William Charles Bernhardi

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..