Elk Rapids Social Security Disability Lawyers

The best part of being a lawyer is helping others with their legal issues. I don’t pay for TV advertisements or premium on-line placements. Instead, I do the best I can at a fair price for my valuable clients who in turn pay me the ultimate compliment by referring me to others who may need legal services. Here are a few things I ask you to consider.

- I deal directly with my clients. I do not pass you on to a junior associate; I do the actual work, which I continue to find interesting and rewarding.

-I work...

Ilana S. Wilenkin is a Michigan native who grew up in a family of attorneys. She always possessed a strong motivation to assist others, so she cultivated that motivation by becoming an attorney herself. She graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, with honors, in 2000.

Ms. Wilenkin joined attorney Stuart M. Feldheim at Feldheim & Wilenkin, P.C. in 2004. She became a partner at the firm in 2008. Her practice is exclusively devoted to ERISA and non-ERISA short and long-term disability claims and life insurance denials. Ms. Wilenkin is admitted to practice before the Michigan state...

Cole Schmidt graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2009, and went on to earn his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2014. While attending law school, Cole interned with the Owosso city attorney and performed criminal prosecution in accordance with Michigan’s court rules; he also assisted with many matters both municipal and civil. After law school, Cole clerked for Oakland County’s corporation counsel before joining a small private practice firm specializing in home/auto insurance defense and dram shop actions. As a social security attorney at the Mike Morse Law Firm, Cole has successfully helped hundreds of...

Christopher John Pozios is an experienced attorney who will represent you personally at your hearing Christopher Pozios is the founder and managing partner of the Law Offices of Christopher Pozios. He practices social security law, criminal defense, complex civil litigation, trusts and estates and real estate law. Mr. Pozios has written and lectured on legal topics relating primarily to regulations governing Social Security laws and policies. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Macomb County Bar Association, Dade County Bar Association, and the National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives. He earned his J.D. in 2005 from Wayne State University Law...

Ross Gilders is a Michigan attorney recognized as a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers. Ross handles a wide range of cases including personal injury, social security, worker's compensation, property damage, and employment. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and Michigan federal courts. His law practice is dedicated to providing justice for individuals who have been injured or wronged. Contact Ross Gilders if you have been injured, if you are seeking social security or worker's compensation benefits, if you have incurred property damage, or if you have been wrongfully terminated or mistreated at work.

University of Detroit School of Law (1979); Western Michigan University (BBA 1976); Practicing exclusively in the field of Social Security disability. Partner in one of the largest and most successful firms in southwest Michigan that focuses exclusively in this field. Our attorneys are local and have high success rates with the judges who will decide your case. We have worked with many of the areas treating physicians and meet and consult with you from the beginning of the process and as often as needed. Our unique knowledge of the process involved, physicians, and thorough preparation of your case...

Bill Webster has been representing hard working men and women of Southwest Michigan for over 16 years in social security disability, workers' compensation, personal injury and domestic relations matters.

Austin Bruce graduated from Michigan State University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a minor in Economics. He then attended Wayne State University Law School, where he graduated in 2019 with his Juris Doctor. While attending law school, Austin clerked at law firms throughout Metro Detroit gaining experience in a variety of fields including criminal defense, medical malpractice, and personal injury. He also participated in a year long civil rights clinic offered through Wayne State. Austin joined the Mike Morse Law Firm in 2021, where he works in personal injury. In his free time, Austin enjoys spending time...

Jason Barrix founded the Barrix Law Firm in 1993 after Graduating from Thomas Cooley School. He was admitted tot he Michigan State Bar in 1993 as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. Prior to Law School Jason Barrix attended and Graduated from Central Michigan University. There he majored in Political Science receiving his Bachelor's of Science in 1988. Mr. Barrix has focused his practice on Representing those injured do to the negligence of others including Personal Injury, Auto Accident, Dog Bite, Food Poisoning, Medical Malpractice, Trip and Fall, Social...

Chris Filiatraut has been an expert trial lawyer for his entire 26 year career. He has personally tried over 100 cases in the area of personal injury and No-Fault. He has numerous million and multi-million dollar verdicts to his credit and is widely known and respected by both plaintiff and defense counsels for his accomplishments in the courtroom. He has several of the largest trial verdicts in the state since joining the Mike Morse Law firm in 2010. Chris has testified before the Michigan Legislature on No-Fault issues and is a regular speaker at seminars around the state ranging on issues...

John Fernandez is a lawyer with a difference, having over 28 years of practice as a member of the Michigan/Great Lakes Regional bar and invaluable experience as a litigator for people with disabilities, including Social Security Title II and Title XVI claims, Workers Compensation Claims, and Special Education/School Law Claims under IDEA. winning over 1000+ cases at federal and state hearings. Mr. Fernandez advocates legal equality as fundamental to the principle of the law. Mr. Fernandez received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and his law degree from Suffolk University Law School in Boston. Upon returning to...

Attorney Randall Mansour received his law degree from Indiana University School of Law after graduating with Honors from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Randall served as a certified civil mediator during law school and was heavily involved in community service work – through educational programs and volunteer legal events – in and around Detroit. His passion for disability law stems from genuine concern for those in need. Mr. Mansour has always focused his practice on helping people with disabilities receive their benefits before the Social Security Administration. He frequently volunteers at local non-profits, assisting our community’s disabled and most vulnerable populations in...

Since establishing his own practice, Mr. Patrick has personally counseled hundreds of individuals in legal matters and has educated thousands throughout Michigan as a speaker and author.

Tony Chapman graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education. He was awarded the Maize and Blue Scholarship, the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior, for outstanding academic achievement and community service. Tony then graduated Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2006 with his Juris Doctor. He is our Senior Intake Attorney and keeps very busy interviewing and meeting with new clients every day. Tony joined the firm in 2010, and he has a vast understanding of personal injury law. He takes pride in helping our new clients...

Dan Hohf graduated from Western Michigan University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. While at WMU, he served as a Museum Technician at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania as well as at the Kingman Museum in Battle Creek, Michigan. He joined the Mike Morse Law Firm team in 2011 as a paralegal and eventually went on to earn his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2019. While attending law school, he remained employed at the Mike Morse Law Firm as well as served as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable Edward...

Mark Carlson attended Defiance College where he competed in track and field for three years, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He then went on to attend Thomas M. Cooley Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor in 2010. Mark has been a licensed member of the Michigan Bar Association since 2012. Mark was a sole practitioner focusing on criminal law from 2012 until 2022, when he joined the Mike Morse Law Firm. In his spare time, Mark enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and dogs. He is also a big fan of movies...

Bjornrae Kemp is an associate attorney at the Mike Morse Law Firm. He graduated from the University of Houston in 2009. He went on to earn his law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Since 2020, he has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is also admitted to practice law in Texas. Bjornrae has represented accident victims for his entire legal career, recovering millions for his clients. In his free time, Bjornrae enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and reading.

Joshua B. Farr graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy and Political Science in December of 2003. He attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he graduated Cum Laude in January of 2010. He began his career in general practice with the Landau group where he had interned during Law School. From there he was hired as an Assistant General Counsel of an International Property Ownership and Management company. He was moved into the General Counsel role managing the legal affairs and overseeing litigation throughout the country. He served a dual role during this time as...

Franci Silver graduated from Oakland University, with a degree in Political Science. After graduating Oakland University, she attended the Detroit College of Law, receiving her Juris Doctorate in 1988. She immediately went to work for a personal injury law firm before coming to work for the Law Offices of Lee B. Steinberg in 1991. During her law practice, she has obtained several jury verdicts and awards against numerous defendants. Ms. Silver specializes in social security disability (SSD) appeals, helping numerous clients obtain SSD awards after initially being denied by the Social Security Administration. She also specializes in premises liability law and...

Attorney Erika A. Riggs graduated from Wayne State University where she earned her bachelor’s and law degree. During law school, Erika devoted her free time to public service, education and mentorship. She co-founded a non-profit, The 313 Project, providing scholarships for at-risk youth, pro-bono legal advice as well as volunteer work in Detroit. She also served as a senior note and comment editor of the Wayne Law Review, property law teaching assistant, and small claims court mediator.

Since receiving her law degree, Mrs. Riggs has strictly specialized in assisting the disabled before the Social Security Administration and the VA. Erika can...

Adrienne Brown graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. While there she was actively involved in community outreach by volunteering throughout the city of Cleveland. She then earned her Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University-Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she oftentimes was recognized on the Dean’s List. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, reading, shopping, event planning and traveling to new places. She is also a die-hard basketball fan.

Sean McNally comes from a family with a long history of legal practice in Michigan. Since 1927, four generations have consistently practiced in the state. Sean is the son of the longest-serving judge in Michigan's 33rd District Court, so he knows what it takes to deliver effective legal counsel. He focuses his efforts on litigating against major insurance companies on behalf of his clients, and loves working as their zealous advocate. Sean attended and graduated from James Madison College at Michigan State University, then attended and graduated from Wayne State University Law School. During his studies, he focused on material that...

Jeffrey (Jeff) C. Kerby attended Wayne State University Law School, where he was an active member of the Wayne Law Moot Court team. He argued against law students from across the country, participating in two nationwide competitions held in New York City. Jeff was also a member of the Wayne Law Review, where he was responsible for reviewing and editing scholarly articles written by prominent attorneys, judges, and law professors. During his summer break, Jeff obtained a fellowship assisting attorneys at the Michigan State Appellate Defender’s Office, where he researched and drafted appeals for criminal defendants across the state. Following...

James T. Haadsma has practiced with the McCroskey Law since August, 1987. He specializes in representing injured workers in workers’ disability compensation disputes before the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency, and in representing injured workers before the Social Security Administration’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. Mr. Haadsma also occasionally represents a partially disabled employee in controversies with employers under the Americans with Disabilities Act/Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act. He represents clients from Washtenaw to Berrien Counties, but predominantly in Calhoun County.

Before joining the McCroskey firm in August, 1987, Mr. Haadsma practiced with the Muskegon office of Legal Aid...

Christopher J. Rabideau practices workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and Child SSI law. A cum laude graduate of the Indiana University School of Law, Mr. Rabideau also holds a B.A. with honors from Michigan State University, and is admitted to the courts of the state of Michigan.

Besides being a well-regarded trial lawyer, Mr. Rabideau has a long history of providing legal education seminars to labor unions and other organizations.

He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the Michigan Association for Justice, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. He is the...

Brent Thomas graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a Pre-Law concentration. Also, while at Northeastern University he was a member of the Northeastern University, Division I Men’s Ice Hockey team. After college, he attended Suffolk University Law School, in Boston, where he earned his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude in 2003. During law school, Brent worked with the Michigan State Appellate Defender’s Office and the Environmental Protection Agency where he honed his writing and advocacy skills. After law school, Brent has spent his entire career fighting insurance companies and helping...

Timothy Smith graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science/Pre-Law. He then earned his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in downtown Detroit. During law school, Tim clerked for a metropolitan Detroit-based insurance defense firm. He was also fortunate to complete a federal judicial externship with the Honorable Bernard A. Friedman in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm in 2022, Tim was a successful litigator with more than 25 years of experience in...

Alex Kassa graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Science in General Management. He went on the earn his law degree from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law where he graduated cum laude. At Detroit Mercy, Alex earned a CALI Excellence for the Future Award in U.S. Basic Federal Income Tax and received the Ayar Law Group Scholarship for Tax Excellence. As an attorney at the Mike Morse Law Firm, Alex has dedicated his career to protecting accident victims across Michigan. In his free time, Alex enjoys spending time with family, golfing, and playing basketball.

In 2005, Katrina graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelors in Political Science. She then enrolled in Thomas M. Cooley Law School at their Grand Rapids campus. While at law school, Katrina was awarded the Certificate of Merit for her Advanced Trial Skills course. She was also on the Deans list for 4 consecutive terms. She participated in Moot Court and Mock Trial. She also did an externship with the Kent County Prosecutor’s office. After graduating law school and being sworn in to the bar, Katrina worked in a general practice firm for two years before moving to the Detroit area. Since...

Julia F. Opiela graduated from Michigan State University, James Madison College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy. During her undergraduate studies, she was one of ten U.S. students selected as a President Clinton Scholar and spent one year of international study at American University Dubai. Thereafter, she attended law school at Michigan State University College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in May 2015. While in law school, Julia was a member of the international law society and recipient of the Trustee Fieldman and Weiner Endowed Scholarships. She spent a semester...

Keith is an associate attorney who primarily handles the firm’s appellate practice. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University where he was a Centralis Scholarship and a State of Michigan Competitive Scholarship recipient. Keith then attended Wayne State University Law School where he achieved Honors Distinction in Legal Research and Writing and received a WSU Board of Governors’ Scholarship. Since 2001, He has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the Michigan Supreme Court. Over the...

Matt Bates has spent his entire career helping individuals injured in personal injury accidents. He pursued his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University. He graduated from Wayne State University Law School in 2008. While at Wayne State, he won numerous mock trial competitions and served as the President of the Student Bar Association Board of Governors as well as Law School Representative to the University Student Counsel. Following graduation, Matt served on the Executive Board for the Wayne State Law School Alumni Association. In 2008, Matt joined the Mike Morse Law Firm as a litigation attorney. He currently specializes in auto,...

Paul Wheatley graduated from Michigan State University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a concentration in environmental journalism. During his time at MSU he worked as a reporter for the state news. He later worked as a city reporter for the Petoskey news-review in Petoskey, MI., and the Vindicator newspaper in Youngstown, Ohio. Paul earned a scholarship to the Thomas m. Cooley law school and earned his law degree with a concentration in environmental law. He interned, clerked, and worked as an attorney for the Liblang law firm, pc where he aided clients with consumer law –...

I am a graduate of The Ohio State University and Chicago-Kent College of Law. I was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu while attending The Ohio State University. I was admitted to practice in the State of Michigan in 1999. I only practice Social Security Disability Law. I handle Social Security Disability cases all over the United States. I can meet virtually with any client at any time and any day. I will start a Social Security Disability case from the application going forward.

Gary T. Neal specializes in the areas of workers' compensation, Social Security, and unemployment benefits. Mr. Neal received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin. He also graduated from Michigan State University with high honors, receiving a B.A. in criminal justice.

Mr. Neal is a dedicated advocate for his injured and disabled clients. He also has been a guest lecturer at many labor union and disability advocacy events, focusing on both workers' compensation and Social Security law.

He is a member of the Michigan Association for Justice and the Muskegon County Bar Association. He also coaches the North Muskegon High School...

I began my legal career working for the Workers Compensation Appellate Commission, a body of judges appointed by the governor to hear workers compensation appeals. While working at the commission I gained valuable insight into what proofs are required to win all types of litigated workers compensation cases. This valuable knowledge gives me the edge when representing my clients. From the Appellate Commission I went to work for a prominent insurance defense firm in Grand Rapids, MI., defending big business from claims submitted by everyday hardworking Michigan employees. Not happy with what I saw, I left...

Lisa Screen practiced criminal law for over ten years before transitioning into the auto insurance arena in 2012. Screen has aggressively tried over 250 cases to a jury, and while as an assistant prosecuting attorney, she litigated several high-profile cases and was specially assigned to the Homicide Division for most of her tenure at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in Detroit, MI. She successfully convicted two individuals of murder despite the victim’s body never being located. Prior to working at the Prosecutor’s Office, she was an associate at a medical malpractice insurance defense firm. Up until she joined...