Nevada has one of the higher initial-denial rates in the country. Most successful Las Vegas SSDI claims are won at the appeal hearing.
Top 10 Disability Lawyers in Las Vegas
Nevada has one of the higher initial-denial rates in the country for Social Security disability claims — historically around 67–70% of first applications. The decision that matters most is usually not the initial one but the Administrative Law Judge hearing that comes months later. The right Las Vegas disability attorney knows the local Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) judges by track record, has worked with the vocational and medical experts the agency uses, and can build a record that survives reconsideration and federal court remand.
Updated March 25, 202614 min readEditorially independent
These ten Las Vegas disability firms were selected based on National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) membership, Nevada State Bar standing, AVVO and Justia client ratings, Best Lawyers recognition where applicable, and consistent surfacing on Expertise.com and ThreeBestRated. We do not accept payment for placement.
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI, workers' compensation, personal injury
Major Las Vegas plaintiff-side firm with attorneys reporting more than 85 years of combined legal experience and more than $500 million recovered for clients statewide.
Strong fit when your SSDI claim sits alongside a personal injury or workers' comp claim — one firm can coordinate all three and avoid the setoff problems that trim back benefits.
Practice focus: Social Security Disability Insurance, SSI, appeals, federal court
Las Vegas Social Security boutique. Founding attorney Kiel Roeschke is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR). Practice covers applications, appeals, hearings, and federal court representation.
Strong fit when you want a focused SSDI practice from intake through federal court — the firm handles each stage rather than passing the file off after the hearing.
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI, denied claims at all stages
Las Vegas Social Security boutique. Founder Dianna Cannon has practiced Social Security disability law for over 33 years and reports more than $100 million in past-due benefits recovered for clients.
Strong fit for the difficult case — appeals after multiple denials, federal court remands, and re-applications after prior unsuccessful claims.
Social Security Lawyers of Nevada (Martin Muckleroy)
Founded 2010Boutique
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI, ALJ hearings across Nevada
Las Vegas firm at 6077 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 140 (The Pines Shopping Center). Founding attorney Martin Muckleroy represents claimants across Nevada and travels to attend hearings statewide.
Strong fit if you live outside the Las Vegas metro — the firm travels for hearings, which matters in Nevada where claimants are spread across a large geographic area.
Practice focus: Social Security Disability, SSI, guardianship
Las Vegas firm practicing primarily in Social Security Disability/SSI and guardianship law. Attorneys focus on cases where government agencies and the court system intersect.
Strong fit when the case involves a guardianship or representative-payee issue alongside the disability claim — useful for elderly claimants or those with cognitive impairments.
Practice focus: SSDI, SSI applications and appeals
Las Vegas disability advocacy firm at 3215 W Charleston Blvd. Practice covers SSDI and SSI applications, reconsideration, hearings, and Appeals Council review.
Strong fit when you want a firm with extended weekend hours — the firm advertises Saturday and Sunday intake availability, which helps working caregivers.
Las Vegas Social Security disability firm representing claimants at the Las Vegas Social Security Field Office and OHO. Handles applications through federal court remand.
Strong fit for newer applications where you want an attorney involved from the initial filing to maximize the chance of approval without a hearing.
Practice focus: ADA disability discrimination, reasonable accommodation, workplace disability
Las Vegas office of national employee-side employment firm. Disability practice handles ADA discrimination, reasonable-accommodation refusal, and FMLA matters — the workplace side of disability law.
Strong fit when the question is whether your employer must accommodate your disability or whether they discriminated against you for it — not the SSDI benefits question.
Ten firms is a lot to evaluate. Three filters will get you to a short list of two or three in an afternoon.
Fit your situation, not just the practice area. A Social Security disability firm that does mostly high-dollar cases is a different fit from one that does mostly working-family matters. Call the firm and ask: "What does a typical client look like for you? What does a typical case look like?" If the answer is your situation, you are in the right place.
Ask who actually handles the case. Many firms market on the senior partner and route the day-to-day work to a junior associate. That is not automatically bad — junior associates can be excellent — but you should know who you are working with. Ask: "Who will I be talking to day-to-day? How often does the senior partner sit in?"
Compare quotes side by side. Most Las Vegas firms on this list offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. Use two of them. Compare fee structure, retainer, and the answers to the same set of questions across firms.
What a Las Vegas Social Security disability lawyer costs
Disability attorney fees are capped by federal law. The maximum a Las Vegas SSDI lawyer can charge is 25% of your past-due benefits or $9,200 (the 2026 cap), whichever is lower. You pay nothing if you do not win. Out-of-pocket case costs (medical records, expert opinions) typically run $200–$800 and are billed only after recovery. Employer-side ADA disability discrimination cases follow different rules — those are typically contingency at 33–40% plus statutory fee-shifting if you win.
How long it takes in Las Vegas
An initial Nevada SSDI application takes 4–8 months for a decision. Reconsideration adds another 3–5 months. If reconsideration is denied, an ALJ hearing in Las Vegas is typically scheduled 10–15 months out. Federal court remand cases add 12–18 months. Most successful Las Vegas claimants reach a favorable decision 15–28 months from the original filing date.
Where Las Vegas Social Security disability cases are heard
Initial decisions are made in coordination with the Nevada Bureau of Disability Adjudication. Hearings are held at the Social Security Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) in Las Vegas, with video options for outlying claimants. Appeals Council review is in Falls Church, VA (paper review). Federal court review is in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada (Las Vegas Division).
What is specific about a Social Security disability case in Las Vegas
Nevada Social Security disability has distinct features that differ from neighboring states.
SSDI fees are federally capped. Disability attorneys nationwide are paid out of past-due benefits — 25% of back-pay or $9,200, whichever is less (2026 cap). Las Vegas firms cannot charge more, and you pay nothing if you do not win.
Nevada initial-denial rates are high. Roughly two out of three first applications are denied. The Nevada Bureau of Disability Adjudication (in conjunction with SSA) decides the medical question. Most successful claims are won later at the ALJ hearing.
Hearings are at the Las Vegas OHO. Most Las Vegas disability hearings are scheduled at the Social Security Office of Hearings Operations in Las Vegas, or by video for outlying claimants. Wait times for a hearing slot are typically 10–15 months from the request.
Federal court review is in the D. Nevada. If the Appeals Council denies your case, the next step is a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada (Las Vegas Division). Roughly 45–55% of remand-eligible cases are sent back from federal court to the agency.
Red flags to watch for when picking a Social Security disability lawyer in Las Vegas
The first hundred Google results for "Social Security disability lawyer Las Vegas" include thousands of firms. Most are competent. A handful are problems. The patterns to walk away from:
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can guarantee a result. If a firm promises a specific recovery or dismissal, leave.
The vanishing partner. You meet a senior name at intake, then never speak to them again. Ask in writing who handles your case from day to day.
Pressure to sign immediately. Reputable firms give you the retainer in writing, time to read it, and the option to take it home. High-pressure intake is almost always a volume mill.
No verifiable track record. The firm should be able to point to published verdicts, settlements, peer rankings, or bar association recognition. "We have helped thousands of clients" is marketing. Specific cases, numbers, and third-party rankings are evidence.
Vague fee terms. Every legitimate Las Vegas lawyer will give you a written engagement letter with the fee structure, what is covered, what triggers extra charges, and what happens if you fire them. If the firm cannot put that in writing, walk away.
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What to bring to your Social Security disability consultation in Las Vegas
The free consultation is short — usually 30 to 45 minutes. The lawyer cannot give you a serious case assessment without the documents. Bring the file. Most consultations turn into useful guidance only after the attorney has seen the paper trail.
The paper trail. Every email, text, and letter that touches the matter. Print or PDF the threads in chronological order. If you have a contract or written agreement, bring the signed version and any drafts that show what was negotiated. For court matters, bring every filed document and any orders that have issued.
A written timeline. One page. Bullet points. Date on the left, what happened on the right. Lawyers think in chronology — a timeline is the single most useful artifact you can prepare.
Names and contact information. Everyone involved on the other side, anyone who witnessed the events, your prior attorneys (if any), the relevant insurance carriers or institutions. A lawyer needs to run a conflict check before taking the case; a short list saves time.
Your goals, in writing. What does a good outcome look like? What does an acceptable outcome look like? What is non-negotiable? A lawyer who knows your goals can tell you whether the case is worth the cost.
10 questions to ask in your free consultation
Most Las Vegas Social Security disability firms on this list offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. Use it. Bring a list of questions, write down the answers, and compare across two firms before you sign.
Who, specifically, will handle my case day-to-day? Get a name. Get an email.
How many cases like mine have you handled in the last three years? A number, not a brochure line.
What is your fee, and what does it cover? Get the answer in writing before you sign.
What case expenses am I responsible for, and when? Out-of-pocket costs surprise people. Ask now.
What is the realistic range of outcomes for a case like mine? A good lawyer will give you a range. A bad one will promise the high end.
How long will it take? Honest estimate, with the assumptions stated.
Who else will be involved? Experts? Co-counsel? Larger cases routinely involve outside experts. Know who is on the team.
How and how often will I hear from you? Email-only? Calls? Monthly updates? Set the expectation now.
What happens if I want to change lawyers later? The rules allow it; the fee is sorted between firms. Make sure you understand the mechanics.
What is the worst-case outcome for my case? A lawyer who refuses to discuss downside risk is selling you something.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get Social Security disability in Las Vegas?
An initial application takes 4–8 months. If denied, reconsideration adds 3–5 months. An ALJ hearing is typically scheduled 10–15 months after that. Most successful Las Vegas claimants wait 15–28 months from filing to first payment.
How much does a Las Vegas disability lawyer cost?
Federal law caps disability attorney fees at 25% of past-due benefits or $9,200, whichever is lower (2026 cap). You pay nothing if you do not win. Out-of-pocket costs for medical records and expert reports typically run $200–$800.
Should I apply for SSDI or SSI?
SSDI is for workers who have paid into Social Security long enough through payroll taxes. SSI is a need-based program for low-income disabled adults and children. Many Nevada claimants are eligible for both ("concurrent claims"). Your lawyer will assess which programs apply based on your work history and income.
Can I work while applying for SSDI in Nevada?
Yes, but not above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2026 that is $1,620/month for non-blind claimants. Earning above SGA generally disqualifies your claim. Below SGA may be allowed but raises questions an ALJ will probe.
What conditions qualify for SSDI?
Any medically determinable impairment that prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. Common Las Vegas claims involve back injuries, mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD), autoimmune disease, and cancer. The SSA "Blue Book" lists qualifying conditions, but most cases are won on functional limitations, not the diagnosis itself.
What is the Las Vegas OHO?
The Office of Hearings Operations is the Social Security branch that runs ALJ hearings. Las Vegas's OHO covers Clark County and surrounding Nevada counties. Most hearings are held locally or by video.
Why was my disability claim denied?
The two most common reasons are (1) insufficient medical evidence — gaps in treatment, missing specialist records — and (2) the SSA determining you can do "other work" in the national economy. A Las Vegas disability lawyer can request your file, identify the gap, and rebuild the record for appeal.
Do I need a lawyer for my SSDI application or just the appeal?
Statistically, claimants with attorney representation at the initial application level have higher approval rates than self-represented claimants. At the hearing level, the gap is larger. Because fees are contingent and capped, there is no out-of-pocket downside to having a lawyer involved from the start.
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Read the reviews. Call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one: How many cases like mine have you taken to verdict in the last three years? The answer tells you what you need to know. — The LawFirmSquare team
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