Disability Advocacy Section

We are skilled practitioners who represent individuals seeking to obtain or preserve disability benefits under Title II or Title XVI of the Social Security Act before the Social Security Administration or the federal courts. Members also may assist individuals in matters relating to their retirement, dependent, and other benefits available under the Social Security Act or other incidental matters pertaining to their entitlement to benefits, such as overpayments and workers’ compensation offset. While most representation takes place at the administrative hearing level before the SSA, highly skilled and experienced attorney members represent individuals on appeals of denials of benefits before federal district and appellate courts.

2022-2023 Disability Advocacy Section Leadership

Chair | Chad Brown, Chad Brown Law, PLLC
Vice Chair | Eric Goodale, Henson Fuerst, PA
Secretary | Laura Beth Waller, Martin, Jones & Piemonte
Immediate Past Chair | Christa McGill, McGill & Noble
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chair | Crystal Rouse, Hall & Rouse, P.C.
Education Co-Chair | Ashley Hartman Sappenfield, Lanier Law Group, PA
Education Co-Chair | Ashley Bumgarner, Hall and Rouse, PA
Agency Liaison | Charles Hall IV, The Law Office of Charles F. Hall, IV
Legislative Chair/NOSSCR Chair | Rick Fleming, Law Offices of James Scott Farrin
Membership Chair | Christine Latona, Martin Jones & Piemonte
Public Education/Community Service | Christine Burnside, Deuterman Law Group
Disability Advocacy Agency Liaison | Brian Hogan, Legal Aid of North Carolina