Social Security Law
Serving: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas & Denver
When it comes to your livelihood you should never take shortcuts, and when applying for social security disability benefits there are no shortcuts. At the Social Security Law Group, you will be treated like more than another case, you will be treated like a human being.
Please take some time and read about our experienced and dedicated attorneys:
Ann Marie Beaudoin
Co-Founder & Managing Partner |
Attorney Beaudoin's role as Managing Partner of SSLG has been instrumental to the Firm's nationwide growth. Since 1995, she has successfully represented thousands of SSDI claimants and helped forge the Firm's continuing mission to be "the top attorney partner in our industry." Not only has she earned the trust of scores of clients over the years, but has also personally generated long-lasting, mutually beneficial professional relationships with corporate entities throughout the United States. On a day to day basis, she spearheads all aspects of the Firm's operational and financial governance. Passionate in her defense of psychiatrically disabled claimants, Attorney Beaudoin leads the Firm's specialized Mental & Nervous Claims Unit. In addition, her membership in the National Organization of Social Security Claimants‘ Representatives serves to compliment her extensive background in litigation and contract work with various Boston based companies and law firms. Ms. Beaudoin graduated from Hollins University in 1990 with a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Boston University Law School in 1993. She is admitted to the Bar in Maine, Massachusetts, and the U.S. District Court, Massachusetts. |
Victor J. Arruda
Co-Founder & Managing Partner |
First introduced to disability advocacy as a law student, Attorney Arruda has been leaving his mark on the industry ever since. Upon receiving his law degree, he led a West Coast presence for a former law firm. He quickly understood that zealous representation was only part of the job. He was inspired to build a new business model: one where the whole of the SSDI process was considered bigger than the sum of its parts. In I994, Attorney Arruda co-founded The Social Security Law Group. Under his steady leadership. SSLG became the first of its kind to establish an internet presence in I998. In the year 2000, Attorney Arruda helped create, design, and rollout WebCheck®. Nearly a decade later, it remains the premier interactive case management tool in our industry. A leading light in the practice of Social Security Disability Law, Attorney Arruda has been a featured speaker at numerous conferences and seminars throughout the country. Prior to founding SSLG, he distinguished himself as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy where he served as a defense lawyer in the elite Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG). Attorney Arruda is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts (B.S., 1988) with a concentration in Economics. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School in 1993. He is admitted to the Bar in Maine and Massachusetts. |
Seth G. Matthews
Managing Attorney |
Seth G. Matthews is the Managing Attorney for The Social Security Law Group. Attorney Matthews has been with SSLG since 2000; starting first as an Associate Attorney where he represented clients at SSDI hearings throughout the United States. As SSLG grew, so did his responsibilities and duties. In 2001, Attorney Matthews relocated to Texas to establish SSLG Dallas, which flourished under his managerial stewardship in the ensuing two years. Since that time, he has returned to the Boston area to play an integral role at our Home Office. In 2006, Seth became the firm's Managing Attorney; overseeing all SSLG Associates nationwide. Additionally. he supervises the firm‘s in-house Attorneys and law clerks who pen most of the firm's briefs and memoranda at law for submission to U.S. Administrative Law Judges, the SSA Appeals Council and the Federal District Court. He works closely with the Director of Client Services, Account Managers and Client Services Representatives to ensure proper development of our clients‘ cases. Attorney Matthews also lends his expertise to new client consultations and is routinely sought after to resolve complex statutory issues which arise in our practice. Furthermore, he continues to personally represent our clients in hearings throughout the country. To date, he has helped more than 600 claimants secure SSDI benefits. Prior to joining us, Attorney Matthews was an Associate Attorney for Hamill & Gray, LLP in Quincy, Massachusetts. While at that firm, Seth's work focused primarily on real estate law and civil litigation. Mr. Matthews received his B. A. in Political Science from the University of Texas, Arlington in 1994, and his Juris Doctor degree in 1996 from St. Mary’s University School of Law. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School in 1998. Mr. Matthews is admitted to the Bar in Massachusetts and the U.S. District Court, Massachusetts. |
Cia Kamalipour
Associate Attorney - Dallas |
Cia Mack Kamalipour was born in El Paso, Texas. It was during Mr. Kamalipour's Social Justice Clinical Program that he became a passionate advocate for the indigent and disabled—working with homeless and disabled veterans. During Mr. Kamalipour's time with the program, he earned the prestigious "Francisco Leo Award for Clinical Excellence." In addition, Mr. Kamalipour was a staff writer for "The Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review of Minority issues." In this capacity, he was honored with the "Bob Martindale Award for Community Excellence." He also earned entry into the prestigious Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Fraternity. Attorney Kamalipour joined SSLG in 2008 and has been a passionate advocate for his clients and their causes. In addition to the natural talent and enthusiasm he brings to his practice, he further encourages his clients by sharing his personal philosophy, "Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn" -Harriet Beecher Stowe. Mr. Kamalipour received his B.A. degree, Cum Laude, from St. Mary's University in 2005, and earned his Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2008. |
James E. McNeill
Associate Attorney - Boston |
With 18 years of seasoned experience in the practice of Social Security disability law. Attorney James E. McNeill joined the Social Security Law Group in 2008. Even before graduating from law school, McNeill had already begun representing Social Security Disability claimants. While clerking as a law student at Claims Review Associates (CRA), a national insurance services firm, he was quickly given great responsibilities. While there, he immersed himself in all aspects of the disability claims process—from initial client intake and assembling of medical records to writing briefs and arguing before U.S. Administrative Law Judges. After earning his law degree with honors, Attorney McNeill accepted a position as an Associate with CRA. In I996, he founded his own law firm, McNeil, Colella and Associates, which was, of course, dedicated to SSDI representation. In April 2008, McNeill, Colella and Associates merged with SSLG– helping expand our firm's nationwide resources. To date, Attorney McNeill has personally represented more than 1400 clients in Social Security Disability claims throughout the United States. His vast knowledge of Social Security statutes, regulations, and case law permits his clients to take comfort in his learned assurances. "Most of our clients have had very little, if any, prior dealings with the Social Security Administration." McNeill points out. "I understand that the whole ordeal can be a little overwhelming, even intimidating, and so I try to use my experience to shepherd them through the process as expeditiously as possible." He adds. "I want every person I represent to feel comfortable and confident when they go into their hearing." Prior to attending law school, Mr. McNeill worked in the area of marketing for Anheuser Busch in Upstate New York. He later returned to Boston to work in the financial services sector: first for Merrill Lynch and then with G.W. and Wade. He presently resides south of Boston with his wife and two children. Attorney McNeill is a graduate of The College of the Holy Cross (B.A., 1979) with a concentration in Economics. He received his law degree Cum Laude, from Suffolk University School of Law in 1995. |
Jason P. Smith
Lead Attorney - Denver |
Attorney Jason P. Smith began his career at SSLG's home office in January of 2006, and has represented more than 300 SSDI claimants in administrative law hearings since that time. In January of 2007, he was chosen to preside over the firm‘s westward based expansion. He relocated to his native Colorado to establish SSLG Denver, and has continued to manage those SSDI claims which the firm adjudicates in the western part of the United States. As a seasoned SSDI lawyer, Smith believes that listening closely to each of his clients is a hallmark of his approach to advocacy. He instructively states that “To be successful, a good practitioner must appreciate the individuality of each and every client." He continued, “In our practice, we must never become complacent about the specific hardships confronting those we represent. By taking the time to understand our clients‘ needs, we can better ensure their cases are understood by the government.” Attorney Smith is a graduate of the University of Colorado, at Boulder (B.A., 1997) with a concentration in Political Science, and he received his law degree from Roger Williams University, School of Law in 2005. Attorney Smith is a member of the Bar in Massachusetts. |
Laura Colella
Associate Attorney - Boston |
Attorney Laura Colella has practiced Social Security disability law since I995. Prior to joining SSLG, she was a partner at McNeill, Colella & Associates for thirteen years where she personally represented hundreds of claimants at disability hearings in all fifty states and Puerto Rico. Additionally in that time, she has authored numerous appellate briefs to the Social Security Administration's Appeals Council and the U.S. District Courts—securing many reversals and remands of ALJ denials, as well as frequent “on the record" disability decisions. Attorney Colella states, "The practice of Social Security disability law is unique in that it requires an extensive knowledge of medical conditions, terminology, treatment and medications. In my legal career, I have represented clients who suffer from just about every type of disability, and I have always incorporated the medical knowledge I've honed into my presentation of their cases." Notably, she regularly attends seminars on medical impairments and treatments to further broaden her expertise. In December of 2008, Atty. Colella was tapped to give a nationwide presentation to our attorney team on the most up to date developments in spinal afflictions and diagnostic testing. In successfully representing SSDI claimants, Atty. Colella values communication as the most essential ingredient. “I want to know about my clients’ medical appointments, tests, changes in treatment and medications, new diagnoses and, when relevant, vocational activities." She adds, "Working together, as attorney and client, is critical because a legal strategy is only as good as the quality of the evidence that undergirds it. Marshaling all the ever changing facts of a medical record is critical to making the winning argument. Doing so gives me the greatest degree of satisfaction." Attorney Colella is a graduate Mount Holyoke College (B.A., Cum Laude, 1992), and the Suffolk University Law School (J.D., Cum Laude, 1995) She is admitted to the Bar, both state and federal courts, in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Attorney Colella has been a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants and Representatives (NOSSCR) since 1996. |
Paul L. Jenkins
Lead Attorney - Atlanta |
Attorney Jenkins has been with SSLG since June 2006, representing more than a hundred SSDI claimants annually before Administrative Law Judges across the country. He wants all those he represents to appreciate a strong "devil's advocate“ approach to hearing preparation. Jenkins says, “Looking at a set of facts as the client sees them is certainly important, but appreciating the government's position is no less essential. “I ask the tough questions of my clients for two purposes—to help them prepare for the judge who might not be on their side, and to help myself identify and address legal hurdles that could otherwise become problematic." Jenkins added, "if an attorney has taken the time to study all ‘four corners‘ of a case and do the yeoman’s work of developing focused testimony, judges typically take notice and rightly accord more weight to that attorney's arguments." As part of SSLG's new four-part “Attorney Sidekick Audio Series," Attorney Jenkins recently wrote and narrated a CD program in which the hearing preparation process is neatly distilled. It is made available to all future clients with pending disability hearings. In May of 2008, Jenkins was tapped to lecture our nationwide team of attorneys on his distinctive techniques for cross-examining expert medical witnesses. In January of 2009, he was chosen to establish the firm‘s Atlanta branch. He relocated to Georgia and has continued to manage those SSDI claims which the firm adjudicates in the southeastern part of the United States. Before joining SSLG, Attorney Jenkins was an Associate with the Boston firm of Topkins and Bevans. While there, he successfully argued disputes before the Massachusetts District Court, Probate Court and Land Court, dealing with matters of contract law, landlord-tenant process, and wills-contests. Upon graduating from law school, Attorney Jenkins was named the sole recipient of the 2004 Robert & Marcus Award for “Commitment to Trial Practice", in recognition of his Moot Court performance. He was also designated a “New England Scholar" for consistently ranking in the top 10% of his law school class. Attorney Jenkins is a graduate of Stonehill College (B.A., 1996), with a concentration in Political Science. He received his law degree from New England School of Law, graduating Cum Laude in 2004. Mr. Jenkins is admitted to the Bar in Massachusetts. |
Sarah H. Abernathy
Associate Attorney - Dallas |
Sarah H. Abernathy was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and grew up in Dallas, Texas. During law school, Ms. Abernathy was on the Dean's List and successfully represented clients pro bono in adoption and child custody mailers. As an associate with a boutique business law firm she gained valuable trial experience representing a real estate company in a variety of matters. She continued her trial work as a partner in a firm specializing in family law, successfully representing clients in custody and divorce matters. Ms. Abernathy was excited to join SSLG in 2008 and feels her litigation experience has prepared her to be a strong advocate for her clients. She also draws great inspiration from a personal story. "As the child of a disabled parent, I truly understand the day to day challenges my clients face," Abernathy said, "Not only does my background lend passion to the representation I provide, but it also helps clients to better communicate with me." She adds. "They know right away that I am here to help." Ms. Abernathy has successfully represented over 500 disabled individuals in the four years since joining SSLG. Ms. Abernathy is a graduate of Stonehill College with a B.A. in English (2001), and the Texas Wesleyan School of Law (J.D., 2006). Ms. Abernathy is admitted to the Bar in Texas and the U.S. District Court, North District of Texas. |
Michael Marciano
Associate Attorney – Boston |
Michael Marciano has been with the Social Security Law Group since 2009. In his role as Associate Attorney, Mr. Marciano has represented hundreds of disabled individuals before Administrative Law Judges all across the eastern United States. He has a keen ability to assess potential SSDI claims from incoming potential clients to determine if their claim is viable within the SSDI system. Prior to joining SSLG, Mr. Marciano was a Senior Associate with Kaplan & Associates, Inc. in Rhode Island. Mr. Marciano received his B.A. degree, cum laude, from Boston College in 1998. He also was the Lawrence E. Ryan Scholar and received his Juris Doctor degree from Boston College Law School in 2001. Mr. Marciano is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and is a member of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Bar Associations. |
Virginia Carreno
Associate Attorney – Denver |
Virginia Carreno joined The Social Security Law Group in 2009 when she relocated to Denver, CO from her home on the east coast. Before joining SSLG, she practiced in a New York City law firm where she served as an active litigator and trial attorney. At SSLG, Ms. Carreno has represented hundreds of claimants in their Social Security Disability claims and firmly believes that each claimant deserves a fair hearing and the zealous advocacy of the attorney representing them. She realizes that every claimant is an individual person with their own disability, personality and background and strives to give every claimant the individual and personal attention they expect and deserve. Ms. Carreno earned Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Government and Law, and Philosophy from Lafayette College in 2003. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School in 2006. Ms. Carreno is admitted to practice law in New York, New Jersey and Colorado. |
David MacIntyreAssociate Attorney – Boston |
David MacIntyre joined the Social Security Law Group in 2006 and has represented thousands of disabled Americans before Administrative Law Judges all across the United States. His thorough preparation has earned him a reputation as a highly skilled and professional attorney. Prior to joining SSLG, Mr. MacIntyre was the Owner, Legal Counsel and Trustee of the law firm MacIntyre & Associates. He was responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the private practice. He handled all aspects of client representation in state and federal courts, both criminal and civil. Mr. MacIntyre earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Political Science from Boston University in 1987 and 1989, respectively. He was awarded his Juris Doctor degree from the Syracuse University Law School in 1994. He is a member of American MENSA, LTD., as well as a Member of the Massachusetts Executive Board, Member & Proctor. Mr. MacIntyre is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Central Massachusetts Small Business Association. |
Christina Apfel
Associate Attorney – Boston |
Christina Apfel is a hearing attorney located in our home office. Prior to joining SSLG in 2009, she was an Associate Attorney with the law firm Kidambi & Associates. Ms. Apfel has been very successful at winning SSDI awards on some very difficult cases. She has represented and won SSDI awards for several hundred disabled individuals since joining the firm. Ms. Apfel received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Quinnipiac University in 2002, and her Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2005. She is admitted to practice in Connecticut and is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association; Hartford Bar Association, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). |
Jesse HayesAssociate Attorney – Boston |
Jesse Hayes joined the Social Security Law Group in 2011after working for a private law firm in Hartford, Connecticut. At SSLG, Mr. Hayes was a specialist in drafting legal briefs for On-The-Record decisions. He is currently a Hearing Attorney providing advocacy and presenting disability claims before Administrative Law Judges. Mr. Hayes completed his Bachelor of Arts in History at Bates College in 2007, and received his Juris Doctorate, with Honors, from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2011. He was also the recipient of the 2011 Connecticut Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Award. He is licensed to practice law in Connecticut. |
