search "Social Security disability attorney" plus your city name in Google Maps or Google Search. This shows you which firms operate near you and gives you their phone numbers and websites.
Once you have a list of firms, visit each website and look for a Careers page or a general contact email. Many firms post openings on their own site before they post anywhere else. If there is no Careers page, you can email the firm's main address and ask whether they are currently hiring or expect to hire soon.
Larger firms with multiple offices often have centralized hiring, so check their main website even if you are looking for work in a specific location. A firm with offices in five states may post all openings in one place, and you can filter by location when you explore.
Timing your search for better results
Disability law firms have busy and slow seasons. The busiest period is typically September through December, when people file new claims before the year ends and existing cases move toward hearings. Firms often hire temporary or seasonal staff during these months to handle the volume.
The slowest period is usually June through August, when fewer people file claims and fewer cases go to hearing. This is when firms are least likely to post openings, though it is also when they may be more willing to interview candidates since they have more time to train new staff.
If you are flexible about timing, checking job boards in August or early September gives you the best chance of finding openings. If you need work now, focus on larger firms with multiple offices — they tend to hire year-round because they have cases at all stages.
What to include in your resume for a disability law firm
Highlight any experience you have with legal documents, medical records, or customer service. If you have worked in a law office, medical office, or insurance company, mention that. If you have not, focus on skills that matter: attention to detail, ability to meet important date, and comfort with computers and software.
Many disability law firms use case management software and document systems that you will learn on the job, so prior experience with specific software is not required. What matters is showing that you can follow instructions, organize information, and communicate clearly with clients and other offices.
If you are explore for a paralegal role, mention any legal coursework or paralegal certification you have. If you are explore for a case manager or administrative role, mention experience managing multiple tasks at once, working with clients, or handling phone and email communication.
Networking with people who work at disability law firms
If you know anyone who works at a disability law firm — even someone you met once — reach out and ask about openings. Many firms offer referral bonuses to employees who bring in new hires, so your contact has an incentive to help you. Even if they do not know of an opening, they can tell you what the firm is like to work for and whether it is a good fit for you.
LinkedIn is a good place to find people who work at firms you are interested in. Search the firm name, then look at the "People" tab to see who works there. If you see someone with a job title like "Hiring Manager" or "Office Manager," that person may be worth reaching out to directly.
You can also attend local bar association meetings or legal networking events, where you may meet attorneys and staff from disability firms. These events are often open to people who are not lawyers, and they give you a chance to learn about firms and make connections before you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a law degree to work at a disability law firm?
No. Most positions — paralegal, case manager, client service, medical records specialist — do not require a law degree. Some firms prefer paralegal certification or legal coursework, but many hire people without formal legal training and teach them on the job. Attorney positions require a law degree and bar admission.
What is the difference between a paralegal and a case manager at a disability firm?
Paralegals typically handle legal documents, prepare hearing materials, and manage case files. Case managers focus on client communication, gathering medical evidence, and tracking important date. The titles overlap, and responsibilities vary by firm, so read the job description carefully to see what each role actually does.
Are there remote positions available?
Yes, but more commonly for paralegals, case managers, and administrative staff than for attorneys. Remote attorney positions exist but are less common because many firms want attorneys in the office or at hearings. Check the job listing to see whether the position is remote, hybrid, or in-office.
How long does it usually take to hear back after explore?
It varies. Larger firms may take two to four weeks to review applications, while smaller firms might respond in a few days. If you do not hear back within two weeks, you can follow up with a phone call or email to the firm's main number or the hiring contact listed in the job posting.
What salary should I expect for a paralegal or case manager role?
Salaries vary by location, firm size, and experience. Glassdoor and Indeed show salary ranges for specific firms and positions in your area. In general, paralegal and case manager roles at disability firms pay less than similar positions at large corporate law firms, but often offer more flexible schedules and less high-pressure work.