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D. Kevin Dugan
About D. Kevin
Biography
After 20+ years of service as a social security disability Judge, I have now decided to represent clients who will appeal a denial of their social security claim. Having decided near 10,000 cases, I know what a good case requires.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) thus far does not have the necessary resources to do the job and they are constantly questioned by Congress about their large backlogs. Owing in part to the increase in aging population, more and more social security disability claims are being filed every year. In the year 2000 alone one million disability claims were filed. Today the number of claims filed is over three million. People often wait years to get to see a Judge.
Employees of the SSA have been complaining that the agency expected them to move cases without having given them adequate time needed to prepare for each case. The National Judges Association filed a lawsuit against the agency because they believe that the push to move cases has harmed their ability to decide cases in a fair manner. Under such circumstances, the claim may be handled by a lot of people who have never seen the claimant, pushing the claim forward and out the door without any appreciation of what a particular claimant is facing.
Many individuals who deserve social security disability benefits are denied when they first apply. But individuals who appeal with an accomplished and experienced disability lawyer are more likely to succeed at the hearing level. As case loads are heavy, disability judges find it critical for cases to be presented in a coherent and persuasive manner.
Dugan Disability Law is a law firm based in Plantation, Florida. A graduate of Georgetown Law School, I am a member of the D.C. Bar. As a Former Judge, I worked to reform the Disability System with the Commissioner of Social Security, the Social Security Advisory Board and Congress. I have been a speaker for various claimant organizations like the National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives.
DDL (Dugan Disability Law) is and will remain a social security disability law firm providing you the personal service you deserve. Rather than hand you off to someone who does not know you or your case, I will be personally involved in your case from consultation to final decision.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Social Security & Disability
100%
14 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
25%-25%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in District of Columbia for 48 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1977
No misconduct found
Location
Dugan Disability Law
8201 Peters Road, Suite 1000, Plantation, FL, 33324
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D. Kevin Dugan's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
18 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (18)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 18 reviews
Posted by SJM | September 28, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Positive outcome
Fmr. Judge Dugan knows Social Security Disability law… PERIOD. I was fortunate enough that he accepted my case. His efficient processes and case preparation minimized the level of effort on my part, which was especially important to me due to my limited abilities.
Posted by Jessica R. | July 31, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Best Lawyer in the WORLD.
Mr. Kevin helped me win my difficult SSI case, and on top of that, he supported and encouraged me throughout the process. I could not have had a better lawyer or better human work on my behalf. My psychiatric disability continuation of benefits case was especially challenging because, from the outsid...
Posted by M.H. | March 27, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Highly Satisfied
After almost 3 years, 2 denials, financial hardship and an Attorney who was extremely slow to respond if at all I decided to find a new attorney. After my initial consultation with Mr. Dugan and a review of my SS Disability claim along with my dissatisfaction with my then attorney I decided to hire M...
Posted by Cheryl | July 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Amazing Attorney
I have had the privilege of having Mr Kevin Dugan as my Attorney in my Disability Case. Mr. Dugan’s friendship, courtesy, knowledge and honesty have been very important to me during the last year as he has represented me. Mr. Dugan provided me with excellent legal advice and services. Far from ordina...
Posted by Nadine | November 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Disability
I found Dugan Disability Law Firm through a web search about two years ago and was very impressed that he was an ex-disability judge. He succeeded in getting my claim for disability approved. Mr. Dugan was extremely patient with me, professional and promptly answered all my questions and concerns d...
D. Kevin Dugan's Lawyer Endorsements
Steven Perrigo
Social Security & Disability lawyer | Apr 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer based on his knowledgeable Social Security responses on Avvo."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Dugan is highly experienced in Social Security law, having served as an Administrative Law Judge for many years, and is also a caring and compassionate advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to rely on his professional guidance."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"With a great track record of published answers to consumers' questions on Avvo.com and the recommendations from clients and attorneys alike, it is easy to see that attorney Dugan is skilled and knows the law well too. If you have a legal question in his area of expertise, he is your answer."
Hovanes Margarian
Social Security & Disability lawyer | Jul 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He was brilliant as a judge and no less so in private practice. A real fighter."
"Top notch attorney, who provides excellent legal service and successful representation. I happily endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is very experienced in Social Security law."
"I endorse this lawyer. An outstanding and well respected attorney in the legal community. I would recommend him wholeheartedly to annyone needing legal representation."
"D.K. Kevin Dugan is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients very well. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly."
"Mr. Dugan is an asset to the legal community. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Andrew Bestafka
Social Security & Disability lawyer | Dec 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Dugan's knowledge and experience make him an excellent choice for anyone looking for an attorney practicing in this area."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Mr. Dugan as an attorney. I have read many of Mr. Dugan's answers on Avvo. They are always on point. Based on his answers, there is no doubt Mr. Dugan is knowledgeable, professional, and client-oriented."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Edward Beckham
Social Security & Disability lawyer | Sep 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An attention for detail; a committed advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer. It is clear by reading the answers in the AVVO community that this lawyer is a top notch attorney who is highly respected in the legal community."
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Experience
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Owner, Dugan Disability Law
1990 - 2013
Administrative Law Judge, Office Of Disability Appeals & Review, Social Security Administration
Associations
2010 - Present
Florida Guardian Ad LitemGAL Volunteer
National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Social Security Disability
It depended on the evidence in the cases.
Education
1977
Georgetown University Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2008
SS Administrative Law Judge Training
The Social Security Electronic Process
2005
Administrative Law Judge training
Use of Vocational Expert
2004
Senate Hearing before the Oversight Government Subcommittee of the Committee on Gov't Affairs
Solving the Social Security Disability Backlog
2004
National Assoc of Disability Examiners
Social Security Reform
2004
GLADE Regional Conference
Changes in Social Security Disability
2003
Congressional hearing
House Committee on Gov't Affairs
1987
Practice before Merit Systems Protection Board
Fundamentals of MSPB practice
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
I NEED A LAWYER TO APPEAL DENIAL OF PENSION OF SOCIAL SECURITY INTERNATIONAL
20 Nov 2018
Q&A
Social security is saying they over paid me $26,836.00.
22 Aug 2017
Q&A
SSI benefits and pregnancy?
13 Aug 2017