An Experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer Helping People Get Financial Relief
Lawrence Mabes is a Chicago Social Security Disability attorney who helps people win benefits to steady their lives after health problems rob them of the ability to work.
He is Managing Attorney and Principal at Nash Disability Law, one of the top disability law firms in Illinois as measured by the total benefits won for clients.
Lawrence guides clients through the complicated process of qualifying for disability benefits, providing support through a stressful time and keeping them informed at every step.
If he works on your case, he’ll oversee collection of your medical evidence, analyze the medical records to build a strong case, develop an individual legal strategy for you, prepare you to testify at your disability hearing, and represent you before the Social Security administrative law judge.
Lawrence has represented thousands of people in disability hearings.
“I was drawn to Social Security Disability law because it combines legal strategy with real human impact,” he said.
“Our clients come to us during periods of medical hardship, financial uncertainty, and emotional strain. I have personally seen the profound effect that mental health challenges can have on individuals and families, and that experience has deepened my empathy and understanding. Conditions that are not always visible can be just as disabling as physical ones, and clients deserve to be heard and taken seriously.”
NASH DISABILITY LAW HAS HELPED MORE PEOPLE IN THE CHICAGO AREA WIN BENEFITS THAN ANY OTHER LAW FIRM.
More About Lawrence’s Background
Lawrence holds law degrees from the Universidad Finis Terrae in Santiago, Chile, and Fordham University School of Law in New York.
He began his legal career in a New York law firm, learning client advocacy, preparation and litigation.
“Those early years reinforced for me that effective lawyering is not just about knowing the law—it is about listening carefully, preparing thoroughly and communicating clearly,” he said.
“My path to disability law has been shaped by both international experience and a deep respect for the role attorneys play during pivotal moments in people’s lives.”
Having family members who served in the military also shaped his appreciation for individuals who face physical and mental challenges while continuing to support their families.
Lawrence was raised bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently, which helps him serve even more people facing medical issues and economic stress.
“I find it meaningful to guide people through a system that can feel overwhelming, helping them understand their case, preparing them to tell their story effectively, and advocating for them at their hearings.”
Lawrence is admitted to practice law in state courts in Illinois and New York, Federal District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and in Chile.
He’s a member of the Chicago Bar Association, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), and Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD).
Lawrence is active in the Chicago legal community and committed to ongoing professional development.
He served as Chair of the Chicago Bar Association Social Security Law Committee (2021–2022), helping lead discussions and initiatives focused on Social Security law and advocacy.
He’s been practicing law since 2012 and joined Nash Disability Law in 2016.
When he’s not at work, Lawrence is a passionate tennis player who enjoys competing and staying active.
Lawrence’s Role Leading Nash Disability Law
Lawrence’s mentor in disability law was Tom Nash, who founded Nash Disability Law in 1989.
Lawrence worked closely with Tom, learning the client-first approach that Tom instilled in the firm from the beginning.
Over time, Lawrence assumed increasing responsibility, representing clients at hearings and helping guide the firm’s legal strategy and direction.
He became Managing Partner and Principal at Nash Disability Law in 2025.
As the leader of the firm, Lawrence continues the firm’s mission with the same compassion and commitment that have defined the Nash Disability Law since its founding.
If you or a loved one need help navigating the Social Security Disability system, the team at Nash is here to help—built on Tom Nash’s foundation and led today by Lawrence Mabes.
Question & Answer: Why Work with Lawrence and the Disability Lawyers at Nash Disability Law?
How Does a Disability Lawyer Help You?
Disability lawyers like Lawrence Mabes take on much of the hard work of seeking disability benefits, easing the burden on you.
Your lawyer guides you in answering questions on the many Social Security forms you fill out when you apply for benefits, helps you gather medical records in coordination with your doctors, prepares documents arguing for your benefits, makes sure your claim is properly filed, and continues supporting your effort to win benefits by building your appeal if you’re denied.
Do You Need a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
In addition to making the process easier for you and keeping you updated on the status of your claim, a disability lawyer helps you avoid mistakes in your application that can threaten your case.
You’re not legally required to have a Social Security Disability lawyer. You can manage your disability claim yourself.
But having a lawyer can also increase your chances of winning benefits. Government numbers have shown that people who had representatives like lawyers in their disability hearings were much more likely to be approved for benefits.
What Does a Social Security Disability Attorney Cost?
You pay no fee for a disability lawyer until you win benefits.
Both Social Security and your attorney understand that when you’re struggling with medical conditions and can’t earn an income, paying for an expensive lawyer is out of the question.
Disability lawyers work on what’s called a “contingency fee” basis, meaning they only collect a fee if you win your case. You don’t have to risk paying a lawyer only to get nothing in return.
In addition, the fee you pay when you win benefits is strictly limited and goes directly from Social Security to your lawyer.
The fee comes out of back benefits you’re awarded one time to compensate for waiting on Social Security’s decision.
Social Security imposes a cap on how much of your back benefits can go to the attorney fee. And you don’t have to write a check to your lawyer. Social Security takes care of that.
Why Work with Nash Disability Law?
Social Security has its own legal system for deciding who receives disability benefits. It’s meant to ensure that people who get financial assistance truly need it, but it makes the process hard for everyone.
Not all lawyers know this special area of the law, but the disability lawyers at Nash Disability law dedicate their careers to it.
As a leading Illinois disability law firm, Nash has helped thousands of people through this process for over 40 years.
Nash lawyers know the health care systems, Social Security offices, workforce conditions, communities, and people of Chicagoland.
We provide personal, caring, individual attention at one of the hardest times in your life. To us, you’re a neighbor, not a number.
For something this important to your future, you shouldn’t accept anything less.
