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Stephanie Ann Christel
also known as Stephanie Ann Johnson
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About Stephanie
Biography
Stephanie Christel (f/k/a Johnson) is a Partner at Livgard & Lloyd PLLP. She practices almost exclusively in the areas of Social Security Disability and disability benefits (long-term and short-term disability, disability pensions, etc.). She strongly believes in personalized, zealous representation for all of her disabled clients.
Stephanie has been drafting memoranda for Social Security Disability hearings and advising clients since 2009. Currently, Stephanie provides legal representation for her clients from the Social Security Disability application stage through hearing, at the Appeals Council, and into Federal District Court.
Experienced, compassionate, effective Social Security disability representation.
Experienced, compassionate, effective Social Security disability representation.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Social Security & Disability
85%
17 years | 400 cases
Employee Benefits
15%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
25%-25%
Awards
2024 2019 2016
Licenses
Licensed in Minnesota for 14 years
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Livgard & Lloyd PLLP
2701 University Avenue SE, Suite 208, Minneapolis, MN, 55414
livgard.com/attorneys/attorneys/stephanie-a-christel/Stephanie Ann Christel's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
42 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 42 reviews
Posted by Chris | September 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Glad I picked her to be my attorney
I had help filling out all my forms and they responded to all my emails and questions. I was reminded of all appts with the people I needed to meet with. My attorney knew exactly what to say in my hearing and helped me remember what I needed to say. We were approved our first time around. I am glad t...
Posted by Lisa | August 30, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability
I was fortunate to have been referred to Stephanie for my sons Social Security Disability case. She started at the reconsideration phase of the process and over 2 years later, she won his case for him. She communicated extremely well, guided us through the process and made sure all the medical eviden...
Posted by Matthew Wallach | August 14, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Stephanie Ann Christel
Stephanie went through our two year journey (Successful) for SSDI benefits for my wife. She answered all of our questions which were many and was never discouraging keeping us informed when something was needed. She went through all three phases with us from the initial request to the appeal and fi...
Posted by Marilyn | March 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
SSI Disability
Stephanie thank you for diligent work, knowing who you see for reports. As well as knowing who to talk too. Understanding what ones need are to go forward in the case.
Posted by Nicole | November 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Highly recommend
Stephanie was a rockstar. She helped me from the beginning to the end, answered every question in detail and Was very detailed in the the hearing. She helped me navigate the confusing paperwork and process.
Stephanie Ann Christel's Lawyer Endorsements
"Through my experience working with several Social Security attorneys I can confidently recommend Stephanie Christel to anyone looking for excellent representation. She deeply cares for her clients and is available to answer any questions. She diligently represents her clients which leads to her high rate of success in helping her clients obtain benefits. She is the right choice for anyone looking for a Social Security attorney."
"Stephanie is a passionate, compassionate, and extremely diligent attorney. She cares about her clients and does everything in her power to provide them with the results the deserve."
"Stephanie knows Social Security law. She is has built a solid reputation as an expert in the field and it is well deserved. She always works hard for her clients and makes sure their rights are protected. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Stephanie for several years. Stephanie is smart, diligent, tough and friendly. Whenever I have a question related to Family Law and Social Security matters for my clients Stephanie makes herself available and has an answer. On all issues related to Family Law and Social Security I have and will refer family and clients to Stephanie's office."
"Stephanie is perhaps the most conscientious, patient, and diligent lawyer that I have known. The areas of law in which she works are often times difficult, but she is profoundly dedicated to listening to clients and their needs. She then is persistent in her efforts to follow up and accomplish the best results for her clients."
"I had the pleasure of studying law with Stephanie when we were both law students in a summer study abroad program. She was a bright and diligent law student, traits I am sure she brings to her practice as an attorney. In addition to her legal knowledge, she is easy to talk to, personable, and friendly."
"I have had the great pleasure of working with Attorney Johnson. She is a tenacious lawyer who puts her clients first and always works hard for each and every one of them. She is as talented as she is caring and knows how to get the job done. I endorse this attorney."
"Attorney Johnson has spent a number of years working to help others both before and after becoming an attorney. Her dedication to others is evident in the areas of law in which she practices, as well as being recognized for her public service while in law school. It is clear her heart is in a good place, and when combined with her intelligence and dedication, makes her an effective advocate for clients needing assistance with family, social security, and wills related legal matters. I endorse this lawyer."
"Stephanie Ann Johnson is an intelligent and hard-working attorney. She cares about her clients. She is diligent in her work to achieve favorable results for each client. I endorse this lawyer."
"Stephanie has been working with me in the area of Social Security Disability Law and Family Law for almost 7 years, first as a law clerk and then as an attorney. She has excellent writing skills and has handled and won very challenging disability cases. She is extremely responsive to all of her client's concerns."
"Stephanie is an excellent lawyer. Her clients like to work with her and she produces good results."
Brian Murn
Unknown lawyer
Robert Martin
Unknown lawyer
Ryan Griffin
Unknown lawyer
Thomas Burton
Unknown lawyer
Jayme Lehman
Criminal defense lawyer
Linda Morrison
Family lawyer
Kelly Fiege
Unknown lawyer
Peggy Stevens
Unknown lawyer
Nathan Hansen
Unknown lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Client's Choice, Avvo
2016
Avvo 2016 Social Security Clients Choice Award, Avvo
2016
MN's "10 Best" Social Security Disability Attorney Nomination, American Institute of Legal Counsel
2011
Public Service Award, Minnesota Justice Foundation
2011
Cum Laude, William Mitchell College of Law
2008
Summa Cum Laude, Gustavus Adolphus College
2008
Norelius Service Award, Gustavus Adolphus College
2008
Psychology Honors Research, Gustavus Adolphus College
Work Experience
2020 - Present
Partner, Livgard, Lloyd & Christel PLLP
2017 - 2020
Associate Attorney, Livgard & Lloyd PLLP
2011 - 2017
Social Security Disability Attorney, Peggy L. Stevens and Stephanie A. Christel Law Office
2010 - 2011
Research Assistant for Professor C. Peter Erlinder, William Mitchell College Of Law
2009 - 2011
Law Clerk, Peggy L. Stevens Law Office
2009 - 2009
Law clerk, American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota
2009 - 2009
Student Attorney, Anoka County Public Defender's Office
Associations
2017 - Present
National Associate of Social Security Claimants' RepresentativesAttorney Member
2017 - Present
National Organization of Social Security Claimants RepresentativesAttorney Member
2016 - Present
MSBA Social Security Disability Law SectionAttorney Member
2016 - Present
American Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2012 - Present
United States District Court for the District of MinnesotaAttorney Member
2011 - Present
Minnesota State Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2011 - Present
State Bar of MinnesotaAttorney Member
2009 - Present
Mitchell Hamline Law Review AlumniMember
2010 - 2011
William Mitchell Law ReviewAssistant Editor
2010 - 2010
Vale Corporate Law Moot CourtMember
2009 - 2010
Willilam Mitchell Law ReviewStaff Member
2009 - 2011
American Civil Liberties Union - William MitchellPresident
2008 - 2011
Minnesota Justice FoundationVolunteer
2008 - 2011
American Bar AssociationStudent Member
2008 - 2011
Excellence Development ProgramMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Y. X. Yang v. Berryhill, civil no. 17-4330 (DTS)
Remanded to ALJ
S. Yang v. N. Berryhill, Case No. 17-cv-0686 (HB)
Remanded to ALJ
C. Jones v. Berryhill, Civil No. 17-cv-00470-PAM-DTS
Remanded by District Court and then Awarded by ALJ
Education
2011
William Mitchell College of Law
Juris Doctor
2008
Gustavus Adolphus College
Bachelor of the Arts
2005
Virginia High School
high school diploma
Speaking Engagements
2016
CLE - Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability: Application to District Court Appeals
2013
CLE - Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability: Process and Practice
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Since I am already on SSDI for a disability, and I'm in my mid-50's, Is a Continuing Review less likely to...?
08 May 2019
Q&A
Can you get a pro bono lawyer for social security disability? My son had heart surgery and lost a leg and fingers and toes .
02 Nov 2016
Q&A
How many clients does a social security disability law office take on?
07 Dec 2011