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Brian S Wayson

also known as Brian Scott Wayson, Brian S Wayson
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About Brian

 - Adept at sizing up situations, systematically analyzing facts and developing alternative courses of action to achieve sensible solutions.

- Considered a clear and effective oral and written communicator with the ability to concisely interpret complex laws, regulations and court opinions, using a common sense approach.

- Blessed with extensive experience in effectively working with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds, allowing him to be a good listener.

- Well-versed in client counseling, claim analysis, case preparation, and hearing and appeal representation.

- Aware that while the journey is challenging, successful outcomes for his clients are particularly rewarding.

- Recognized for forming quality relationships quickly and instilling a high level of confidence among those with whom he interacts.

 - Acknowledged as a self-starter with an involved style of leadership.

- Most of all, thankful for all I have, including my awesome family and wonderful friends.

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Practice areas

Administrative lawState, local, and municipal lawGovernmentSocial security
  1. Social security: 85%

    Small firm law practice specializing in Social Security Disability, SSI , Veterans Disability Benefits, and related administrative law matters. We put our wealth of experience and sincere compassion for others to work for those who need or would like assistance navigating an administrative law labyrinth. We offer one-on-one interaction with your attorney and our personal commitment to doing everything in our power to assist you to restore your dignity and secure the benefits you have earned.

    15 years, 1,250 cases

  2. Government: 5%

    Representing individuals and businesses at Federal, Tribal, State, County and City administrative proceedings. Including cases involving Veterans Disability Benefit appeals, Code Compliance Hearings, Contested Case Hearings, Formal and Informal Conferences, Pre-hearing Conferences, Settlement Conferences and almost any other proceeding the federal, tribal, state or local government may come up with.

    17 years, 160 cases

  3. State, local, and municipal law: 5%

    Representing individuals and businesses at Tribal, State, County and City agency administrative proceedings. Including cases involving Land Use appeals, Code Compliance Hearings, Contested Case Hearings, Formal and Informal Conferences, Pre-hearing Conferences, Settlement Conferences and almost any other proceeding a tribal, state or local government agency may come up with.

    17 years, 120 cases

  4. Administrative law: 5%

    Representing individuals and businesses at Tribal, State, County and City agency administrative proceedings. Including cases involving Land Use appeals, Code Compliance Hearings, Contested Case Hearings, Formal and Informal Conferences, Pre-hearing Conferences, Settlement Conferences and almost any other proceeding a tribal, state or local government agency may come up with.

    17 years, 160 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1501037 1314638369

1501037 1314638605

1501037 1314639116

1501037 1314639333

1501037 1377738009

1501037 1377738038

Contact

Cascadia Disability Law LLC

815 NE Schuyler Avenue
po box 12028
portland, OR, 97212

Cascadia Disability Law f/k/a Brown + Wayson LLC

847 NE 19th Avenue
Suite 260
Portland, OR, 97232

WaysonLaw LLC

PO Box 12028
Portland, OR, 97212

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ORActive200405/11/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers2344
Legal guides15
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2018
Moot Court Honor BoardNorthwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College2003
Natural Resources Law ScholarshipNorthwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College2003
Scholar ListNorthwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College2003
Client Counseling Moot Court Regional CompetitionAmerican Bar Association2003
Best Brief - First Year Moot CourtNorthwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College2002
Natural Resources Law ScholarshipNorthwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College2002
Indian Summer ScholarshipNorthwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College2002
Scholar ListNorthwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College2002
Natural Resources Law ScholarshipNorthwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College2001
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
OwnerCascadia Disability Law formerly known as Brown + Wayson LLC2010 - Present
OwnerWaysonLaw LLC2004 - Present
Administrative Rule WriterOregon, Department of Human Services2008 - 2010
Attorney at LawLaw Offices2006 - 2008
Human ResourcesA Fortune 100 Company2004 - 2005
Law ClerkCity of Portland Attorney’s Office2003 - 2003
Legal InternNatural Resources Law Institute2002 - 2003
Indian Summer Legal InternBonneville2002 - 2002
InternUnited States Green Building Council2000 - 2000
InternCity Commissioner Erik Sten’s Office1999 - 1999
Business ManagementBusinesses small and large1985 - 2001
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
American Bar AssociationMember2005 - Present
Oregon State BarMember2004 - Present
Metropolitan Learning Center Educational FoundationBoard Member2012 - 2014
Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark CollegeFaculty Meetings, Student Bar Representative2003 - 2003
American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Non-Profit Law CommitteeStudent Vice-Chair2003 - 2004
American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Aviation and Space Law CommitteeVice Chair2003 - 2004
Multnomah Bar AssociationMember2002 - 2005
Journal of Small & Emerging Business LawResearch Editor / Editorial Board, Internet Editor2002 - 2004
Federal Bar AssociationMember2001 - 2004
Native American Law Students AssociationTreasurer2001 - 2004
Student Advocates for Business and Environmental ResponsibilityMember / Treasurer2001 - 2004
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Legal GuidesUnemployment and Social Security Disability Benefits Simultaneously2011
Legal GuidesWhat Are Your Chances When You Apply for Social Security Disability2011
Legal GuidesSocial Security's 5-Step Sequential Analysis for Disability Determinations2011
Legal GuidesWhat is a Social Security Representative Payee?2011
Legal GuidesHow an Attorney Improves Your Chances of Winning Your Social Security Disability Hearing2011
Legal GuidesA Primer: The Social Security Disability Benefits Application Process2011
Legal GuidesSocial Security Disability Programs: An Introduction2011
Legal GuidesApplying for Social Security Disability Benefits: Welcome to the Machine2011
Legal GuidesShould You Hire an Attorney to Assist You with Your Disability Claim?2011
Legal GuidesChild and Spousal Support Garnishment of Social Security Benefits2011
Legal GuidesAppealing or Changing Your Appointed Social Security Representative Payee2011
Legal GuidesFederal Government Garnishment of Social Security Benefits2011
Legal GuidesSocial Security Disability Law and You2011
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark CollegeJD - Juris Doctor2003
Portland State UniversityMPA - Masters in Public Administration2000
Linfield CollegeBS - Bachelor of Science1998
University of California - Berkeley ExtensionCertificate in Business Adminiatration1995
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Continuing Education courseThe ABCs of Social Security Disability Law2012
Circuit 9 ConferenceEthical Considerations in Social Security Disability Representation2012
ACCESO LEGAL - SiriusXM RadioSocial Security Disability Law2012
Presentation to StudentsSocial Security Disability Law and You2011
Participants' ClassSSD, SSI, Medicare and Medicaid2011
College CourseSocial Security Disability Law2011
Basics of Social Security Disability LawSocial Security Disability Law2011
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Client v. CommissionerAward of Benefits for 2004 to present
Client2 v. Social Security AdministrationRemanded for a hearing on the merits
Client1 v. Social Security DisabilityAward of Past-due Benefits for approx. 9 years

Reviews

(6)
5 Star
83%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
0%
Review Brian Wayson

Not sure how they do it, but they get it done without charging very much!

Posted by

Came to them right beofre my appeal deadline, Brian jumped right on it and made sure I did not miss my deadline. Not only thatt, but after getting a lot of information from me about my medical providers he was able to make sure Social security got the records they missed before and Brian was able to get my doctor to right a letter to help my claim. Then Social Security approved my case before I had to go see their judge. SO, I get a lot of backpay and he just gets a small fee which seems too small for all of the work they did to make sure I did not miss a dead line to send in my appeal and then help my case so I could get my benefits and even get health coverage. Thanks to Cascadia DIsability and Brian for coming through for me when I was clueless.

He Returned My Call On A Sunday!

Posted by

I contacted Brian to see if he could straighten out a mess that another attorney had left me with. I left a message for him to return my call at his earliest convenience. As this was towards the end of the week, I didn't expect to hear back until the following Monday or so. You can imagine my surprise when Brian returned my call on a Sunday. I don't expect anyone to return a business call during the week-end. Brian listened to my problem & explained to me what needed to be done to respond to this situation. So far I have not had the pleasure of meeting with Brian in person, but I am very impressed with his knowledge, advise & the fact that he returned my call as promptly as he did. That was a refreshing change from my previous attorneys office. Thank you Brian.

Great Advice, Timely and Complete

Posted by

Brian, thank you for a very thorough response to my question about Social Security Numbers. I appreciate, not only the advice, but the helpful links to government sites to read more about this timely issue. I did not expect an answer so quickly and I do appreciate it! I would recommend you to anyone in Portland OR who may have a legal question or need help. Most importantly I appreciate the SERVICE that you provided to me--a member of the general public. Thank you very much!!

Excellent and knowledgeable response

Posted by

Brian gave an excellent response to a question I had with social security, and with his response, it has given me a solid foundation in which, to pursue my appeal with them (SSDI) for an error they admitted to making after I discovered it and provided proof. Thanks Brian

A hard working good guy

Posted by

Although I was a bit young to get my social security disability so I had a harder case, Brian worked hard and did a good job getting my case ready and telling the judge why I should get my social security disbaility. Brian came on to my case after the first attorney (in the same office) would not return my phone calls or meet with me. I am gratefule Brian was able to help me and did a good job doing it, I would have no problem recommending him to help somebody else.

Never met Attorney or Spoken to Attorney

Posted by

I have not had the opportunity to meet this Attorney. I have not met anyone from this office. I have been denied 2 times by SSDI I feel like a fish out of water. I feel that with the experience this Attorney has he wouldn't have taken my case if he didn't think it was worth his time. I am very frustrated with the entire situation.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Brian Wayson's response: Yes, things certainly have changed under COVID-19 Pandemic protocols, which began in March 2020. These changes have limited in person contact among everyone, including attorneys, Clients, law office staff and potential clients. In particular, it would be irresponsible, and probably unethical, for professionals working with vulnerable populations, such as individuals with disabilities, to increase their exposure and risks during a literal pandemic. We look forward to meeting with you inperson once the COVID-19 Pandemic protocols are removed. Your frustration with the Social Security system certainly is understandable. As you likely know, from the well-documented discussion of same, the system is quite inefficient and prolonged claims are the norm rather than the exception. It is the sad reality, that nearly 90-percent of Claimants are denied at the Reconsideration stage of the process (the second denial) and a significant majority of individuals who ultimately are approved for benefits, are approved after a hearing with a Social Security administrative law judge (the third stage in the cycle.) Unfortunately, as with most things involving large government agencies, these three stages can take quite some time - about 24 months on average. As much as we wish we could, no attorney or law firm can control the bureaucratic inefficiencies of the Social Security Administration or the occurrence and duration of a global pandemic. That being said, our office continues to serve our Clients effectively and in a timely manner. Every workday, all of us speak with multiple Clients, potential clients, and others involved in the process over the telephone, as well as via email. We wish you all the best.

Attorney endorsements

(69)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Clifford Farrell, Social security Attorney on Nov 5, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Brian always has timely and thoughtful advice and responds to Avvo questions incredibly quickly and in appropriate detail. His knowledge on Social Security issues is well demonstrated in his responses, as is his sensitivity to the nature of the problems facing the person presenting the issue. I would have no hesitation in recommending his counsel to potential clients.

Ronald Burdge, Social security Attorney on Jan 30, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

When it comes to Social Security Law, I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly. You can read his numerous answers to consumer questions on Avvo or his numerous Legal Guides or his favorable client reviews or what other lawyers have to say about attorney Wayson - and when you do you will realize that he has an extraordinary knowledge of Social Security Law. If you have a question about Social Security Law, he is your answer. Extraordinary knowledge = extraordinary lawyer. If his office is anywhere near you, I highly recommend him to you.

Steven Perrigo, Social security Attorney on Apr 6, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer based on his knowledgeable Social Security responses on Avvo.

Ronna DeLoe, Social security Attorney on Jun 28, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Wayson.

Judd Nemiro

Hardworking and determined. I endorse this lawyer.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Administrative law Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Hovanes Margarian, Administrative law Attorney on Jul 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

John O'Brien, Administrative law Attorney on May 1, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community.

Daniel Tam

I endorse this lawyer. It is clear by reading the answers in the AVVO community that this lawyer is a top notch attorney who is highly respected in the legal community.

Guy Haskell, Social security Attorney on Jan 30, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this Attorney Wayson without reservation.

M. Miller, Administrative law Attorney on Jun 3, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Terani

I endorse this lawyer.

Edgar Reynoso, Administrative law Attorney on Mar 5, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. His AVVO posts demonstrate his deep understanding of complex legal issues. His answers are always thoughtful, accurate, and they evidence his genuine interest in helping people.

Bryce Fetter, Administrative law Attorney on Feb 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Kevin Sullivan, Social security Attorney on Dec 31, 2012
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer. His postings on this site are clear, detailed and evidence his knowledge and skill.

Kyle Bristow

I endorse Mr. Wayson. As evidenced by the number of questions he has answered on Avvo, he has a great understanding of the law. One can deduce through his many work experiences that he is a stellar attorney.

Kristina Hatcher

I enjoy reading Mr. Wayson's answers on Avvo as well as the other practice advice he shares. He is to the point, shows genuine care and demonstrates great knowledge of our shared practice area of Social Security law as well as his other chosen practice areas. I endorse this lawyer.

Steven Fromm, Social security Attorney on Sep 15, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr Wayson is an excellent social security attorney. I have read 100s of his responses here at Avvo and he brings tremendous experience, insight and knowledge to the legal community. His practical approach to legal problems makes him an attorney that can be fully endorsed and recommended.

Christopher Leroi, Government Attorney on Sep 12, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Wayson has incredible knowledge and expert advice in all fields of government law. Not only does his advice benefit the people asking questions on Avvo, but his advice also assists fellow attorneys who are not as familiar with his areas of expertise. Simply an exceptional attorney.

John Phillips

I endorse Attorney Wayson. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos.

Julie Moya, Social security Attorney on Aug 14, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Kevin Chastine, State, local, and municipal law Attorney on Aug 2, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse Mr. Wayson to anyone needing an attorney in Oregon. He is an excellent attorney and will take good care of you.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$225-$375/hour
  • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
    30 minutes
OTHER BILLING TYPES
  • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.
    20%-25%
PAYMENT METHODS

Cash, Check