Brian J Gillette

Brian J Gillette

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 33 years

Social Security & Disability Lawyer at Williamsburg, VA
Practice Areas: Social Security, Administrative Law

3917 Midlands Rd Ste 200, Williamsburg, VA

About Brian

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Administrative Law 15%

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Disability Retirement Claims

18 years

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Contingency

25%-40%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in Virginia for 32 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 1993

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 32 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1993

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 33 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1992

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Gillette Law Group, PLLC

3917 Midlands Rd Ste 200, Williamsburg, VA, 23188

Gillette Law Group, PLLC

13195 Warwick Blvd, Suite 2-B, Newport News, VA, 23602

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Brian J Gillette's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

29 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (29) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 29 reviews

Posted by Laura | March 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

Excellent law group

My husband hired Brian Gillette to handle his social security disability claim. To anyone with a disability, I highly recommend him. During his first application process, he didn’t have a lawyer. The application process is very complicated and much better to be handled by those who are experienced... with knowing how it all works, as the Gillette Law Group is. One of the first things that my husbands caseworker did was provide him with a detailed form for his psychiatrist to fill out - not something he had during his initial application, going it alone. Unlike most other law firms, Brian Gillette specializes in disability cases. When I was searching for a lawyer for my husband, I called NAMI, and they referred us to him, and we were in experienced hands. My husband’s caseworker was very dedicated and always responded to any questions and concerns we had. We highly recommend Gillette Law Group.

Brian Gillette

Replied last March 26, 2018

Thank you so much for your feedback! We love making a positive difference in the lives of others! We are glad we could help your family and relieve some of your stress!

Posted by Ben | May 05, 2017 | Social Security Disability

Big Help

I called Brian to get help with my Disability application. After my intake, he got on the line himself and talked me through it. My case will likely get expedited approval, so he explained I probably didn't need to hire him. But he gave me excellent and practical advice anyway! Seems to be a good... human being to me.

Brian Gillette

Replied last May 05, 2017

Thank you, I'm glad you found our conversation helpful!

Posted by CHristie | February 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

Outstanding Lawyer and Office Staff

I needed to file for disability, being 43 at the time I knew it would be difficult. I was denied twice and given a hearing date. The entire process took more than two years-through no fault of the attorney. The Social Security Office was overwhelmed with applications and understaffed. The office staf...f always answered my questions and assured me all would be fine. They handled the stress that I was unable to take on. When you are sick and struggling you don't want to take on a life changing experience and miss out because you didn't send in the correct form and sign in the proper place. I am truly amazed at all The Gillette Law Group had to do for me. Believe me there is a lot. I am grateful that I was awarded the benefits applied for and know that because of Mr. Gillette I received benefits that I did not know I was eligible to receive. I am so happy that I chose the best law group. My future was in their hands and they treated me respectfully from the very beginning. It was a very difficult battle and Mr. Gillette made me feel confident throughout the entire process. His office staff is exceptional and go above and beyond. They knew me every time I called and assured me I was no bother and that they were there for me. Top notch and incredible care and service from day one. I am sorry I needed his assistance but, am so happy I chose the Gillette Law Group.

Brian Gillette

Replied last February 16, 2017

BAR MANDATED DISCLAIMER: CASE RESULTS DEPEND UPON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH CASE; AND CASE RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT A SIMILAR RESULT IN ANY FUTURE CASE UNDERTAKEN BY ME OR MY FIRM. Thank you for your feedback. We love helping people like you!

Posted by anonymous | November 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Very great job.

He is the best lawyer I have had. He did such a wonderful job on my case and i thank him very much. I would recommend him to anyone.

Brian Gillette

Replied last November 04, 2016

“BAR MANDATED DISCLAIMER: CASE RESULTS DEPEND UPON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH CASE; AND CASE RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT A SIMILAR RESULT IN ANY FUTURE CASE UNDERTAKEN BY ME OR MY FIRM.” Thank you so much for your feedback. I'm glad we were able to exceed your expectations!

Posted by anonymous | September 14, 2016 | Social Security Disability

All of these glowing reviews...?

I'm not sure where I personally went wrong with my consultation, according to all of these glowing reviews. I was treated like scum. The support staff was kind and supportive. The good experience ended there. The attorney talked over me most of the call, was very negative about my case, honestly I... don't think he even believed what I was saying, he didn't even listen to half of what I tried to say, which I felt were important details. He asked me a couple of times about being "clean and sober" which had nothing to do with anything. I didn't understand his almost obsession about this factor, because I'm not an addict or alcoholic. He started the call very aggressively asking me why I could not work, I was put on the spot and could not even think because of his negative approach. He was antagonistic and just aggressive, unnecessarily so. He just was rude and discouraging. I would never retain a lawyer who not only would not believe me, but question the validity of almost every single thing I told him about my condition. I thought he was supposed to be on my side. Very discouraging to say the least. I was extremely turned off, maybe that was the point, and he never wanted to take my case. If so, I would just have appreciated him saying that from the beginning instead of putting me through whatever that was.

Brian Gillette

Replied last September 14, 2016

Thank you for your feedback. I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience. We are always looking for ways to improve the service we provide. Part of an initial case evaluation is exploring both the strengths, and the weaknesses, of a case. I tend to ask many questions, based upon my years of experience, so that I can understand the relevant facts, and offer good advice. Again, I am sorry we didn't exceed your expectations. I hope you find another attorney who is a better match. Best regards.

See All Client Reviews

Brian J Gillette's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brian
Brian James Smalls headshot
Brian Smalls

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is a great attorney. Whenever someone needs assistance in his areas of practice, he is the only lawyer I refer clients to. He's patient and easy to work with, and most importantly he gets the results clients desire. I fully endorse Brian Gillette!"

Wayne Edmond Holcomb headshot
Wayne Holcomb

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Brian is professional, but also approachable, a rare combination. Brian is the type of lawyer that you would send your family to and never have a second thought."

Jonathan L Katz headshot
Jonathan Katz

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Brian since 1998. I know him to be a very knowledgeable, able and personable lawyer who is dedicated to his clients. I endorse his services."

Joseph Aaron Miller headshot
Joseph Miller

Social Security & Disability lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. You cannot find a harder working lawyer than Brian. He is incredibly resourceful when it comes to resolving these cases and pretty much anything else you need to know. If you have an SSDI case on the Peninsula, or a Military Disability case, Brian Gillette is your man."

Paul J. Tafelski headshot
Paul Tafelski

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Jan 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is a very sharp attorney. He does good work."

Jim Hurley headshot
Jim Hurley

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Jul 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Edrie Arlene Pfeiffer headshot
Edrie Pfeiffer

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Jul 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have know Brian for about 3 years. He is a very knowledgeable attorney with a deep concern for his clients. I regularly refer individuals to him for assistance with Social Security Disability."

Donna L. Wilson headshot
Donna Wilson

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Darley Marie Richard headshot
Darley Richard

Social Security & Disability lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I fully endorse Brian Gillette. He and I often have clients who could benefit from each other's services, and I never hesitate to recommend Brian to clients seeking Social Security help. Brian is also a stand-up guy in the community and a great mentor to other lawyers and business owners."

Katherine Wilcox Carter headshot
Katherine Wilcox Carter

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is an excellent attorney practicing in social security disability. If you're looking for someone to represent you, whether before or after your case has been denied, talk to Brian."

Jason Daniel Quick headshot
Jason Quick

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Based on his outstanding resume and consistently thoughtful responses to questions on the Avvo forum, I believe Mr. Gillette is an excellent choice for any claimant looking for a Social Security attorney in Virginia or North Carolina. Anyone fortunate enough to retain him is in good hands."

William W Housley headshot
William Housley

Litigation lawyer | Jul 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Tough, talented and thorough litigator."

Michael John Rogers Jr. headshot
Michael Rogers

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Gillette is an outstanding attorney whom I highly recommend."

Vance Tate Davis headshot
Vance Davis

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Gillette is a highly experienced lawyer as is demonstrated by his Avvo rating and his many fine contributions to the Avvo Q&A forum. Any client lucky enough to have Mr. Gillette on the case is in very good hands."

Samuel K. Silverman headshot
Samuel Silverman

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.Attorney Gillette offers great advice regarding Social Security Disability claims. He is clearly a great asset to anyone in need of an attorney to help with such a claim. I endorse him 100%."

Karim K Arzadi headshot
Karim Arzadi

Litigation lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. As his other endorsements indicate clearly, Mr. Gilette is well-respected by his peers, inclusing adversary attorneys."

Angela Davis-Morris headshot
Angela Davis-Morris

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is a brilliant lawyer and a very approachable, personable individual. He is very intuitive and knows how to illicit the information he can use to help his disabled clients gain their disability benefits. I can not recommend him more highly."

Shannon Carmel Forrest headshot
Shannon Forrest

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Mitchell Brown headshot
James Brown

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Feb 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Brian is passionate about helping his clients. He is dedicated to getting evidence and doing whatever is necessary to prove that his clients are entitled to the benefits they deserve Any client that retains Brian Gillette will be well represented.."

Jay S Marks headshot
Jay Marks

Personal injury lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Co-worker

"Brian Gillette is smart, aggressive, and tough. He fights insurance company abuse of folks who are injured and at their most vulnerable. He is a terrific lawyer and a great person. I heartily endorse him."

View All Endorsements
Damon Robert Miller headshot
Damon Miller

Insurance lawyer

Jonathan L Katz headshot
Jonathan Katz

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Charles Gasink headshot
Daniel Gasink

Estate planning lawyer

Jaleh Khorram Slominski headshot
Jaleh Slominski

Workers compensation lawyer

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Joseph Miller

Workers compensation lawyer

William P. Akers headshot
William Akers

Criminal defense lawyer

Jim Hurley headshot
Jim Hurley

Personal injury lawyer

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Darley Richard

Criminal defense lawyer

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Brian Smalls

Estate planning lawyer

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Katherine Wilcox Carter

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Edrie Pfeiffer

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

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John Gardner

Criminal defense lawyer

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Wayne Holcomb

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Shannon Forrest

Estate planning lawyer

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Angela Davis-Morris

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Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Top Contributor, AVVO

2016

Best of Coastal Virginia Award Winner, Coastal Virginia Magazine

2016

Clients' Choice Award, AVVO

2015

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Top Contributor, AVVO

2015

Best of Coastal Virginia Award Winner, Coastal Virginia Magazine

2015

Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia, Coastal Virginia Magazine

2015

Clients' Choice Award, AVVO

1989

Scholastic Achievement and Excellence, Golden Key National Honor Society

Work Experience

2007 - Present

Managing Attorney, Gillette Law Group, PLLC

2020 - 2021

Adjunct Faculty, William & Mary School Of Law

1999 - 2007

Attorney, Huffman & Huffman

1995 - 1999

Attorney, Greenberg & Bederman, LLP

1993 - 1995

Attorney, Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates

Associations

2018 - Present

Williamsburg Bar Association

Membership Coordinator

2018 - Present

National Association of Disability Representatives

Member

2015 - Present

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

Member, Membership Committee

2015 - Present

Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Foundation

Board Member

2012 - Present

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Social Security Section

Chair

2012 - Present

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

Board of Governors

2012 - Present

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Legislative Committee

Member

2009 - Present

National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives

Sustaining Member

2008 - Present

Center for Child and Family Services, Inc.

Board Member

2015 - 2016

Knights of Columbus, St. Bede Council 6828

Lecturer

2012 - 2019

Center for Child and Family Services, Inc.

Chairman, Board of Directors

2008 - 2015

Knights of Columbus, St. Bede Council 6828

Advocate

Sample of Legal Cases

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Disability Retirement Benefits Claim 15-00287

Initial Application for Virginia Retirment System (VRS) Disability Retirement Benefits Approved

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Disability Retirement Benefits Claim 15-00016

Disability Retirement Benefits Awarded

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 13-00084

Fully Favorable

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 14-00018

Fully Favorable

Disability Insurance Benefits Claim 15-00003

Favorable Decision on Initial Application

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 14-00114

Partially Favorable Decision at Hearing

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 14-00026

Fully Favorable

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 14-00104

Partially Favorable Decision on Reconsideration

Disability Insurance Benefits Claim 14-00108

Partially Favorable Decision on Initial Application

Disability Insurance Benefits Claim 14-00104

Favorable Decision on Reconsideration

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 14-00099

Favorable Decision on Initial Application

Disability Insurance Benefits Claim 14-00142

Favorable Decision on Initial Application

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 14-00028

Fully Favorable

Disability Insurance Benefits Claim 12-00173

Fully Favorable

Supplemental Security Income Benefits Claim 12-00282

Fully Favorable

Supplemental Security Income Benefits Claim 11-00005

Fully Favorable

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 12-00287

Fully Favorable

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 12-00235

Fully Favorable

Disability Insurance Benefits Claim 13-00118

Fully Favorable

Cessation of Disability Insurance Benefits 09-00001

Benefits Continued

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Disability Retirement Benefits Claim 14-00172

Disability Retirement Benefits Awarded

Supplemental Security Income Benefits Claim 12-00315

Fully Favorable

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 13-00107

Fully Favorable

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 14-00189

Fully Favorable

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Disability Retirement Benefits Claim 14-00015

Disability Retirement Benefits Awarded

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Disability Retirement Benefits Claim 13-00188

Disability Retirement Benefits Awarded

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 12-00145

Fully Favorable

Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI Claim 12-00223

Fully Favorable

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law

J.D.

1989

University of Maryland, College Park

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2019

2018

Virginia Peninsula Paralegal Association February 14, 2018 Membership Meeting Slaying the Medical Records Paper Dragon: Using the HITECH Act to reduce the cost of obtaining medical records.

2016

Virginia Peninsula Paralegal Association January 12, 2016 Membership Meeting

Social Security Disability Benefits

2015

National Alliance on Mental Illness--Williamsburg Area, Support Group Meeting The Social Security Disability Application and Appeal Process

2011

Virginia Peninsula Paralegal Association February 8, 2011 Membership Meeting

Social Security Disability Benefits

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution