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One of the "Top Attorneys of North America, 2016", selected by Who's Who.
I have concentrated my law practice in the areas of Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income Disability, Railroad Retirement Disability, and disability pension claims with the New York State and Local Employees Retirement System (state and municipal employee pensions including Teachers, Police and Fire, and Corrections Officers).
I have successfully represented thousands of clients, in claims for benefits from the initial level of claim up to the U.S. Court of Appeals. (see Poole v. Railroad Retirement Board, 905 F.2d 654, 2d.Cir. 1990). I also represent clients in continuing disability reviews and defending against Social Security claims of disability cessation and overpayment.
I am a former Social Security Disability Analyst, so I know how claims are adjudicated at the initial level. I am also a former Social Security Claims Representative, so I know how claims are calculated and paid. I am very familiar with Workers Compensation offset issues - I gave the seminar on this subject to the Erie County Bar Association.
It has been my pleasure to mentor and assist other attorneys practicing in these fields of law, and to consult with attorneys handling related issues such as personal injury and Workers Compensation lump sum settlements..
2
Practice Areas
39 years | 11,000 cases
34 years | 550 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
$ 150-300 per hour
25%-33%
10 %
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Chat withState: New York
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
950 A Union Rd Ste 240, West Seneca, NY, 14224-3463
2656 West State Street, Suite 509, Olean, NY, 14760
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Sue | August 12, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Every one on staff including Mr. Bernhardi did an exceptional job for my case. I cannot thank all of you enough for bringing closure to my case in my favor. You were recommended to me & I in return will do the same for you too who are in need of a very good lawyer. I will review the links you sent...
Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Waste of almost 18nminths he lost my hearing then told me to appeal then sent letter sayingntheyy dropped my case afteri became very sick and was hospitalized certain one hung up on me more then once very rude don't waste your time a lawyer s should be for their clients not let their paralegals or wh...
I cannot comment on the particular details of this case. However, It does not seem consistent with my office’s normal practice. Before any hearing the attorney has an extensive meeting or conference call with the clients, to prepare the client for the hearing. These are straight contingency fee cases, no fee unless we win. Of course we want to maximize the client’s chance of winning. If we receive an unfavorable decision, we file an appeal for the client if the claim has any merit at all. If what this reviewer said is true, that we declined to appeal their case further after an unfavorable hearing decision, that would only be for one of two reasons: (a) the case was shown to have no reasonable chance of success, either because of the evidence or because the client was caught in an obvious lie or otherwise clearly not a credible witness; or (b) it was one of the rare cases where the client was so abusive toward staff despite warnings, that we could no longer tolerate representing them. I leave it to the reader to speculate which of these applied to this reviewer.
Posted by Christopher | December 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney
I was very impressed on how Mr. Bernhardi was responsive and on the ball. He was always available for questions and made the process easy. I highly reccomend!
Posted by anonymous | May 2, 2019 | Hired Attorney
I couldn't be happier with the results from working with Bernhardi Law. Although the process takes awhile and there is a lot of paperwork to file Initially Bernhardi Law answered any questions I had and handled additional paperwork that you will receive through out the process. Thank you so ...
Posted by cynthia | May 1, 2019 | Hired Attorney
My attorney at the William Bernhardi law firm was very thorough in their research and presentation of my case. As we got further into my consultation i became more and more confident in their ability to present a strong case and eventually was awarded a favorable verdict. I highly recommend calling...
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2024
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Top Attorneys North America 2015-2016, Who's Who Legal
2016 - 2016
Attorney Owner, William C. Bernhardi Law Offices PLLC
2011 - 2015
Managing Partner, Bernhardi & Lukasik PLLC
1988 - 2011
Attorney Owner, William C. Bernhardi Law Offices
1986 - 1988
Associate Attorney, Small law firms
1983 - 1986
Social Security Disability Analyst, NY State Disability Determination Services
1977 - 1980
Claims Representative, Social Security Administration Field Office
1995 - Present
National Organization of Social Security Claimants RepresentativesSustaining Member
1986 - Present
Bar Association of Erie CountyMember
2005 - 2007
Bar Association of Erie CountyCommittee for the Disabled Chair
Fully favorable outcome, Court of Appeals ordered the claim paid without further proceedings.
1980
JD - Juris Doctor
1975
BA
1971
2009
Workers Compensation offset and Social Security
English
Spanish
Legal Answers
Will I still be able to collect me ex husbands Social Security monthly payments if he has the marriage annulled by a priest?
13 Jun 2024
I'm looking for a lawyer to help me fill out social security form & application. Form ssa 3373 adult disability functionality
15 Jun 2024
If my grandchildren receives social security from a deceased parent and I get custody of him can we have his check sent to him ?
12 Jun 2024