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About Debra
Biography
I am no longer accepting new clients as I head toward retirement. Please feel free to contact me to discuss other legal representation options. Good luck in your endeavors.
Hello and thank you for reviewing my AVVO profile. My practice covers all of Washington State, Eastern Idaho and Northeastern Orgeon. I first began practicing Social Security law during my internship in my law school free legal clinic. Helping people who were trying to fight the government to obtain the assistance they needed was very gratifying. I felt like I made a difference in somone's every day life. Now, I continue with my own law practice, where I help people with the respect and dignity they deserve. The Social Security process is long and frustrating. Don't go it alone. At my office, we can relieve some of the burden from you in dealing with Social Security. Since those days in the law school legal clinic, I have helped thousands of people just like you. Call now so I can help you too.
I initially began practicing consumer bankruptcy as my disability clients experienced financial difficulties while being out of work during the lengthy process to obtain their disability benefits. My bankruptcy practice grew from there as others with financial difficulties sought my help. You deserve to live your life without the burden of debt. Call now so we can discuss your best options moving forward.
Social Security disability or Consumer Bankruptcy - let us help.
Good luck to you!
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Social Security & Disability
70%
33 years
Bankruptcy and Debt
30%
12 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
20%-25%
Retainer
Sometimes
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 23 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 32 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 23 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Licensed in Illinois for 29 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Debra J. Venhaus
P.O. Box 12488, Mill Creek, WA, 98082
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Debra J Venhaus's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
6 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Mary | October 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Helped through a very tough time
I contacted Debra when I knew my only option was to go through bankruptcy after my divorce. She answered all my questions and kept me calm through this whole procedure, She made this process as smooth as possible. She is very knowledgeable and made sure everything was done perfectly . As going throug...
Posted by Elizabeth | April 30, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
helpful, informative, ethical
My husband had been disabled for awhile and several lawyers told us he was too young, or find him a job he could do even under the extreme circumstances of his disability. Debra truly listened, gave us clear explanations for what was happening, was extremely helpful, informative, and took our case. I...
Posted by Karen | July 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability
Helped when others would not
I have a rare bone disease and needed help with my Social Security Disability. I had called multiply Lawyers and none were interested in my case as they had not heard of my disease and didn’t think they could win. Then I called Debra Venhaus, she was difference. She listened, asked questions and sa...
Debra J Venhaus's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
Douglas Borthwick
Social Security & Disability lawyer | Nov 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
David McCormick
Social Security & Disability lawyer | Jan 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Social security is not for dabblers, and her answers on AVVO show her vast experience in this sometimes complex area of the law. I endorse this lawyer."
"Debra is an experienced Social Security Disability attorney with a proven track record. I endorse her."
"Details are the only thing that matter in the complex field of Social Security claims and Debra J Venhaus clearly knows this field inside and out. I am happy to endorse Ms Venhaus & welcome her to the Avvo community."
"I have know Debra Venhaus professionally for many years and consider her to be a superior Social Security attorney.."
"Ms. Venhaus has worked in the area of Social Security Disability for 20 years. Her knowledge, expertise, and results are exceptional in the area of disability law. With that being said, what really separates Ms. Venhaus apart is her tremendous professionalism and compassion for her clients, which is evidenced by her willingness to take on all cases and clients and treat each one with the upmost care. In short, Ms. Venhaus is a great disability lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have heard from Judges that she does a good job in hearings and from former clients."
Denise Kuhlman
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Rosemary Schurman
Social Security & Disability lawyer
David McCormick
Unknown lawyer
Craig Coombs
Unknown lawyer
Breckan Scott
Unknown lawyer
Dorothy Bunce
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Keith Kinzebach
Social Security & Disability lawyer
Lyle Clark
Social Security & Disability lawyer
Ann Cook
Administrative law lawyer
Experience
Honors
2015
Pro Bono Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2010
Pro Bono Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
Work Experience
2002 - Present
Owner, Law Office of Debra J. Venhaus, PLLC
2000 - 2002
Associate Attorney, Law Office of Robert A. Friedman
1997 - 2000
Associate Attorney, Lloyd, Hoskins & Pierce
1995 - 1997
Attorney, Shaw Group
1994 - 1995
Attorney, The Shaw Group
1993 - 1994
Legal Consultant, Balek Consulting
Associations
2017 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
2003 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationLicensed Atty
2002 - Present
District of Columbia BarLicensed Atty
1996 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
1995 - Present
National Organization of Social Security Claimants RepresentativesSustaining Member
1994 - Present
The Florida BarLicensed Atty
Sample of Legal Cases
Henry v. Apfel (11th Cir. 1998)
Favorable/win
Holmes v. Apfel (11th Cir. 1997)
Favorable/win
Heldebrand v. Colvin (7th Cir. 1996)
Favorable/win
Education
1993
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
Juris Doctorate
1989
Nova University
Bachelor of Science, with Distinction (Magna Cum Laude)
Speaking Engagements
2014
Social Security Disability from Start to Finish
Effective Hearing Tactics
2013
Veterans Benefits Information luncheon
Veterans Compensation and Pension
2013
Circuit 9 Conference
Contributer to Ethics presentation regarding Subpoenas in Social Security hearings
N/A
Women's Historical Society
Women's Convoy to Central America
N/A
Speaker: Social Security Disability
Filing for Social Security Disability with Parkinson's Disease
Publications
1994
Medical Trial Technique Quarterly
AIDS Dementia Complex: A New and Necessary Insanity Defense
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Do I as a parent in a mediation have to grant the grand parent court order visitation
02 Feb 2026
Q&A
Can I be garnished by a creditor, when I'm already being garnished for child support?
04 Jun 2021
Q&A
Can there be state approval through bankruptcy?If so,how does that work?
18 Mar 2021