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 16 - 20 of 22 reviews
Posted by SHONTAE | August 22, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
FAST & EFFICIENT
MICHAEL IS A GREAT LAWYER OVERALL. I WOULD NOT HESITATE FOR ONE SECOND TO RECOMMEND HIM...INFACT, I ALREADY HAVE. HE IS NOT ONLY FAST, BUT VERY INFORMATIVE AND EFFICIENT!! IF YOU’VE BEEN DENIED BY ANY MEANS CALL MICHAEL...HE’LL GET THE JOB DONE FOR YOU & AT A GREAT PRICE!! ((ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE O...
Posted by anonymous | October 05, 2019 | Social Security Disability
Helpful with questions
Mr. Kalish was very helpful with my concerns regarding my up coming SSD hearing. He told me that his website had some information that would help me with the question the judge may ask. Even though I have a lawyer, he did help ease my mind. If I didn't have a lawyer already, I would definitely reco...
Posted by Matthew | March 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Five stars
Mr Kalish and his staff do exactly as promised. After three plus years, He went to court and fought for my benefits and won. I am very grateful and would tell everyone to call him if you are denied. Thank you Mr Kalish
Posted by alicia | November 05, 2018 | Social Security Disability
Excellent lawyer highly recommend
Michael gave me several free consultations regarding my social security case and even prepared me that I may be denied just because that's the way it goes so that I am prepared I won my case he gives great advice and takes you through step-by-step I highly recommend him.
Posted by Mike | April 27, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Highly recommend
I retained the services of Mr. Kalish and his staff in October 2015, for SSDI. From day one they were professional and very helpful. They always returned my phone calls, email and were very informative. My particular case took two and half years. I was very pleased with the outcome. I highly recommen...
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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