“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” – Gandhi 

  

Gerrard Law is an office dedicated to serving those who have had their social security disability application denied. 

NEED

Gerrard Law provides strong and compassionate legal representation to the individual needs of each client. Most clients do not understand what caused the application to be denied. We go over the case and provide a strategy that meets his/her needs.

“I saw firsthand the need for effective legal representation when working for over twenty years as an advocate for the disabled. I became aware of the difficulty that families go through, often heroically. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice. I study the case and keep clients informed every step of the way about the options available and which of those options we recommend."
 – Josephine Gerrard

PLAN

Support

When you are disabled and the system does not help, it’s easy to become depressed and feel helpless. There is a fear of being repeatedly rejected, as often happens when you try to navigate the government systems alone.

This is when, if you feel you need help, Gerrard Law works to allow your life to move on. 

Social Security is a government resource. However, contained within the system are hidden systems, a set of bureaucratic hoops. Attempting to understand the system the first time through is daunting. Years can pass before Social Security denies a case, which is, of course, frustrating to say the least. 

Gerrard Law knows that anxiety can decrease your ability to be your own advocate, although you are capable of being very effective in other circumstances.  

Fees

You will receive a free consultation. If you choose to be represented, there is no fee unless you win. Social Security regulations as to attorney fees are 25% of retroactive disability benefits.

If a case is unusual, taking more than one hearing, ‘exceptional circumstances’ are pled and, if appropriate, awarded by the court. In all other cases, the standard fee arrangement applies (this relates to taking the case to Federal Court). 

ADVANTAGES  

Advocacy

Gerrard Law is a bulldog law firm. We do not give up. We see all disabilities as unique and ensure that clients understand the process and where their record is in the process. We work as a team. Today, it is not possible to know all the medical, legal dynamics as they apply to the social security system. However, we believe most applications do not answer what is being asked because it is confusing. We have the resources to analyze your case and to present it most effectively.

Education

Those with disabilities do not have consistent symptoms. It takes time and energy to go over the case. This often depletes you, particularly if you are making an effort to keep yourself going. It is our pledge to you that we will see you not as a category but as a person who exists in the context of society. You deserve respect, and our firm is here to help you. This firm is one of advocacy based on knowledge.

Communicate 

We have: 

  • strong advocacy skills

  • a commitment to be personally available to each client

We will: 

  • return phone calls promptly,

  • inform clients regularly of developments in their case

Accommodations

We will meet you at home or within your neighborhood.

BIOGRAPHY

Education

Josephine Gerrard obtained her BA from UC Berkeley in political science and her Master's in Speech Communication from San Francisco State University. She was in a Ph.D. program at Penn State in Speech Communications and Speech Science, and received a JD from Golden Gate University Law School and an MS in Communicative Disorders from Cal State Northridge.

Advocacy

Josephine Gerrard won State and National awards in debate and public speaking in high school and at the University level. She was San Francisco State's competitive speaking and debate coach (forensics). She taught both public speaking, group communication, and debate at the university level (UC Berkeley Extension, San Francisco State, Penn State, and Diablo Valley College).

In Law school and after graduation, she worked for the Alameda County Public Defenders Felony Trial Staff. She received an Externship for the Supreme Court of California under Rose Byrd, and worked as an appellate writer (civil and criminal appellate briefs for California and US Supreme Courts).

Communication

While raising her family, Ms. Gerrard received her Master’s of Science in Communicative Disorders from Cal State Northridge and worked as a Speech Pathologist, licensed nationally and with the State of California. She is subsequently aware of disabilities and the consequences of disability upon the ability to fully participate.

Josephine Gerrard is licensed to practice as an attorney in the State of California, United States District Court, and Northern District of California. 

 Call us and we will promptly provide you with a free consultation.