Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C. - Oakland, CA
Social Security Disability Lawyers in Oakland, CA
614 Grand Avenue Suite 320 Oakland, CA 94610
- Free Consultation
- 2 Attorney Ratings
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51
Years
Experience
Oakland Social Security Disability Law Firm
Updated: 02/28/2026
Reviews
Customer Reviews for Richard A. Gutstadt, P.C.
Read reviews that mention:
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Hired Law firm 2022Richard 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.
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Hired Law firm 2019-2022I 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.
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Hired Law firm 2018-2020Eric 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.
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Hired Law firm 2021Richard, Eric and Brenda stepped up and won my case !!!!! God Bless
Areas of Practice
- Social Security Disability
Firm Information
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. 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.
Published Works
Articles
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Chapter, Mechanics of Disability Determination Social Security Practice Guide, 1984
Contact
614 Grand Avenue
Suite 320
Oakland, CA 94610
Phone: 510-451-8370
Fax: 510-451-7408
Email: Send a message
Website: https://www.richardgutstadt.com
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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