Nick Anthony Ortiz

Nick Anthony Ortiz

4.9
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 24 years

Employee benefits Lawyer at Pensacola, FL
Practice Areas: Employee Benefits, Social Security

316 S Baylen St, Ste 590, Pensacola, FL

About Nick

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Employee Benefits 60%

I handle Long Term Disability, Individual Disability Insurance and ERISA disability claims. I assist disabled claimants file administrative appeals and lawsuits against insurance companies.

22 years | 100 cases

60%
Social Security & Disability 40%

I handle Title II Social Security Disability and Title XVI Supplemental Security Income, or SSI cases, from the initial application to appeals.

22 years | 1,500 cases

40%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Contingency

100%-100%


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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 8 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2017

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 20 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2005

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 24 years

State: California

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Ortiz Law Firm

316 S Baylen St, Ste 590, Pensacola, FL, 32502

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Nick Anthony Ortiz's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

20 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (20) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Staff & Support

Posted by Steven | August 07, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

All he does is disability but does not go all the way up on disability levels

Excellent staff but when I had an unfavorable decision from the alj mr. Ortiz decided to withdraw from my case and not go to the Appeals Council level for some reason

Nick Ortiz

Replied last August 07, 2021

Hi, Steven. It is always a disappointment when we do not win a claim. Unfortunately, it is simply impossible to win every case. I still remember my first loss and the Judge told me "You can't win every one, Counselor." With respect to the Appeals Council - it is not personal. In fact, we do not go to the Appeals Council in any cases. Our specialty focus is on what we call the "trial phase". We handle initial applications, reconsiderations, and hearings with Judges. Anything after the hearing phase we call the "appellate phase". There are lawyers that focus on this appellate phase, and we recommend that our clients contact those specialists. As for why - there simply aren't enough hours in the day. If I could work 18 hours a day every day then perhaps I could handle more Appeals Council cases.

Posted by Candy | January 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

Excellent experience.

I applied for disability years ago. I tried to do it myself and was denied a couple of times. I called a heavily advertised local disability law firm about it and they were rude and wouldn't take my case. I called Ortiz Law Firm and they were very nice and helpful and supportive and they helped get m...e approved. I only wished I had gone to them before trying to do it by myself.

Posted by anonymous | August 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Compassionate and Professional

Nick Ortiz and the Ortiz Law Firm were amazing with helping me with my claim. The first call really gave me a glimpse into how thorough and professional my experience would be. He helped me win my case in a quicker time than expected. His Team was very instrumental in the success of my claim. I am fo...rever thankful.

Posted by Mark | February 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

Attorney Ortiz

I'm lucky enough to have Mr. Ortiz represent me in my SSDI case. I couldn't do it by myself in my current health condition. I am going to take and write a deserving great review for a hard working Attorney ...and staff! Not many people attend to the fact Nick is a Yale Graduate...and being a former "...Yale" employee when Nick was going through his Undergraduate program, I can attest first hand that Yale is unbelievably "picky" who they let in! So...that being said I feel it's important to have also have a "smart" Attorney if he's out front arguing on my behalf. Attorney Ortiz's staff is also very hard working and pleasant to work with. Mr. P

Posted by Grace | September 21, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

So thankful for Mr. Ortiz and his staff!

I really believe the only reason I won my Social Security case was because I switched attorneys and hired Mr. Ortiz. When I first decided to hire a lawyer, I made the mistake of going with a large local firm, where I feel like I was given the bare minimum needed to profit from my case with the least... effort possible. I had no idea how my case was being approached to ensure that I would win my appeal; it seemed like there was no specific argument and that all my attorney was doing was refiling - something I could do on my own. I knew that my case was very difficult to prove given the nature of my disability, so I decided to do my own research online regarding SSD cases for people with mental illnesses. I was able to get an entire book (for free!) advising me on the subject, along with multiple articles on legal sites. Reading these sources made me feel like I needed an attorney who specialized in cases involving my disability; a simple Google search brought up Mr. Ortiz, who had stellar ratings and reviews everywhere I looked. On top of that, I realized that he was the author of the book and articles I had read on mental illness SSD cases! I called his office and was able to see him right away. During my (lengthy, as I was quite distraught about the state of my case) consultation, Mr. Ortiz did not rush me at all; he listened to all of my concerns, answered all of my questions, explained how he would approach my case specifically, and made me feel validated as a client. From then on, as Mr. Ortiz's client, I regularly corresponded with him and with Ms. Alicia in his office (she is very kind and patient) regarding the smallest of my concerns. They never made me feel like I was asking stupid questions or like I was bothering them, and all of my questions were answered immediately. I got regular updates regarding my case, and I always knew what to expect due to monthly letters from the firm. I am so thankful for Ms. Alicia and Mr. Ortiz, who not only helped me win my claim, but also allayed my fears more times than I can count throughout this stressful process. Bottom line: if you're appealing your Social Security Disability claim, you need an attorney - and if you want to win that claim and be treated like more than a quick dollar, you need to call the Ortiz firm.

See All Client Reviews

Nick Anthony Ortiz's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Nick
Stuart G. K. Williams headshot
Stuart Williams

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Ortiz is a great lawyer and family man. If you are considering filing for disability in the Pensacola area I highly recommend visiting his website for guidance."

Walter Rudolph Hnot, III headshot
Walter Hnot,

Personal injury lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nick is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."

J. Brantley Durrett III headshot
J. Durrett

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Friend

"I happily endorse Nick Ortiz. He has a great passion for disability law and an even greater sense of humor."

Christopher J. Hickey headshot
Christopher Hickey

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Friend

"Happy to endorse Nick. He is very a very skilled and experienced attorney who works hard to get his clients the benefits they need and deserve."

John Michael Phillips headshot
John Phillips

Unknown lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"With a great track record on Avvo.com and the reputation from clients and attorneys alike, it is easy to see that attorney Ortiz is skilled and knows the law well, too. Kudos."

Thomas Kenny headshot
Thomas Kenny

Car accident lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sharmine Persaud headshot
Sharmine Persaud

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I recently had a puzzling case and Mr. Ortiz was able to email a legal resource that was right on point. His legal advice and assistance was an enormous help to me."

Blythe Rachel Bradley headshot
Blythe Bradley

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nick is an expert in his field and a national leader. Before I moved from Pensacola, we enjoyed many Social Security round table discussions about best practices in the field. He has a passion for helping people with their disability claims and always seeks the best outcome for his clients."

Theodor Kaplun headshot
Theodor Kaplun

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Ortiz is a knowledgeable advocate and I endorse him."

Andrew Francis Flusche headshot
Andrew Flusche

Personal injury lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nick is a dedicated and knowledgeable attorney who I have gotten to know by working together in mutual organizations. He is a great choice for personal injury, social security, and long-term disability issues."

Joseph Duc Dang headshot
Joseph Dang

Social Security & Disability lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nick Ortiz and I are both members of a national listserve consisting of several thousand lawyers. I've gotten to know Nick personally, and would not hesitate to hire Nick myself."

Brenda Louise Godfrey Geiger headshot
Brenda Geiger

Social Security & Disability lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nick is a dedicated and talented social security and employee benefits lawyer. He has the background and knowledge in these niche areas of the law to get clients the best results. I would highly recommend him to my friends, family and clients."

Kimberley Schaefer headshot
Kimberley Schaefer

Unknown lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nick is an outstanding lawyer who cares a great deal about his clients. He goes the extra mile to make sure that his clients receive the best outcome possible. Very dedicated and professional attorney."

Michael H Crew headshot
Michael Crew

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nick is well-known as an expert in disability law and personal injury. He is appreciated by his clients and is respected by local attorneys and judges."

M. James "Jim" Jenkins headshot
M. James "Jim" Jenkins

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nick is extremely bright and always places his clients' interests first. I would recommend him without reservation."

Jill W. Warren headshot
Jill Warren

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Nov 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Sharmine Persaud headshot
Sharmine Persaud

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Blythe Rachel Bradley headshot
Blythe Bradley

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Kimberley Schaefer headshot
Kimberley Schaefer

Immigration lawyer

Erin Michelle Schmidt headshot
Erin Schmidt

Social Security & Disability lawyer

John Milton Pennington headshot
John Pennington

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Tracy Tyson Miller headshot
Tracy Miller

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Gilbert Barry Laden headshot
Gilbert Laden

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Michael H Crew headshot
Michael Crew

Construction and development lawyer

Jill Warden Crew headshot
Jill Crew

Land use and zoning lawyer

Andrew Francis Flusche headshot
Andrew Flusche

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

David Allen Hiersekorn headshot
David Hiersekorn

Estate planning lawyer

Michael Vincent McGrail headshot
Michael McGrail

Personal injury lawyer

Patricio Barrera headshot
Patricio Barrera

Employment and labor lawyer

Robert A. Kraft headshot
Robert Kraft

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Brian Heath Kirkland headshot
Brian Kirkland

Mediation lawyer

M. James "Jim" Jenkins headshot
M. James "Jim" Jenkins

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Duc Dang headshot
Joseph Dang

Personal injury lawyer

Jill W. Warren headshot
Jill Warren

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2013

Board Certified Social Security Disability Advocate, National Board of Legal Specialty Certification

2013

Excellent rating - 5.0, Google

2013

Who's Who in America 2014, Marquis Who's Who LLC

2013

Avvo, Top Contributor

2012

A+ BBB Accredited Business, BBB of Northwest Florida

2011

Client Rating 5.0, Martindale-Hubbell

2001

Public Service Award, El Centro Legal Clinic

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Founder and President, Ortiz Law Firm

2005 - 2012

Associate, Soloway Law Firm

2003 - 2005

Attorney, Marcin & Barrera

2001 - 2002

Attorney, Hawkins, Schnabel, Lindahl & Beck

Associations

2013 - Present

National Association of Disability Representatives

Member

2013 - Present

ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section; Automobile Law

Member

2013 - Present

ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section; Health and Disability Insurance Law

Member

2013 - Present

ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section; Trial Techniques

Member

2013 - Present

National Board of Legal Specialty Certification

Board Certified Member

2010 - Present

National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives

Sustaining Member

2009 - Present

Escambia/Santa Rosa Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

California Bar

Member (Inactive)

2006 - Present

United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida

Admitted to Practice

2005 - Present

Florida Bar

Member

2001 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

United States District Court of the Central District of California

Admitted to Practice

2001 - 2006

California Bar

Member (Active)

Sample of Legal Cases

Byrd v. Astrue

Remanded for Further Proceedings

Mooney v. Astrue

Decision denying benefits reversed and remanded for further consideration.

Stromas v. Astrue

Decision denying benefits reversed and remanded for further consideration.

Grady v. Astrue

Decision denying benefits reversed and remanded for further consideration.

Harrell v. Astrue

Remanded to Administrative Court

See More Legal Cases

Education

2013

Choctawhatchee High School

Diploma

2001

University of California at Los Angeles School of Law

J.D.

1996

Yale Univ

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

NAMI - Pensacola

Introduction to Social Security Disability

N/A

Dysautonomia Support Group

Applying for Disability Benefits

Publications

2013

Pensacola Florida Social Security Attorney Website Top Ten Social Security Frequently Asked Questions

2013

Pensacola Social Security Attorney Tips For Winning at a Disability Hearing

2013

CreateSpace Book Top 10 Mistakes That Will Destroy Your Florida Car Accident Claim

2011

National Business Institute Handling a Social Security Disability Case

Languages

English

Activity

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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