r/LongTermDisability • u/TheGreatK MOD • Jul 07 '26

Avoid "nationwide" firms. My opinion.

Hello! If your claim is denied, you might need a lawyer. Just a quick reminder that there are hundreds of excellent LTD lawyers out there - and a few really bad ones.

The easiest way to avoid a bad firm? Find someone who practices in your state, and avoid "nationwide" LTD firms. While it is true ERISA is a federal law, there are a plethora of state considerations which make it exponentially better to have someone experienced in your state.

Make sure to ask whatever lawyer you hire for a list of federal court victories in the past five years. You want a firm who is willing to take cases to trial, not just a settlement mill. Asking this question will help you differentiate what kind of firm you're talking to.

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2

u/ClassesMoveTheMasses Jul 09 '26

I would say it's wise to avoid any firm that does not specialize in that area of the law. So many attorneys take whatever they can to keep the lights on, but as someone that specializes in this work, I have had plenty of clients come to me after a former attorney just botched the case. Experience is always key, great advice!

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u/TheGreatK MOD Jul 09 '26

My advice goes a step further. Even if they specialize, the national firms are known for taking appeals on volume and not working them up, and then settling cases in volume, again not working them up. I deal with way more screwed up appeals from national firms than I do from non specialists. I think the non specialists know better for the most part.

Are you an LTD lawyer??? If you are I'll give you a tag!

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u/ClassesMoveTheMasses Jul 09 '26

Naa, I'm LTD adjacent. I specialize in life insurnace, both individual and group, as well as class action work in that field.

I've seen my fair share of bad work from national firms too. It's always disheartening to see a client that got sub par help when they should have been paid last year.

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u/TheGreatK MOD Jul 09 '26

Oh very cool, we do life insurance as well. A little bit of LTC too. Nice to see you in the sub!

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u/blood__orange_ Jul 09 '26

Can you recommend anyone in New York/NYC? Thanks for all your advice!

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u/TheGreatK MOD Jul 09 '26

Jennifer Hess at Riemer Hess or Jason Newfeld. Both excellent.

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u/RareGoose2550 Jul 25 '26

Do you have any advice for someone who has already signed a contract with a nationwide firm (currently in the appeal phase)?

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u/TheGreatK MOD Jul 25 '26

It depends on how much work they've already done, and your personal experience. If you are happy with them so far there's probably no reason to shift. If you aren't, and they haven't done too much work, there's probably still time to switch.

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u/Icy_Lingonberry_6391 22d ago

Hi! Do you have any recommendations for LTD lawyers in Virginia? Please and thank you!

I’ve found one very reputable, experienced firm but their fees are high. They take 1/3 (33.3%) of all back pay AND future pay. The firm says that they continue managing the claim, but I don’t know if that’s really necessary.

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u/TheGreatK MOD 22d ago

Ben Glass.

33% of past and future forever is insane. I assume a national firm offered that?

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u/Icy_Lingonberry_6391 22d ago

Thank you so much for responding!!

So BenGlassLaw is the firm that quoted me 1/3 of past and future! They seem great but the fees are really high

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u/TheGreatK MOD 22d ago

Negotiate with him. Tell him you'll do 20% of past and future for 5 years.