In the complex arena of Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) litigation, securing seasoned counsel can be the determinative factor in obtaining benefits. This practitioner’s guide surveys Amherst’s premier SSD/SSI firms, recent industry developments, and actionable criteria for selecting the optimal advocate for your claim.
Leading SSD/SSI Law Firms in Amherst
1. Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law
- Offices: 6000 N. Bailey Ave., Suite 1A & 1408 Sweet Home Rd., Amherst
- Attorney Roster: 24 SSD/SSI specialists spanning Amherst, Buffalo, Rochester, NYC, and Chicago
- Key Update: Rebranded to Hiller Comerford on June 6, 2025, marking expanded leadership under Kenneth Hiller and James Comerford
- Accolades: Kenneth Hiller — Super Lawyers honoree (2023–2024); firm ratings: Google 4.1★/91 reviews, Lawyers.com 4.0★
- Practice Focus: Initial claims; federal appeals before U.S. District Court and Second Circuit; next-business-day consultations
2. Pashler & Devereaux
- Location: 315 Alberta Dr., Suite 106, Amherst
- Team Composition: Christopher Pashler (former SSA adjudicator) & Kathleen Devereaux (disability policy specialist)
- Performance Metrics: Google 4.9★; Avvo 5.0★; featured in Expertise.com’s “Top 5 SSD Attorneys in Amherst” (June 20, 2025)
- Specialties: Denial overturns; expedited hearings; strategic remands to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) level
3. Tiveron Law PLLC
- Location: 2410 N. Forest Rd., Suite 301, Amherst
- Lead Practitioner: Diane Tiveron (bar admissions since 1990)
- Reputation: Google 4.1★; Avvo 4.8★
- Core Competency: Medical-evidence development; Commissioner’s Review appeals; case law precedent application
4. Diane S. Hinman, Attorney at Law
- Service Area: Amherst & broader Western New York (Buffalo, Cheektowaga)
- Background: Former SSA hearing office staff; expertise in claimant advocacy and procedural compliance
- Approach: Rigorous dossier preparation; strict SSA deadlines; benefits-maximization strategies
5. Darlene A. Sikorski
- Base: Williamsville (serving Amherst)
- Experience: Practicing since 2004; prior legal advocate for minors with disabilities
- Strengths: Individualized case management; expedited case resolution protocols
6. James Ratchford PLLC
- Office: 1207 Delaware Ave., Buffalo (Amherst coverage)
- Firm Tenure: Established 2008
- Services: SSDI/SSI initial filings; ALJ hearings; federal appeals; strategic remands
Recent Developments in Amherst SSD/SSI Law
- Rebranding Milestone
- Hiller Comerford’s June 6, 2025 rebrand underscores its multi-office expansion and bolstered appellate bench strength.
- Peer & Industry Recognition
- Kenneth Hiller’s Super Lawyers distinction (2023–2024 cycle).
- Expertise.com’s June 20, 2025 roundup lauds Pashler & Devereaux and Tiveron Law for exceptional client outcomes.
- Client-Driven Metrics
- Average firm approval rates are eclipsing 60% at the hearing level, reflecting enhanced pre-hearing medical evidence compilation.
Criteria for Counsel Selection
| Criterion | Benchmarks & Best Practices |
|---|---|
| Consultation Accessibility | Next-business-day scheduling; 24/7 intake lines (e.g., Hiller Comerford) |
| SSA/ALJ Experience | Former SSA adjudicators; track record of strategic remands |
| Approval & Appeal Rates | ≥ 60% hearing-level approvals; Commissioner’s Review overturn metrics |
| Peer Recognition | Super Lawyers, Avvo Top 10%; Expertise.com ranking |
| Specialization | Medical-evidence gathering; appellate briefing; federal court litigation |
Recommended Next Steps
- Conduct Free Consultations Secure preliminary meetings with 2–3 firms (Hiller Comerford, Pashler & Devereaux, Tiveron Law) to gauge responsiveness and case strategy alignment.
- Request Case Statistics Inquire about each firm’s hearing-level approval percentage, remand rates, and federal appeal success.
- Verify Professional Standing Review New York State Bar records for disciplinary history (no red flags currently noted).
- Prepare Case Dossier Assemble medical records, vocational history, denial letters, and SSA correspondence to expedite the initial application or ALJ hearing preparation.
Conclusion
Amherst, NY, boasts a robust SSD/SSI legal marketplace, with Hiller Comerford’s recent rebrand signaling heightened regional competition. Whether you require aggressive appeals advocacy or meticulous initial claim preparation, this guide equips you to evaluate counsel based on quantifiable metrics, specialized expertise, and proven success rates. Engage early, vet rigorously, and advance your claim with confidence.
