Richard A. Sly

For individuals in Vancouver, Washington, and the wider Portland metropolitan area who are seeking assistance with Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, Richard A. Sly presents himself as a highly experienced and dedicated legal professional. Operating within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, Mr. Sly's office is located at 222 NE Park Plaza Dr #113, Vancouver, WA 98684, USA, with an additional presence in Portland, Oregon.

Richard A. Sly has a long and distinguished career in law, having been admitted to practice in Oregon since 1963. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.B.A. in 1957 and earned his J.D. from Willamette University School of Law in 1963, graduating with honors. His extensive legal career spans decades, with a particular focus on representing clients in complex Social Security claims. Since 1974, he has dedicated his practice to advocating for clients' rights in social security disability, supplemental security income, and children's disability claims, as well as claims for individuals over 50. He has reportedly litigated over 7,000 Social Security claims throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, demonstrating a profound depth of experience in this niche area of law.

The primary services offered by Richard A. Sly, as a Social Security Disability attorney, include:

• Social Security Disability (SSD) Claims: Assisting individuals who are unable to work due to a medical condition to apply for and obtain SSD benefits. This involves navigating the application process, gathering medical evidence, and representing clients at hearings and appeals.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Claims: Helping individuals with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or over 65 apply for SSI benefits. This program is needs-based and has different eligibility requirements than SSD.

• Children's Disability Claims: Representing parents seeking SSI benefits for their disabled children, a process that involves specific criteria and documentation.

• "50+" Claims: Focusing on disability claims for individuals aged 50 and above, where age can play a significant role in the Social Security Administration's determination of disability.

• Appeals and Litigation: Representing clients through all stages of the Social Security appeals process, including initial applications, reconsiderations, administrative law judge (ALJ) hearings, and appeals council reviews, and potentially federal court if necessary.

• Workers' Compensation: While his exclusive focus in recent years has been on Social Security disability, his past practice included plaintiff's personal injury and workers' compensation litigation, which can sometimes intersect with disability claims.

• ERISA: Information suggests he also handles ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) related matters, which can be relevant for disability benefits received through private employers.

Key features of Richard A. Sly's practice, drawn from publicly available information and client feedback, paint a mixed but generally positive picture for those who successfully engage his services:

• Extensive Experience: With over 60 years of practice in Oregon and decades specializing in Social Security Disability, Mr. Sly possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of disability law and the Social Security Administration's processes. His experience in handling thousands of claims is a significant asset for clients.

• Successful Advocacy: One client review specifically praises Mr. Sly for taking on a case after another attorney failed, ultimately "making the case possible and getting benefits." This highlights his ability to achieve positive outcomes even in challenging situations.

• Dedication to Disability Law: His long-standing and exclusive focus on Social Security Disability and SSI advocacy for the past 15 years demonstrates a strong commitment to this specific area of law, ensuring specialized knowledge and up-to-date understanding of regulations.

• Client-Centered Approach (as per positive review): The positive review highlights his uniqueness and the gratitude felt by a client whose benefits were secured, suggesting a strong client relationship and dedication to achieving results.

However, it is important for prospective clients to consider all available feedback. A negative review details a problematic initial consultation experience, raising concerns about:

• Initial Intake Protocol: The client was immediately placed on a recorded line without prior notification or clear explanation of attorney-client privilege implications, leading to discomfort and trust issues.

• Paralegal Knowledge and Attitude: The client reported that the paralegal lacked "cursory knowledge" about how cancer and disability issues intersect, despite the firm advertising handling cancer cases. The paralegal's dismissive attitude ("you could do so") when the client expressed a desire to seek other counsel due to delays also created a negative impression.

• Responsiveness for Initial Consultations: Delays in scheduling an initial consultation (Thursday call for a Tuesday appointment) contributed to the client's dissatisfaction, particularly given the perceived lack of preliminary information from the paralegal.

These points suggest that while Mr. Sly himself may be a highly competent and effective attorney in securing benefits, the initial client intake and administrative processes might present challenges. Potential clients seeking a "Lawyer Near Me" for Social Security Disability should be prepared to be proactive in their communication and to clarify initial consultation procedures and expectations regarding recorded lines and paralegal expertise.

The environment at Mr. Sly's office at 222 NE Park Plaza Dr #113, Vancouver, WA 98684, USA, would typically be a professional setting for legal consultations. Clients can reach the office via phone at (503) 224-0436. Mr. Sly is a member of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives, indicating his involvement in professional organizations relevant to his practice area.

In terms of promotional information, the strength of Richard A. Sly's practice lies in his extensive experience and track record of successfully obtaining benefits for over 7,000 clients. While the provided information mentions an "advertised consultation," the specifics of whether this is a free or paid consultation, beyond the negative review's interpretation of "free means you get absolutely nothing," are not detailed. For individuals facing the often daunting process of applying for Social Security Disability, Mr. Sly's decades of dedicated practice in this complex field could be a significant advantage, particularly if clients are aware of and prepared to navigate potential initial administrative hurdles.