Disabled individuals need an attorney who understands their pain and financial need, who knows their name, and who can guide them through the complicated maze of obtaining Social Security disability benefits. Disabled individuals need a dedicated and experienced attorney’s professional expertise to help them get the benefits they deserve and worked so hard for.
That’s where I come in. I’m Michael P. Kalish, an attorney living in Southern California focusing exclusively on the legal needs of disabled individuals.
After completing a 20-year career in the U.S. military, I graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Bachelor’s degree in History followed by a Juris Doctorate degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law in Honolulu, Hawaii. I was admitted to the Hawaii bar in 1999 and have been practicing law ever since. While still in law school, I began representing Social Security claimants through a pro bono legal assistance program sponsored by the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. In 2004, I opened my own law
practice in Honolulu, Hawaii. In addition to representing clients before the Social Security Administration, I also represented clients in business, consumer, bankruptcy, real estate and family law matters.
In 2011, I relocated to Southern California to focus exclusively on Social Security Disability advocacy. To date, I have represented thousands of clients at all stages of the application and appeals process. I have appeared before hundreds of Social Security Disability judges throughout California, Hawaii, Washington state, and Arizona. I represent and assist my clients at each stage of the application process: from assisting with completing the initial applications forms, through developing a strong evidentiary case by gathering supporting medical evidence and treating source’s statements, to vigorous advocacy on the client’s behalf before a federal administrative law judge at hearing on the client’s claim for disability benefits.
I am an active member of National Association of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (“NOSSCR”) and the National Association of Disability Representatives (“NADR”). With more than fifteen years of representing clients before the Social Security administration, I have the experience, knowledge, and commitment needed to win your Social Security disability claim.
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Practice Area
27 years | 20,000 cases
25%-25%
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Chat withState: Hawaii
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
300 Spectrum Center Dr., Suite 400, Irvine, CA, 92618-4989
22 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 22 reviews
Posted by anonymous | February 10, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Highly recommend
Mr. Kalish is an excellent disability attorney. He's very knowledgeable, focused on a successful outcome and professional. He was always responsive to emails or calls, kind and respectful. He did an excellent job representing me during the hearing phase. He's the type of attorney judges appreciate an...
Thank you. The privilege was mine.
Posted by Carla | May 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Highly Recommend for Disability Cases
Michael Kalish was outstanding in handling my disability case. Specifically when it came time for the hearing, he prepared a summary that was very complete and made it easy for the judge to review. His expertise and dedication led to a successful outcome. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a s...
Posted by Ronnie | January 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Excellent Representation
Attorney, Michael Patrick Kalish, represented my SSDI Appeals Hearing with a judge on December 3, 2024. His extensive preparation not only gave me confidence but it proved value that in our opinion had a favorable outcome. Thank you Attorney Michael Patrick Kalish for fighting for my rights as a Disa...
Posted by Amy | December 03, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Patience and kindness
After several unsuccessful attempts at receiving SSDI for our disabled daughter, we were lucky enough to discover Mike Kalish. Mike won the case and our daughter was approved! Thankfully, Mike had the patience to answer all our questions while explaining the bureaucratic process. The kindness Mike ...
Thank you for the kind words. The privilege was mine.
Posted by anonymous | October 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Experienced and knowledable for even the tough cases
Michael Kalish did a fabulous job. It took a long time, but not due to anything he or I did. Typical SSI delay and denial, which should have been a slam dunk case for my brother, who had a brain tumor and was unable to work. The system is so backward that we had to take it to the federal appeals c...
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2016 - Present
Owner, Law Offices of Michael P. Kalish, Corp.
2004 - Present
The National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR)member
N/A
Spanish
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Disability SSDI question
14 Feb 2026
Can I get an attorney for a ssi cdr when there is no back pay and it will be covered by someone else
12 Feb 2026
Hello, can you have a safe deposit box in the bank when you on SSI?
10 Feb 2026