I hired Michelle when I was at the hearing level. Due to other circumstances I had to use a larger firm for the application and reconsideration levels. What a difference! I wish I had hired her earlier! The whole process is very stressful, but Michelle was very kind in calming my nerves. The hearing was convened via telephone due to covid 19. Michelle took my information and completed a brief for the hearing. The judge commented that my lawyer had done a very good job which resulted in a short hearing of 10 minutes. 30 days later I had a Fully Favorable Decision in hand. Best decision I made was to hire her, I highly recommend Michelle. She also helped a few other people I know.
Michelle has large firm experience, but has been a solo practitioner since 2009 and is more available for her Clients than most attorneys. She handles every step of the Social Security disability process, from filing the initial application to filing appeals. Her schedule is flexible, and she is available to meet Clients in her Troy office or wherever it is most convenient. Michelle is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.
Attorney Michelle R. Gottesman handles every step of the administrative Social Security disability process, from filing initial applications to filing appeals. She has over six years of large firm experience with even more years as a solo practitioner and has specialized in Social Security disability since 2004.
Having over 13 years of Social Security disability experience, there is rarely an impairment or procedural issue she hasn't handled.Â
Michelle received her Juris Doctor from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Cincinnati as well as four years studying Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago) and University of Cincinnati. Her academic pursuits have included studying in Scotland and Greece. Michelle is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and Oakland County Bar Assiciation.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very helpful every step of the process
Michelle help me from the start with the initial application, help me understand the process throughout and we won my case. Thank you Michelle!
Posted by Lori | October 19, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Effective and Knowledgeable
I hired Michelle when I was at the hearing level. Due to other circumstances I had to use a larger firm for the application and reconsideration levels. What a difference! I wish I had hired her earlier! The whole process is very stressful, but Michelle was very kind in calming my nerves. The hearing was convened via telephone due to covid 19. Michelle took my information and completed a brief for the hearing. The judge commented that my lawyer had done a very good job which resulted in a short hearing of 10 minutes. 30 days later I had a Fully Favorable Decision in hand. Best decision I made was to hire her, I highly recommend Michelle. She also helped a few other people I know.
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Posted by kenneth | March 20, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Applied for Social Security Disability
Mrs. Gottesman was very approachable with any questions . I felt at ease with her. She processed all my paperwork immediately. I had heard so many confusing stories about this process and she made it a breeze. I received my disability in a very timely manner. Very pleased with Mrs. Gottesman and your company. Thank You.
Posted by Helen | March 17, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Disability assistance
Michelle was very thorough, attentive and timely with her feedback. She made me feel like I was her only client. I will be forever grateful for her assistance!
Posted by Julie | March 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My journey with Michelle!
From the minute I met Michelle I knew I'd made the right decision. She is a professional; an expert at what she does. She took my illnesses, along with a dire living situation and turned it into a very happy and quick ending. We used her services a second time when my husband became very ill and could no longer work. Once again, Michelle was able to provide us with a very successful, happy, and quick outcome. If you are faced with illnesses that keep you from working, I urge you too call Michelle. You will not be disappointed. She is not only very professional, but she will treat you as if you are her only client. She takes the stresses right away from you and handles the problems and questions that you are unable to handle.
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Posted by Sabina | June 9, 2015
Ms. Gottesman's Help with my Disability Benefits
I found it necessary to apply for SSD in late 2011. After some very disappointing contacts with the big and heavily advertised firms, I was fortunate to find her doing a general search for a Disability Attorney. She was immediately responsive and took all the time needed to discuss the circumstances of my case on the first phone call. I provided her with the necessary information and she handled everything, from initial filing to follow-up to reminders for my physician appointments. I did have a lengthy history of increasing health problems, which I was able to document, and she included that as well. We only met in person ONCE to review the filing information and sign paperwork. I am sure that her expertise and professionalism were key factors in this success. I was approved within FOUR MONTHS of the initial filing. That is virtually unheard of! I will be forever grateful to her and her staff for their help in a very stressful matter.
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Posted by Kristen Hyslope | February 21, 2013
Michelle is AMAZING!
I've interacted with many attorneys, as a former law student, and I can say with confidence that Michelle is the premier SSDI attorney in Michigan (and any other states she's licensed to practice in for that matter). She runs a private practice and she and her staff are extremely responsive (a rarity with any attorney), keeps clients informed, and is an empathetic, compassionate person. My husband has pretty severe emotional disabilities stemming from a plethora of traumatic events he endured throughout his life and she is always so patient and never loses her cool dealing with him even though he tends to panic. I cannot thank her enough for getting my husband the disability he earned!
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Posted by Mary | June 23, 2011
Best Choice!
Michelle's expertise far surpassed even my high hopes and expectations. Excellence personified!
Posted by Mark Gallagher, Esq. | November 16, 2009
Gallagher, Mark, Esq.
One of the most dynamic attorney's in Social Security law that I have seen. Completely competent and very intelligent. She will work for her individual clients so they will not be just a number.
She will get the bestresults possible!
Posted by Michael | November 15, 2009
Got the Job Done!
After years of working with another attorney on a Social Security Disability case for my wife, we were fortunate enough to find Michelle.
She kept us informed on our case, explained what was happening, or what was to happen, in understandable terms, and resolved our case within months.
She approached our case with professionalism and a positive attitude. I am confident that she puts that energy in to any and all cases she works on.
I would recommend her services to anyone needing help in a Social Security Disability case.
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Social Security & Disability Attorney | Jan 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Michelle works hard for her clients and is well versed in her area of law. I would recommend Michelle to anyone dealing with a social security matter."