Living with a disability can affect a person’s health, ability to work, and financial security. Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can add another challenge during an already difficult time. Our firm is committed to helping people understand this process and pursue the benefits they are owed.
The McMahan Law Firm is proud to have received national recognition for its disability advocacy. These honors include a 2023 Social Security Disability Leadership National Top 250 recognition and a 2025 Disability Award National Top 150 recognition from Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled, or ACRD.
While we appreciate these honors, our greatest responsibility remains serving the people who trust us with their disability claims. Awards can’t guarantee the outcome of a case. For our team, these recognitions are reminders to continue listening to our clients, preparing their claims carefully, and advocating for people whose medical conditions prevent them from working.
National Recognition for Disability Advocacy
Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled, or ACRD, is a professional organization for people and organizations that serve individuals with disabilities. It provides education, resources, and opportunities for disability representatives to connect and improve the service they provide.
ACRD also recognizes individuals and organizations for their work in disability advocacy and representation. Its awards program continues a recognition tradition started by Social Security Disability Leadership Rankings in 2022.
Professional recognition acknowledges our firm’s commitment to serving people with disabilities.
2023 Social Security Disability Leadership National Top 250
In 2023, The McMahan Law Firm received Social Security Disability Leadership National Top 250 recognition. This honor recognized our firm for the work we do serving people who are applying for Social Security Disability benefits.
For someone whose health prevents them from working, disability benefits can provide an important source of financial support. Our attorneys help clients prepare applications, respond to requests from the Social Security Administration, and appeal denied claims. The 2023 recognition reflects the type of work our team performs every day on behalf of people with disabilities.
2025 Disability Award National Top 150
Our firm received further national recognition in 2025 with an ACRD Disability Award National Top 150 honor. This recognition followed our firm’s 2023 National Top 250 honor and continued its record of acknowledgment within the disability advocacy field.
The National Top 150 designation represents another year in which our work for people with disabilities received national acknowledgment.
For our team, this recognition reinforces our commitment to treating every client with respect and giving each disability claim the careful attention it requires.
Supporting Clients Throughout the Disability Benefits Process
A Social Security Disability claim may involve detailed forms, medical records, work history information, and strict deadlines. Our attorneys help clients identify what’s required at each stage and present their claims to the Social Security Administration.
Depending on the client’s circumstances, the role of our disability lawyers may include:
- Initial disability applications: We help clients complete their applications and provide information about their medical conditions, treatment, employment history, and ability to perform work-related activities.
- Denied disability claims: A denial doesn’t always mean the claim is over. We can review the decision, explain the reason for the denial, and discuss whether an appeal is available.
- Requests for reconsideration: Reconsideration is generally the first level of appeal after an initial denial. A new reviewer considers the evidence from the original claim along with eligible new evidence. We can prepare the request, update the client’s information, and submit supporting records.
- Medical evidence and supporting records: Medical evidence can help show how a physical or mental condition limits a person’s ability to work. We help clients identify relevant records, treatment sources, test results, and information about their symptoms and limitations.
- Administrative hearings: If a claim is denied again after reconsideration, the applicant may be able to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. We prepare clients for the hearing, submit evidence, address questions about their condition and work history, and advocate for their claim before the judge.
- Further appeals: An unfavorable hearing decision may be eligible for review by the Social Security Appeals Council. In some cases, the next available step may involve filing a civil action in federal court. We can review the decision and explain which options may apply.
Deadlines apply throughout the appeals process. For example, the Social Security Administration generally requires a hearing request within 60 days after a reconsideration decision. Applicants should act promptly after receiving a denial or other unfavorable notice.
Eligibility for disability benefits and the available appeal options depend on the facts of each case. A lawyer can review the applicant’s medical condition, work history, claim status, and decision notices to determine what steps may be available.
Additional Professional Memberships and Recognitions
Our firm’s disability awards are part of a broader record of professional involvement.
Attorneys Jay Kennamer, Brent Burks, and Herbert Thornbury are Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists through the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This certification is specific to civil trial law. Additionally, Jay and Herbert have earned board certification in civil practice advocacy.
Board certification is a voluntary credential available to attorneys who meet the certifying organization’s requirements. It is separate from the license every attorney must hold to practice law. For Jay, Brent, and Herbert, this certification recognizes their experience handling civil cases and trials.
Jay and Brent are also members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. According to the organization, membership is available to attorneys who have acted as principal counsel in at least 1 case that resulted in a qualifying verdict, award, or settlement of $1 million or more.
Membership acknowledges a past result that meets the organization’s criteria. It doesn’t mean every case is worth $1 million, and it doesn’t guarantee a similar result for another client. Case outcomes depend on the facts, available evidence, applicable law, insurance coverage, and other circumstances.
Jay and Brent were recognized as 2024 members of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association Circle of Advocates. Their participation reflects their involvement in Tennessee’s trial-law community and their support for an organization serving attorneys who represent individuals and families.
Professional associations give attorneys opportunities to continue their legal education, exchange information with other lawyers, and stay informed about issues affecting clients. Participation in these organizations supports Jay and Brent’s continued work on behalf of injured and disabled people throughout Tennessee.
Continuing to Advocate for People With Disabilities
Awards and professional recognitions are meaningful, but our work remains centered on the people who come to us for help. When a medical condition prevents someone from working, access to disability benefits can affect their ability to pay bills, obtain care, and maintain financial stability.
The Social Security Disability process may include an initial application, requests for medical documentation, a reconsideration after a denial, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further appeals. We help clients understand what to expect, meet applicable deadlines, and prepare the evidence needed to support their claims.
If you’re applying for disability benefits or have received a denial, you don’t have to determine your next steps alone. Our legal team can review your circumstances and explain how we may be able to assist.
Speak With a Social Security Disability Lawyer
The McMahan Law Firm assists people with initial disability applications, denied claims, requests for reconsideration, administrative hearings, and appeals. Every claim is different, and hiring a lawyer can’t guarantee that benefits will be approved. However, legal guidance can help you understand the process and make informed decisions about your claim.
If a medical condition is preventing you from working, contact us to discuss your situation. Complete our online contact form to request a consultation with our team.
