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Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C. - Oakland, CA

614 Grand AvenueSuite 320 Oakland, CA 94610

Updated: 07/24/2023

Oakland Social Security Disability Law Firm

Overview

Richard Gutstadt, an Oakland, California attorney, has successfully represented Social Security Disability claimants for over 35 years, winning thousands of cases and appeals. There is no greater professional satisfaction than helping individuals obtain their well-deserved Social Security Disability benefits.

In his 35 years of legal representation, Mr. Gutstadt has won just about every type of disability case one can imagine...

Richard Gutstadt, an Oakland, California attorney, has successfully represented Social Security Disability claimants for over 35 years, winning thousands of cases and appeals. There is no greater professional satisfaction than helping individuals obtain their well-deserved Social Security Disability benefits.

In his 35 years of legal representation, Mr. Gutstadt has won just about every type of disability case one can imagine. It never ceases to amaze Richard, however, how different each case is. Even though medical conditions may carry similar diagnoses, each individual has a different set of circumstances and compelling story to present to Social Security.

In July of 2011 Mr. Gutstadt hired an extremely capable associate with extensive professional experience: Eric Patrick. In combination, these two attorneys form a powerful union which results in even more effective advocacy on behalf of an extremely deserving client population.

Social Security Disability is an all or nothing system. Either you are - or you are not - considered disabled by Social Security. The stakes are high, indeed.

A claimant's disability need not be ongoing, but must last at least one year. Someone who is disabled for more than one year, but then gets better and can return to work, may be entitled to benefits during the period of disability. This represents a so-called closed period of benefits.

Richard's philosophy is to develop the strongest possible case before Social Security, generally an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

Richard's strategy is to work hard and build a case with all available medical and other non-medical evidence. Based upon careful preparation, the goal is to convince Social Security that an individual is legally deserving of Social Security Disability benefits.

This Web site is an evolving entity. Please visit various components and learn more about Richard and the Social Security Disability process.

About Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C.

Practice Areas

  • Social Security Disability

Published Works

  • Chapter, Mechanics of Disability Determination Social Security Practice Guide, 1984

Fees

Offers Free Initial Consultation

Accepts Credit Cards

Office Information

Address

614 Grand AvenueSuite 320 Oakland, CA 94610

Office Hours

Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Fax

  • 510-451-7408

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By Anonymous on May. 19, 2022

5.0 out of 5 stars

Richard and Eric have been absolutely phenomenal to work with on my disability case. I had a complex case and was struggling with my appeal when I came to them. They made themselves available to truly understand the intricacies of my case and also to make sure I was educated on the very complex intricacies of disability law and guidelines. The representation I received was absolutely best in class. I am so thankful I found them and that they took my case. Winning my appeal will literally mean the difference between being able to stay in my home or not. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with them as individual lawyers and a firm as a whole.

By Anonymous on Apr. 04, 2022

5.0 out of 5 stars

I contacted Richard over 2 years ago after being denied my Disability benefits the first time. He and his partner, Eric, are extremely well-versed in SSDI law, processes & the court system. Additionally, they understand the human side of managing disability?s and really care about their clients welfare. They are compassionate but straight forward and honest with clients ? a trait hard to find. Working with them at a distance during Covid lockdown was smooth & they were easily accessible anytime I needed them. We went through two rounds of filings with SSDI before I was approved in Dec 2021. And even after I was approved there is still wrap-up work and guidance they are providing. I could not have been successful without Richard & Eric?s legal representation & guidance! I am thankful every day.

By Chad F. on Mar. 10, 2022

5.0 out of 5 stars

Eric and Richard are literally the most fantastic lawyers - and people - I've ever had the privilege of meeting. They took my tough case and never looked back. My case has since resolved with the most amazing outcome above and beyond my imagination's best hope. But, best of all, Eric and Richard, along with everyone in their office, genuinely care about their clients as people. I can honestly say that hiring them will be one of the best decisions of your life. I know it was for me.

By James H. on Oct. 15, 2021

5.0 out of 5 stars

Richard, Eric and Brenda stepped up and won my case !!!!! God Bless

By Anonymous on Aug. 10, 2021

5.0 out of 5 stars

Richard,Eric and the whole office staff were the best thing that could have happened to me. I had no idea what to do when I received a letter from social security. I called them and knew they would be able to take care of everything to help me with my case. Thanks to all of you. Don't hesitate to call them they can help you with your social security problems.

By Anonymous on Mar. 29, 2019

5.0 out of 5 stars

As a former lawyer, I know what top-notch legal representation looks like, and that?s what I got from the Law Offices of Richard A. Gutstadt. I filed my SSDI case on my own and when it was denied, I tried to get several lawyers to take my case. I was turned down by a few lawyers, but then I found Richard Gutstadt and his associate Eric Patrick. Not only did they take my case, they won it for me! Eric Patrick did an awesome job at my appeal hearing. He was very well prepared and really familiar with my huge medical file. At the hearing, it was clear that the judge knew and, more importantly, respected Eric. I felt like Eric had great credibility with the judge, and that his credibility definitely helped my case. Once my appeal was granted, Richard Gutstadt made sure that the Social Security Administration paid me and that my benefits were correct. When there were a few problems in getting paid, Richard was really persistent in making sure that everything got straightened out. The whole process took a long time, but I felt like Eric and Richard were on top of it throughout the case. They were always happy to answer my questions, and checked in on me regularly to make sure that things were moving along. Everyone in the office, including the staff who answered the phones and the paralegals who worked on my case, was organized, kind, professional and pleasant. It was a huge relief to me to know that my case was in good hands. Richard and Eric are the real deal -- good lawyers who know their stuff, care about their clients, and fight hard for them. I am really glad I had them on my side.

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