Over 20 years ago, My mother suffered long without a income, but after Mr. Heard got a dear friend mother SSN benefits and she referred him to me for my mother it seem like those long years of Mother suffering turned into a few short months . Thanks Attorney Heard a grateful daughter. Thats why I never forgot Him and now seeking to use Attorney Heard for myself.

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Posted by anonymous | November 1, 2010

Good Lawyer

his office took immediate action on my sons disability appeal. Every phone call was returned in a timely manner, staff did not talk down to us and the representation at the appeal by Mr Brown was excellent. I have recommended this firm .

Posted by Alfaire | June 30, 2020

Superb firm

From my consultation until my SSD approval, Heard & Smith has been hard working and very diligent with my case. They remained in contact with me the whole time. I never doubted that my outcome would be anything but positive. Thank you Heard & Smith for all that you do. Sincerely, A. Shabazz

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Posted by Dale | August 27, 2019

Did what other Lawyers couldn't

It's really frustrating knowing you have a valid claim, but the lawyer sometimes doesn't put a robust case together, for whatever reason; Atty. Heard and his staff came through and won my case; 4 years back pay that was due me the whole time! The entire staff was knowledgeable and easy to understand. Thank you to everyone that was involved in my case!

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Posted by Nina | October 30, 2018

Case well done!

My attorney made sure I clearly understood everything he presented to me. Shortly after meeting with him the day of court, the judge asked ro have a brief meeting with him. He excused himself for the meeting, upon his arrival back he immediately began to explain what the meeting was about. The judge was asking if I would agree to change the date of my disibility application. He explained exactly how this might and might not effect me. He also explain that in no way could he tell me that I should or should not do this. I fully appreciated him making sure that I understood everything that was going on.

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Posted by Melinda L Dalton | October 23, 2018

THANKS TO YOUR FIRM SO MUCH

This has been a trying time for myself and my family but I thank all of your team for being ther for me. I am just so glad this is over. I will definitely recommend Heard and Smith to my friends and family.

Posted by Marcus | June 5, 2010

Expert in Social Security Law

John is the best Social Security Lawyer in the country. He has established a great office staff who cares about clients and works hard on their cases. John has helped many of my clients and I always get great feedback about the results he gets for them. I recommend him highly.

Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2021

Dropped with no explanation

Heard & Smith were representing me in my disability case. After receiving a denial letter from my hearing I received word from H&S saying that they would no longer represent me, they gave no explanation.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Education

University of Texas at Austin Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1975

University of Texas, Austin
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1971

Associations

State Bar of Texas
Member
N/A

College of the State Bar of Texas
Member
N/A

Texas Bar Foundation
Fellow
N/A

National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives
Past President
2000 - 2001

National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives
Past Vice President
1999 - 2000

View all associations

Languages Spoken

Spanish

Honors and Awards

Eileen P. Sweeney Distinguished Service Award
National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives
2009

Board Certified - Civil Trial Law
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
N/A

Speaking Engagements

Social Security Disability Law Conference
Learning the ABCs of the CDRs (Continuing Disabilities Reviews)
2010

Continuing Legal Education Conference
Online Access to the Electronic Folder
2010

Social Security Disability Law Conference
The Electronic Records Express (ERE) Today, Online Access Tomorrow
2009

Social Security Disability Law Conference
Accessing Claimants Files Online
2008

Social Security Disability Law Conference
Electronic Document Management System in a Social Security Law Practice
2006

Social Security Disability Law Conference
Social Secuirty Administration Enters Electronic World
2004

Continuing Legal Education Conference
Hot Topics: Four Seasoned Practitioners
2004

10th Annual Fifth Circuit Organization of Social Security Claimants Rempresentatives Seminar
Using the Internet for Research
2003

Social Security Disability Law Conference
Filing a New Application while the First one is on Appeal: Porcedures, Pointers, and Pitfalls
2000

7th Annual Fifth Circuit Organization of Social Security Claimants Rempresentatives Seminar
Practice Pointers and Ethics
2000

4th Annual Fifth Circuit Organization of Social Security Claimants Rempresentatives Seminar
Welcome
1997

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Attorney endorsements

Received (12)

Given (6)

Endorse John

Greg Maeser

Social Security & Disability Attorney | Aug 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Rake

Social Security & Disability Attorney | Jul 23
Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Keefe

Social Security & Disability Attorney | Sep 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is oustanding in the Social Security disability field."

John Worman

Unknown Attorney | Jun 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Solomon Neuhardt

Social Security & Disability Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Great attorney. Top of his game. Very knowledgeable and hard worker."

Cynthia Berger

Social Security & Disability Attorney | Jun 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John Heard is an extremely knowledgeable Social Security Attorney. He is constantly striving to do his best for his clients. I highly recommend John."

Francis Jackson

Social Security & Disability Attorney | Nov 26
Relationship: Other

"I know John from a lawyers group where we meet to discuss ways to improve our practices and better serve our clients. John has provided advice and materials that demonstrate that he is a highly capable lawyer who respects and values his clients and wants to deliver the best possible service and results in every case, large or small"

Kenneth Hardison

Social Security & Disability Attorney | Dec 31
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer.John is a class act! His knowledge of the law is superb. John's ethics and client service are outstanding. He is the" go to lawyer" if you are trying to get your social security benefits."

Kay Martinez

Social Security & Disability Attorney | Jul 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. His reputation in the legal community is outstanding."

Henry Amen

Social Security & Disability Attorney | Jun 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Heard is well known and respected in the legal community for his expertise in Social Security Disability law. I never hesitate to refer those types of cases to him, and the responses from those I have referred to him are very favorable."

William Bailey

Social Security & Disability Attorney | Jun 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known John for over 35 years and have worked on many matters with John over the years. He was on the law review at the University of Texas and has the combined qualities of intelligence, common sense and a high sense of fairness. He is board certified in Civil Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. You may take his word to the bank."

Thad Harkins

Social Security & Disability Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Our firm has sent John many Social Security claims and appeal cases over the years, with great results. He's also been kind enough to send to us some LTD and other ERISA benefit claims for individuals who can no longer continue in the workforce, as well as other employment claims, based on our firm's employment/consumer work. I've known John for about 20 years, and he's been a valuable resource, as well as a good colleague and friend."

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