Jennifer Modell

Jennifer Modell Attorney at Berger and Green | Pittsburgh, PA

Jennifer Modell is a seasoned Social Security Disability attorney at Berger and Green, bringing over three decades of legal experience and a genuine commitment to helping disabled individuals secure the benefits they deserve. Her diverse background across criminal defense, civil rights, immigration, special education, and disability law gives her a uniquely broad perspective that she applies directly to the complex world of Social Security claims.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Chicago (1985) and her Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law in 1991. She launched her legal career at the New York City Public Defender's Office, where she developed sharp litigation instincts and a deep commitment to advocating for those who need it most.

After expanding her practice to include civil rights and immigration law, Jennifer relocated to Pittsburgh in 2007 and joined Berger and Green, where she first discovered her passion for Social Security Disability law. Over the years, she deepened her expertise through leadership and supervisory roles, including work at Caroselli Beacher, Ruder Law — where she practiced Special Education law — and Neighborhood Legal Services, where she served as Managing Attorney overseeing Social Security attorneys and case management. She returned to Berger and Green in 2024, reuniting with a firm whose values align with her own.

Jennifer has been recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in Social Security Disability Law for 2014, 2015, and 2016 — an honor reserved for just 5% of attorneys statewide. She is an active member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, the ACBA Social Security Practitioners Committee, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR).

Her commitment to the disability community extends well beyond the courtroom. Jennifer serves on the board of the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania and is a past member of the Board of Trustees of Achieva, both organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.

Clients who work with Jennifer consistently point to her compassion, perseverance, and tireless dedication to their claims — qualities that have defined her legal career from day one.

Bar Admissions Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | All U.S. Social Security Courts

Education Northwestern University School of Law — J.D., 1991 University of Chicago — B.A., 1985

Recognition Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, Social Security Disability — 2014, 2015, 2016

Professional Memberships Allegheny County Bar Association ACBA Social Security Practitioners Committee National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) Autism Connection of Pennsylvania — Board Member Achieva — Past Board Member