Lewis C. Fichera, Esq.

Languages

• English

Law Firm Overview

After graduating from Villanova University in 1971, I enlisted into the New Jersey Army National Guard and served for six years. During this time I was employed by Catalytic, Inc. as a cost analyst in Philadelphia, PA until 1982. While employed by Catalytic, I was given field assignments in Baltimore, Maryland, and London, England. Also during this time, I entered Law School and graduated from the Delaware Law School of Widener University in 1982. Soon after I became licensed to practice law in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania in the year of 1984.

Early on my emphasis was on Social Security Disability Appeals and civil litigation, hi November 1988, the present Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims was established. I began representing veterans in the year of 1991, and have been representing veterans from across the United States before the Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans' Appeals, and to the Court.

I have given a seminar for Social Security Disability and Practice for the Gloucester County Bar Association while serving as chairman of the Social Security committee. In the area of Veterans' Disability law, I have given presentations to Veterans' organizations about filing of claims for benefits and supporting the claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs. More recently, I presented a seminar to practicing attorneys on Veterans' Disability Law and Practice as part of the Gloucester County Bar Association Legal Education Series. Also, I have appeared as a speaker on the Peoples Law Forum for a local cable channel regarding Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability Appeals. Currently, I serve as the chairman for the Veterans' Referral Service for the Gloucester County Bar Association.

Areas of Practice

• Veteran Disability Appeals 60%
• Social Security Disability 35%
• Wills and Estate Administration 5%

Honors and Awards

• Marquis Who's Who
• Continental Who's Who

Classes and Seminars

• Veterans Disability Law, Gloucester County Bar Association, 2007
• Social Security Disability Law, Gloucester County Bar Association

Pro Bono Activities

• Mock Trial Coach for HS for State High School Mock Trial Competion, 1987 - 2009
• Veteran's Consortium Pro Bono Program - Selected Cases

Representative Cases

• Brokowski v. Shinseki, 23 Vet.App. 79 (2009) (Court of Appeals for Veteran 2009)

West Practice Categories

Living Wills, Powers of Attorney and Appointment, Wills, Social Security -- Disability, Social Security -- Retirement & Survivors Benefits, Veterans' Affairs, Disability, Estate Administration