Biography:

Attorney Margaret Lehrkind practices Social Security Disability law in the federal courts of California, and Oregon.  She has a unique background in the law, having worked representing claimants at every stage of appeal, as an attorney for the Social Security Administration hearing offices and for the Office of General Counsel.

From 2012 until 2017, Margaret worked as an associate attorney for two Social Security Disability law firms in Portland, Oregon representing Social Security claimants at all stages of appeal including administrative hearings, before the Appeals Council, in Federal District Court and before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In 2017, Margaret joined SSA as an Attorney Advisor for a Social Security Administration hearing office in San Jose, California.  She worked directly with Administrative Law Judges to draft and advise on decisions.   

From 2018 to 2023, Margaret worked as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Commissioner of Social Security in SSA’s Office of General Counsel, Division 7 where she practiced in the District Courts of California, Arizona, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington and before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

Margaret started her own practice in 2024 with the desire to return to advocating for claimants.  In this role she brings her vast experience working for claimants, for SSA’s hearing office, and OGC with a solid understanding of the law, Social Security policy and operations.

Margaret studied Political Science at the University of Oregon and earned her law degree from Willamette College of Law.  She is a member in good standing of the State Bars of California and Oregon.  She is also admitted to practice law before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  She is a member of the National Organization for Social Security Representatives. 

When Margaret is not practicing law, she can be found hiking in the east bay hills, playing cello, and spending time with her family.