A Voice for the Injured and the Disabled...A Vision Realized
When I was 15, I decided to become an attorney as a voice for the injured and the disabled after being involved in a serious accident. I understand exactly what it feels like to be treated by others differently and not have my voice heard, because of an injury. I have a passion and desire to help others as an attorney and treat them with respect, dignity and sincerity. After graduating from Stetson University College of Law in 2000 and then working at a legal, non-profit organization and several law firms, I founded my own law firm in 2006 based on these qualities.
Besides being a voice for the injured and the disabled in Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Child's SSI and Auto Accident cases, I also have the privilege to represent people in a variety of other areas of law such as the following: Real Estate, Traffic Tickets and DUI's, Criminal Defense, Wills and Business Law. I practice cases in the Tampa Bay Area and surrounding areas, but locally and nationally for SSDI and SSI cases.
I am currently admitted to practice before all courts within Florida as well as the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, including the Bankruptcy Division, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Since 2006, I have been a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit and County Mediator. In April 2021, I was certified by The Florida Supreme Court as a Family Mediator. I have also served as an Adjunct Professor in the MBA program with the University of South Florida-St. Petersburg where I taught Advanced Negotiation.
I have been honored to be involved with doing legal pro-bono work and working with non-profit organizations including the following: Executive Director of The Far Corners, Inc. (2006-2012), Executive Council & Strategic Planning Committee of the Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless (2001-2003), Past Board Member of Homeless Empowerment Program, Inc. (2000-2004), Member of St. Petersburg Bar Foundation (2012), Past Board Member of Aging Matters, Inc. (1999-2000) and the Community Law Program, Inc.
I am truly grateful to have realized my vision to be able to help others as an attorney, and it is such a privilege to do so.
Practice areas
Represent client's on Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits & Supplemental Security Income (including Child's SSI) from the inital application, reconsideration, hearings and additional appeals in federal court, if necessary.
21 years
Prepare wills, living wills, durable power of attorney and other estate planning documents for client's.
21 years
Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil & County Mediator since 2006. Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Training in 2010 and Guardianship Mediation Training in 2006. Fl. Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, April 2021 to present.
16 years
Represent client's on civil moving traffic violations, also on DUI's and other criminal charges related to criminal traffic offenses and unrelated to them too.
21 years
Represent client's in a variety of real estate issues such as: leases, eminent domain, preparation of deeds and rep. on real estate deals, and landlord/tenant issues.
21 years
Represent client's from traffic tickets, misdemeanors, felonies, expungement & sealing of records and other criminal issues.
21 years
Represent client's after they have been injured in an auto accident, and it was not their fault.
19 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
FL | Member in Good Standing | 2001 | 02/23/2022 |
Legal answers | 20 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2021 |
Lapel Pin | The Supreme Court of Florida | 2014 |
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Legal Assistance | Community Law Program, Inc. | 2014 |
Nomination for JCPenny Golden Rule Award | JCPenny | 2000 |
Nomination for PC Partners in Public Service Award | Pinellas County (PC) | 2000 |
William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award | Stetson University College of Law | 2000 |
Among Students in Am. Univer. & Colleges | Who's Who | 2000 |
Nomination for Pro Bono Publico Award | Public Service Law Network Worldwide and Stetson Law School | 2000 |
SAPIL Award | Stetson University College of Law | 1999 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Law Offices of Amy G. Bellhorn, PLLC | 2006 - Present |
Adjunct Professor for Advanced Negotiation in the MBA Program | University of South Florida St. Petersburg | 2018 - 2019 |
Associate | Toledo, P.A. | 2008 - 2008 |
Executive Director | The Far Corners, Inc. | 2006 - 2012 |
Associate | Law Offices of Steven R. Loewenthal, PA | 2004 - 2007 |
Associate | Moran & Tileston, P.A. | 2002 - 2003 |
Staff Attorney in Public Benefits & Homeless Units | Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. | 2001 - 2002 |
Internship | Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. | 2000 - 2000 |
Student Copy Editor | National Academy of Elder Law Attorney Quarterly | 1999 - 2000 |
Internship | Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office | 1999 - 1999 |
Internship | Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. | 1999 - 1999 |
Neighborhood Planning Aide | Pinellas County Community Development | 1998 - 1998 |
Office Manager & Legal Secretary | Law Offices of James Meyer, PA | 1996 - 1997 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Florida Bar | Member | 2001 - Present |
Florida Justice Association | Member | 2012 - 2014 |
Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2012 - 2014 |
St. Petersburg Bar Foundation | Member | 2012 - 2012 |
St. Petersburg Bar Association | Chair, Lawyer Referral Service | 2009 - 2013 |
St. Petersburg Bar Association | Member | 2006 - 2014 |
The Far Corners, Inc. | Executive Director | 2006 - 2012 |
National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) | Member | 2006 - 2013 |
Attorneys' Title Insurance Fund, Inc. | Member | 2006 - 2011 |
Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless | Executive Council & Strategic Planning Committee | 2001 - 2003 |
Homeless Emergency Project, Inc. | Board of Directors | 2000 - 2004 |
Aging Matters, Inc. | Board of Directors | 1999 - 2000 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Natural Awakenings | A Voice for the Injured and the Disabled | 2013 |
The Parcelete | St. Petersburg Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service | 2013 |
Paraclete magazine | From Conception to Fruition: A Collaborative Effort to Bring SSD/SSI Educational Videos to the Community | 2013 |
The Parcelete | What are the Main Differences Between Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income? | 2013 |
Paraclete magazine | Overview of Child's Supplemental Security Income | 2013 |
The Parclete | The Membership in the St. Petersburg Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service | 2013 |
Natural Awakenings | Main Differences Between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income | 2013 |
Paraclete magazine | Membership in the St. Petersburg Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service | 2011 |
Paraclete magazine | Snapshot of the St. Petersburg Bar Assoc. LRS | 2010 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Stetson University College of Law | Juris Doctor | 2000 |
Florida State University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1997 |
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October 17, 2021
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October 8, 2019
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March 6, 2019
Terry Deeb, Unknown Attorney on Feb 15, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Amy is the consummate professional. She is courteous, efficient, helpful, empathetic and responsive. I did not list a single area of practice for this endorsement, because I feel that she provides expert representation in all areas of practice listed in her profile.
Sean Costis, Social Security & Disability Attorney on Oct 29, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Amy is an excellent lawyer! Diligence, experience and competence are all qualities she enjoys. I highly recommend her.
Terry Deeb, Unknown Attorney on Feb 15, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Amy is the consummate professional. She is courteous, efficient, helpful, empathetic and responsive. I did not list a single area of practice for this endorsement, because I feel that she provides expert representation in all areas of practice listed in her profile.
Sean Costis, Social Security & Disability Attorney on Oct 29, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Amy is an excellent lawyer! Diligence, experience and competence are all qualities she enjoys. I highly recommend her.
Ronald Bone, Social Security & Disability Attorney on Aug 8, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Amy has shown throughout the course of her career that she has tremendous legal acumen, coupled with a truly impressive ability to communicate effectively with judges, fellow attorneys, and clients that come from all walks of life. I fully endorse Amy, as I know that she will fight hard for her clients, exceed their expectations, and give them outstanding care and attention while tackling their legal issues with skill and grace. Amy also takes time out to give back to the community, and is highly regarded as a professor of negotiation at the University of South Florida. Most importantly, she is one of the most thoughtful, caring, and compassionate human beings I know.
Ethan Pham, Social Security & Disability Attorney on Feb 19, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ms. Bellhorn is a highly skillful and experienced attorney. Her answers to questions on Avvo demonstrate her vast legal knowledge.
Ronald Nelson, Social Security & Disability Attorney on May 3, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I've known Ms. Bellhorn for approximately 7 years. She is a top lawyer in the Social Security Disability area. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking representation in this area of law. She is a very professional attorney.
Francoise Haasch, Social Security & Disability Attorney on Mar 12, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Excellent attorney for handling Social Security claims. I endorse this lawyer.
Kevin Sparkman, Car accident Attorney on Feb 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Ahmad Yakzan, Family Attorney on Dec 15, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Steven Schwartz, Social Security & Disability Attorney on Feb 16, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
For over 10 years, Attorney Bellhorn has been a strong advocate for those in need of social security benefits. Her tenacity in getting these benefits is a tribute to her desire to help others. I strongly recommend her legal services.
Steven A. Culbreath, Social Security & Disability Attorney on Aug 20, 2011
Relationship: Friend
I can wholeheartedly recommend Amy to anyone who may have SSI and related matters to contend with. Amy is passionate about her clients, and goes the 'extra mile' to help and achieve favorable results.
Lara Davis, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 24, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Amy and I worked together on a dissolution of marriage. Amy zealously advocated on behalf of her client, but maintained a high degree of integrity and professional courtesy.
Sami Thalji, Social Security & Disability Attorney on May 18, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Amy is a great disability lawyer. We refer all our clients to her.
John Tucker, Social Security & Disability Attorney on Jul 21, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly recommend Amy. Although I handle Social Security Disability, I do not handle child's disability cases, and I refer everyone who contacts my office on that type of case to Amy. She practices in several areas, and is a talented attorney.
Charles Gallagher, Real estate Attorney on Apr 20, 2008
Relationship: Friend
Amy is an excellent attorney.
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