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Susan Michele Schaefer
also known as Michele Schaefer
About Susan
Biography
When I represent you, I will personally advise you at every step to help you win your case.. Call me at for a free consultation.
Experienced attorney who knows how the legal process works. For years, I worked at Social Security headquarters developing disability policy. I am very knowlegeable about the disability claims adjudication process. I am also a VA accredited attorney. In addition, my practice includes Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, as well as wills, trusts and estates.
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 200-250 per hour
Contingency
25%-30%
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Alabama for 5 years
State: Alabama
Acquired: 2020
No misconduct found
Licensed in Indiana for 37 years
State: Indiana
Acquired: 1988
No misconduct found
Location
Cardea Law Group, LLC
P.O. Box 681586, Prattville, AL, 36068
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Susan Michele Schaefer's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
7 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Roger | December 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Satisfied Veteran
Like a lot of veterans, I can attest to ‘battling’ with the VA for earned benefits over the years. I finally ‘wised up’ and sought help from someone skilled in disability claims. Enter my relationship with Ms. Susan Schaefer. Susan believed in my case & knew all the right forms to file and informa...
Posted by Cynthia | May 23, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Lawyer for SSD claim
Susan Schaefer was my lawyer for my SSD claim. She was very knowledgeable and very supportive. Wouldn't have made it through it without her.
Posted by Kaaren | April 10, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Amazing
Susan was amazing helping my daughter with her disability social security claim. Even after she was approved Susan has been available to explain the mountain of complicated correspondence. If you're searching for a competent, caring attorney you will be very happy with Susan!
Posted by Mike | April 17, 2020 | Social Security Disability
Experienced Social Security Attorney
I had a lot of questions about Social Security disability and retirement. Ms. Schaefer took the time to completely answer my questions. I recommend her for her knowledge in this area of the law and in her ability to clearly explain the issues to me.
Susan Michele Schaefer's Lawyer Endorsements
Steven Perrigo
Social Security & Disability lawyer | Apr 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer based on her thorough and knowledgeable responses on Avvo."
No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.
Experience
Honors
2018
SSA Peformance Award for Medical Policy, Social Security Administration
2016
Commissioner's Award in Medical Policy, Social Security Administration Commissioner
Work Experience
2019 - Present
Owner, Cardea Law Group, LLC
2006 - 2019
Deputy Director, Branch Chief, Social Security Administration
1991 - 2006
Hearing Office Director, Supervisory Attorney, Social Security Administration
1988 - 1991
Attorney, Emerick and Diggins, PC
Associations
2021 - Present
NOSSCRMember
2020 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2020 - Present
Alabama State BarMember
2019 - Present
Veterans Consortium Pro Bono ProgramMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Date Last Insured
Client was awarded the full benefit amount, an excellent result
Education
1988
Valparaiso University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1984
Indiana University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Chronic Fatgue Advisory Committee
Evaluation of Symptoms in Disability Claims, Social Security Ruling 16-3p
2014
National Association of Disability Representatives Conference
Drug Addiction and Alcoholism (DAA) and Disability
Publications
2022
National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR)
Helping the homeless and others facing barriers with Social Security Disability applications and claims
2020
Cardea Law Group, LLC website blog
Disability articles
2013
Published in the Federal Register and on SSA.gov
Social Security Ruling 13-2p “Evaluating Cases Involving Drug Addiction and Alcoholism (DAA)
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How to remove yourself as representative payee if you have asked to be removed and they say you have to find a replacement?
24 May 2023
Q&A
Is there an area of practice for help with financial issues after receiving SSI/SDI ?
19 Apr 2023
Q&A
Generally speaking can a very good lawyer get you Social Security Disability much quicker?
04 Feb 2023
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Social Security Disability During Incarceration and Upon Release
30 May 2021
Legal Guide
How Do I Get My Medical and Other Records from Social Security?
06 Apr 2021
Legal Guide
What is Non-Medical Evidence in a Social Security Disability Claim?
22 Feb 2021