As your Social Security disability hearing approaches, you may find yourself considering the idea of representation. If this is the case, you have two options to choose from. You can either hire a Social Security lawyer in Maryville or a non-attorney advocate. Generally, you don’t have to pay either until you win your claim, so how do you know which option is better? The team at Kenneth Miller & Associates want to clear up some of the confusion.
Education & Training
While an attorney must have a bachelor’s degree, a juris doctorate (J.D.), and be admitted to a state bar, non-attorney advocates do not need to meet any of those qualifications. To act as a representative, they must have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent derived from work experience, and pass a written exam administered by the Social Security Administration and criminal background check.
Attorney-Client Privileges
If privacy is a concern of yours, this will be an important differentiating factor for you. As required by law, an attorney must keep any information you share with them confidential. Advocates are not held to the same restrictions, so they are able to openly discuss your case with others if they wish. If non-disclosure is something you value, making the choice to hire a Social Security lawyer in Maryville may be your best course of action.
Although both are great resources and provide helpful representation to Social Security claimants, nothing can beat the training and skill of a bar certified lawyer. Contact the offices of Kenneth Miller & Associates today for more information.
