Paul Burkhalter, NOSSCR President

In the fall of 1993, as a young attorney fresh out of NYU School of Law, I attended my first NOSSCR conference. I had graduated into a tough job market and spent a year at the Office of General Counsel for the Social Security Administration. Defending ALJ decisions that denied disability benefits in federal court was not the fulfilling legal work I had envisioned. At the same time, I had grown skeptical of the quality of claimant representation. Seeking a more meaningful path, I joined a firm representing claimants and soon found myself in San Francisco for my first NOSSCR conference.

I hardly knew what I was doing when I walked into a session led by Charlie Bender and Matt Greenbaum—but that moment changed everything. Their passion and expertise transformed my understanding of Social Security advocacy. They brought to life the concept of being a zealous advocate for the disabled, emphasizing the courage it takes to challenge the powers that hold our clients’ fates in their hands. They made me see that representing people with disabilities is every bit as demanding, skillful, and important as litigating for a major law firm or prosecuting in federal court.

Although Social Security disability law is often described as “non-adversarial,” we know that reality can be quite different. Some days, it feels like a battle—cross-examining unqualified experts, strategically using subpoenas to build a case, securing expert opinions, and listening to testimony that is heartbreaking yet essential to our clients’ fight for justice.

My hope is that NOSSCR continues to inspire new attorneys while reigniting the passion of those who have been in the field for years. Our work matters. Winning benefits for a client means they can pay their rent, keep their utilities on, and put food on the table. These are life-changing outcomes.

What has always set NOSSCR apart is its unwavering commitment to what is best for our clients. It has also embraced a “big tent” philosophy—advocating for solo practitioners, small firms, non-attorney representatives, legal service attorneys, and larger firms alike. That inclusive mission is why I joined NOSSCR and why I have served in leadership.

At a time when other groups seem more focused on monetizing our profession than protecting the interests of solo practitioners, small firms, legal service organizations, and non-attorney representatives, I urge each of you to stay engaged with NOSSCR. I remain committed to fighting for this vision.

Over the past year, I have been especially proud of NOSSCR, CEO David Camp, and our dedicated staff. Together, we have helped secure key policy changes, including revising the rules on past relevant work, increasing the attorney fee cap (allowing us to serve more clients), and challenging the shaky foundations of vocational expert testimony. These efforts—both public and behind the scenes—strengthen the Social Security disability community and improve outcomes for the people we serve.

I appreciate your support and dedication to NOSSCR’s mission. Together, we will continue making a difference.