Most Social Security Disability attorneys represent claimants at the initial hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Rory Linerud does not. His practice exists entirely at the next level: the Appeals Council and federal district court, the stages that come after an ALJ has already ruled against a claimant. That singular focus, over more than 20 years, makes Linerud Law Firm an unusual resource for Oregonians who have exhausted the standard administrative process and are looking at what comes next.
The firm operates out of Salem, Oregon and handles federal appeals nationally.
linerudlawfirm.com/
1144 Wallace Road NW, #212, Salem, OR 97304
Phone: 971-218-6954
Practice Area
Social Security Disability Appeals Council Representation
When an Administrative Law Judge denies a Social Security Disability claim, the claimant has 60 days to appeal to the Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council. The Appeals Council reviews ALJ decisions for legal errors and can reverse a denial, remand the case back to an ALJ for a new hearing, or uphold the denial. Rory Linerud represents clients at this level exclusively, not at the initial ALJ hearing stage.
This focus means that by the time a client comes to Linerud Law Firm, they have typically already been through the Social Security application and reconsideration process and have had at least one ALJ hearing. Linerud’s role is to review the ALJ decision for legal errors and argue that reversal or remand is warranted.
Federal District Court Appeals
When the Appeals Council denies review or issues an unfavorable decision, the claimant can seek review in federal district court. This is civil litigation in the federal court system, where the question is whether the Social Security Administration’s decision was supported by substantial evidence and complied with applicable legal standards. Linerud represents clients at the federal district court level, including advancing filing fees when a client cannot afford them.
Cases handled at this level include named matters such as Mitchell Simmer v. Social Security Administration and Kristine M. v. Social Security Administration, both of which appear in publicly available records of Linerud’s federal court work.
Free Case Evaluation
Linerud Law Firm provides a free initial consultation to assess whether a denied claim has viable grounds for appeal. Given the 60-day deadline that applies after an ALJ or Appeals Council denial, early contact is important for preserving appeal rights.
Attorney Profile
Rory Linerud
Rory Linerud is admitted to the Oregon State Bar and has practiced Social Security Disability law exclusively for over 20 years. His practice is focused at the Appeals Council and federal district court levels, a narrower specialization than most disability attorneys who begin representation at the initial application or ALJ hearing stage. His specific law school and bar admission year are not publicly listed.
The firm’s named federal court cases include Mitchell Simmer v. Social Security Administration and Kristine M. v. Social Security Administration.
Location and Service Area
The firm’s office is in Salem, Oregon. For Appeals Council matters, Rory Linerud represents Oregon-based clients primarily. Federal district court appeals can be handled for clients in Oregon under the firm’s federal court admission, and federal cases can potentially be managed from Salem for clients in the federal district.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Client Focus
Linerud Law Firm serves individuals whose Social Security Disability claims have been denied at the ALJ level and who need appellate representation. This is a specific population: not first-time applicants, not clients at the initial stage, but claimants who have gone through the standard process and received an unfavorable decision from a judge.
Fee arrangements are on a contingency basis. No attorney fees are charged unless the case is won. Fees are authorized by the Social Security Administration or the federal court, depending on the level of the appeal. When filing fees for federal court are beyond a client’s means, the firm advances those costs.
Languages spoken at the firm are not publicly disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this firm only handle appeals, not initial hearings?
Rory Linerud has chosen to practice exclusively at the Appeals Council and federal district court levels. This is a deliberate focus on the portion of the Social Security Disability process that involves reviewing administrative decisions for legal error. It is distinct from the work of attorneys who help claimants prepare for and attend ALJ hearings.
What is the deadline to appeal after an ALJ denial?
Claimants have 60 days from the date of an ALJ denial to file an appeal with the Appeals Council. Missing this deadline typically forecloses the appeal option. The same 60-day window applies after an Appeals Council denial for filing in federal district court. Because the deadline is fixed, contacting the firm promptly after receiving a denial decision is important.
What happens if the Appeals Council denies review?
If the Appeals Council denies review of an ALJ decision, the claimant can seek review in federal district court. Linerud Law Firm handles both levels. Federal district court review asks whether the administrative decision was supported by substantial evidence and followed proper legal procedure.
Does the firm charge fees if the case is not won?
No. The firm works on a contingency basis. Fees are only collected if the appeal is successful. Filing fees for federal court cases are advanced by the firm when a client cannot afford them.
About the Firm
Rory Linerud has spent more than two decades doing one thing: reviewing ALJ decisions in Social Security Disability cases and arguing before the Appeals Council and federal courts that those decisions were wrong. The narrow scope is the point. Clients who come to Linerud Law Firm are not looking for a generalist; they are looking for someone who knows the post-denial appellate process thoroughly. The free case evaluation at 971-218-6954 is the appropriate starting point for anyone who has received an ALJ denial and wants to know whether an appeal is viable.