Eric L. Pines

PRO

Eric L. Pines

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 29 years

Employment and labor Lawyer at Houston, TX
Practice Areas: Employment & Labor, Social Security

10101 Fondren Road, Suite 575, Houston, TX

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Eric

Biography

An experienced and results-oriented Federal Employee and Social Security Disability Attorney. Call today for a consultation!

Over 20 years of Federal Employee Representation.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Employment and Labor 75%

With 30 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to representing federal employees in employment and labor law matters. My practice focuses on protecting the rights of federal workers and unions, emphasizing disabled employees.

32 years | 1,000 cases

75%
Social Security & Disability 25%

With 30 years of experience, I guide clients through the Social Security Disability process, from applications to appeals, ensuring effective advocacy every step of the way.

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 10 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 15 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2010

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 20 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2005

Inactive - Retired

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 29 years

State: California

Acquired: 1996

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Pines Federal Employment Attorneys

10101 Fondren Road, Suite 575, Houston, TX, 77096

pinesfederal.lawbrokr.com/lp/avvo

Online Presence

Other places you can find Eric online.

Eric L. Pines's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

53 Client Reviews

Showing 36 - 40 of 53 reviews

Posted by Gigi | December 03, 2014 | Social Security Disability

AMAZING FERS DISABILITY LAWYERS

After getting injured at work (after having back surgery fail) and painfully realizing that my ability to perform my job duties was no longer possible, I searched online for a reputable disability lawyer. I read the horror stories some federal employees posted about in discussion boards, I did not k...now where to turn. I found out that only Eric Pines and his staff were willing to work with me financially and to assist me throughout the entire process. I was guided and kept informed about the FERS disability process and after OPM approval. Scott Santarelli was very professional, competent, and prepared my case both humanely and professionally. They worked diligently with my treating physician to ensure the disability paperwork was received by my former agency and by OPM in a timely manner. This law firm is fantastic. They took up my case without demanding thousands of dollars upfront. They offered me a very reasonable payment plan before and after getting OPM FERS disability approval. Even though having to file for FERS disability was daunting and stressful, Scott was professional and patient. He worked very hard on the packet and was involved with my agency's HR staff. It took sometime to get the packet assembled due to my agency and physician, but the moment these forms were finalized, Scott was ready. Throughout, Scott called me often and we met via telephone anytime I had questions or concerns. He did not let myself get down. His expertise afforded me the opportunity to have peace of mind throughout the process. They treated me like a person and not like just like another client, very personable. I highly recommend Eric Pines. Joanna was also very helpful. I give Scott Santarelli high praise. This is the only law firm I would recommend to anyone thinking /needing to file an OPM FERS disability application.

Posted by Yawkey | October 21, 2014 | Employment & Labor

Very Thankful I found this firm

I was mixed up in a retaliation case and a toxic work environment within a Federal agency. Luckily I researched attorneys and called Eric's Firm- Through Eric I met Stephen Goldenzweig who handled my case. Stephen is awesome; honest-a good communicator & fair. This firm gave me the courage to stand ...up to this massive agency and in the end negotiated an excellent settlement that helps me get my life back and recognizes that the agency's actions were wrong!

Posted by Carolyn | September 30, 2014 | Wrongful Termination

My Knight (smile)

When I was fired, I felt all alone, hopeless, confused, victimized and I noticed that there was no one within my agency could help me. My first conversation with Mr. Eric Pines, I felt like someone really heard me and understood what I was facing. From the first day I spoke with Mr. Pines, I no ...longer felt as thou I was in this by myself. Mr. Pines listen to me for four months and shared my pain. I’m trying not to be so personal but I can’t help it. As I write this review, I am literally crying tears of joy. I am so glad I had the opportunity to know him. He is the true example of a lawyer. He was extremely passionate, concern, knowledgeable and professional. Mr. Pines went at this case whole hearted and never gave up until I was vindicated. I have never met him and I can truly say I love him because he showed love for me first. Thank you so much for giving me a reason to live and go on. Also letting me know there are people out here who still care for others.

Posted by Susan MY | September 03, 2014 | Licensing

Definitely a firm to turn to

My government employer was threatening to report me to the licensing board. I was completely distraught and unable to fight this on my own I did not know what to do. I contacted a big law firm to discuss this, but I was treated disrespectfully, given no hope and no compassion (I was only a little f...ish). I left that firm and contacted Eric Pines law firm. From the first consult Eric, Stephen and Aaron were considerate, caring and understood what I was going through. They encouraged me to ask questions, kept me informed of everything going on and absolutely no surprise bills. There were two issues dealt with my employer, first was the report to the licensing board and second was applying for retirement disability. Stephen handled the licensing issue and he called me directly when he received the letter that I would not be turned into the board, I was in a state of shock and so grateful. This is my life, my family and I could not fight by myself.....they fought for me. The retirement disability outcome is still pending and is being handled by Eric, I feel he is doing a wonderful job for me. I would highly recommend this firm, all of these gentlemen made my terrifying situation more tolerable by being kind, professional and caring human beings.

Posted by Alan T. | May 13, 2014 | Administrative Law

I was in need of help so, I turned to Eric L. Pines.

I want to thank Eric Pines and his staff publicly for taking extra great care and interest in me concerning my federal benefits and OPM application. This has not been easy for me but during this whole ordeal Eric Pines and his staff has been nothing but professional from beginning to end. He and his ...staff did a fantastic job pulling me through this. My family and I are very happy and appreciative with the quality of services, I received from Eric Pines Law office. Thank you, Eric Pines!

See All Client Reviews

Eric L. Pines's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Eric
Timothy John Corrigan headshot
Timothy Corrigan

Employment and labor lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mr. Eric Pines has my strongest possible endorsement. In a Federal labor matter, he and I were opposing counsel. I found him to be a challenging adversary, but more importantly, he is one of the most ethical attorneys I know. Honest and forthright, Mr. Pines upholds the highest standards of our profession. I now proudly call him a friend."

Gary P. Katz headshot
Gary Katz

Employment and labor lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Darrin Wayne Gibbons headshot
Darrin Gibbons

Employment and labor lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I met Eric as opposing counsel on a matter involving a federal employment law dispute. He represented his client well, and I was impressed by his knowledge, preparation and attention to detail."

Shervin Isaac Gabayan headshot
Shervin Gabayan

Employment and labor lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Eric Pines is an extremely knowledgeable professional on federal employment law matters that has been able to provide valued assistance to my clients on these issues. He is a pleasure to work with."

Stephen William Goldenzweig headshot
Stephen Goldenzweig

Employment and labor lawyer | Dec 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Eric is a bright, energetic, and gifted attorney. He is a creative problem-solver with a broad range of skills and a cheerful and professional disposition. He is extremely dependable and cares deeply about his friends, his colleagues, and, most importantly, his clients. Eric's take-charge personality coupled with his diligence, maturity, intelligence, and ingenuity make him an asset to the legal profession."

Judd Garrett Millman headshot
Judd Millman

Employment and labor lawyer | Nov 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Eric is highly respected in his specialized areas of law, recognized in the legal community, and a "go to" attorney for all issues dealing with employment law. A hard-driving, motivated attorney who is known throughout Texas, Maryland and beyond for achieving maximum results for his clients."

Bruce Mark Luchansky headshot
Bruce Luchansky

Employment and labor lawyer | Nov 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Eric Pines is an exceptional employment law attorney. Eric and I have teamed up to work together on a number of different matters, including claims such as disability discrimination and violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. At all times, I have found Eric to be diligent, cooperative, thorough, and effective. He has a client-oriented approach to his practice that is wonderful. I highly endorse my colleague as a top-notch employment law practitioner. Bruce M. Luchansky, Esq. Luchansky Law 606 Bosley Avenue, Suite 3B Towson, MD 21204 410.522.1020 www.luchanskylaw.com Maryland Workplace Law"

Christopher Francis Attig headshot
Christopher Attig

Employment and labor lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am familiar with Eric's work, and his representation of Federal Employees and U.S. Veterans in variety of claims against the government. I recommend Eric without reservation."

Morris E Fischer headshot
Morris Fischer

Administrative law lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Eric Pines is very honest, hard working and dedicated to his clients. He has never been someone practicing law for the money. He really cares about his clients and obtaining excellent results. He also has strong command of Administrative law involving federal employees."

James Wilson Richard II headshot
James Richard

Employment and labor lawyer | Dec 08

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Elliott M. Cin headshot
Elliott Cin

Personal injury lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Richard Klein headshot
Richard Klein

Employment and labor lawyer | Jul 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I am attorney who works in the same field as Mr. Pines. I have worked with him on cases and find his work to be top caliber. He has a very broad knowledge of Federal Sector and EEO law. He has unique talents with negotiation and the ability to reach a settlement that can often be a win-win for both sides. He has a very nice rapport with his clients and is well likes and respected by them. I have been at hearings with him and I find his litigation skills to be top notch. I wholeheartedly recommend him with no reservations to potential clients."

Lawrence J. Sherman headshot
Lawrence Sherman

Employment and labor lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Eric is a highly competent and dedicated lawyer. He is highly skilled as a researcher and legal writer and is a skilled advocate. Eric is highly ethical and reliable. I not only endorse this lawyer, but also work with Eric as well as refer work to him regularly"

View All Endorsements
Harvey Bradford Harris headshot
Harvey Harris

Employment and labor lawyer

Gary P. Katz headshot
Gary Katz

Intellectual property lawyer

Gavriel E. Toso headshot
Gavriel Toso

Workers compensation lawyer

Aaron David Wersing headshot
Aaron Wersing

Discrimination lawyer

Darrin Wayne Gibbons headshot
Darrin Gibbons

Employment and labor lawyer

Stephen William Goldenzweig headshot
Stephen Goldenzweig

Litigation lawyer

Judd Garrett Millman headshot
Judd Millman

Employment and labor lawyer

Bruce Mark Luchansky headshot
Bruce Luchansky

Employment and labor lawyer

Christopher Francis Attig headshot
Christopher Attig

Employment and labor lawyer

Morris E Fischer headshot
Morris Fischer

Employment and labor lawyer

James Wilson Richard II headshot
James Richard

Employment and labor lawyer

Elliott M. Cin headshot
Elliott Cin

Social Security & Disability lawyer

David A. Shulman headshot
David Shulman

Wills and living wills lawyer

Timothy John Corrigan headshot
Timothy Corrigan

Employment and labor lawyer

Ben David Manevitz headshot
Ben Manevitz

Intellectual property lawyer

Richard Klein headshot
Richard Klein

Employment and labor lawyer

Cari Michele Pines headshot
Cari Pines

Family lawyer

Lawrence J. Sherman headshot
Lawrence Sherman

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2024

Texas Super Lawyer, Texas Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Top Lawyers, Houstonia Magazine

Work Experience

2002 - Present

Principal, Law Office of Eric L. Pines, PLLC

2001 - 2010

Associate General Counsel, AFGE Local 1923

1996 - 1997

Attorney, United States District Court, Central District Of California

Associations

2011 - Present

National Employment Law Institute

Member

2010 - Present

State Bar of Texas, Labor and Employment Law Section

Member

2005 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

2005 - Present

United States District Court for the District ofMaryland

Member

1996 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

1996 - Present

United States District Court for the Central District of California

1995 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2003 - 2010

Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

AFGE 4060 vs. FEMA

Settlement Recovered 16 million dollars for FEMA Employees.

AFGE 1633 vs. V.A.

Win

Phuoung vs. V.A. (Houston)

Win -- 10,000 Back Pay -- Full Attorneys Fees

AFGE 1923 (Indian Head) vs. Dept of Navy

Settled for $520,000 with Attorney Fees

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University

J.D.

1992

University of California, Los Angeles

B.A.

N/A

University of California - Santa Barbara

Speaking Engagements

2024

Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace - Host

2018

Litigation Training

Equal Employment Opportunity and Marriage Systems Protection Board

2017

Final rule requires affirmative action for disabilities in federal workforce Final rule requires affirmative action for disabilities in federal workforce

2016

AFGE Veterans Affairs Training 2016

Federal Labor Arbitration Boot Camp

2013

2012

Federal EEO Training

Retaliation and Harassment in the Federal System

2010

Federal Retirement Seminar

Estate Planning for Federal Employees

2010

AFGE Federal EEO Training

Disability Discrimination in the Federal Government

2008

AFGE Steward Training

EEO Disability Discrimination Training

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution