The Falls Church Virginia Law Firm of Needham Mitnick & Pollack is proud to announce that Attorney Sheri R. Abrams has been named a partner in the firm.

Ms. Abrams joined Needham Mitnick & Pollack in January 2010 as “of Counsel” after practicing law as a solo practitioner for 16 years. Ms. Abrams’ practice focuses on Social Security Disability Law and she has spoken on this topic to many organizations including the Virginia State Bar.

Ms. Abrams’ book, “Don’t Gamble with Your Social Security Disability Benefits,” was published in 2010.

Ms. Abrams is rated AV, the highest rating possible by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, and was named one of Virginia’s Legal Elite.

Ms. Abrams is active in many different organizations including the National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives (NOSSCR), where she represents the 4th and DC Circuits on the Board of Directors.

Ms. Abrams graduated Cum Laude from Boston University’s School of Management with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (1989) and earned her law degree from the George Washington University Law School (1994).

Needham Mitnick & Pollack is a well established Elder Law, Estate, Disability & Special Needs Planning firm that assists clients with Wills, Trusts, Probate, Social Security Disability benefits, Trust Administration, Powers of Attorney, Advance Medical Directives, Guardianships, Long Term Care Planning, Disability Planning, Medicaid Eligibility, Veterans Benefits and Special Needs Trusts.

Sheri Abrams will be speaking to the Family Focus Group at the Woodburn Center for Community Mental Health on June 29 at 7:00 PM. She will be speaking on how to receive Social Security Disability Benefits. The Woodburn Center is located at 3340 Woodburn Road, Annandale, Virginia 22003.

The Center for Disease Control Estimates that 3.9 million (1.8%) Americans are infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and of those infected, 2.7 million are chronically infected. Hepatitis C is a blood borne illness that causes liver disease and causes a host of symptoms that can prevent someone from working. Common symptoms of the Hepatitis C virus (HVC) include jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and fatigue.

The two approved drugs for treating Hepatitis C are interferon and ribavirin. The current treatment of choice for Hepatitis C is a combination therapy using pegylated interferon and ribavirin. This combination therapy can eliminate the Hepatitis C virus (HVC) in 50% and 80% of patients. However, side effects can be debilitating and include fatigue, arthritis and joint pain, vision problems, and cognitive problems.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lists Hepatitis C under Digestive System – Chronic Liver Disease, on the list of impairments eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. In addition Social Security must consider the effects of medications used to treat Hepatitis C when making a determination as to Social Security Disability benefits. However, just being diagnosed with Hepatitis C or suffering from side effects from medication does not automatically qualify an infected person for Social Security Disability benefits.

Virginia Attorney Sheri Abrams, of the law firm of Needham Mitnick & Pollack PLC, has effectively assisted numerous clients in pursuing successful Social Security Disability claims related to Hepatitis C.

If you or someone you know suffers from liver disease brought on by Hepatitis C and you cannot work, please contact Attorney Sheri Abrams. She can be reached by phone at (703) 536-7778.

Attorney Sheri Abrams is honored to have received accreditation by the Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) to prepare, present and prosecute claims for veterans before the VA.

Accreditation refers to the authority granted by the VA to those attorneys who meet the standards established by the VA. VA’s stated purpose in requiring attorney accreditation is to ensure that claimants for VA benefits receive “qualified assistance in preparing and presenting their claims.”

To receive accreditation, federal law requires an attorney to complete continuing legal education covering, at a minimum, the following topics: VA representation, disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation and pension benefits, claim procedures, eligibility requirements, and appeal rights. An attorney must also establish that he or she is of good character and reputation.

The privilege of accreditation carries with it the responsibility to maintain specified standards of conduct and comply with the laws that govern VA representations, as set forth in the United States Code and the Code of Federal Regulations.

According to federal law, attorneys who do not receive VA accreditation are prohibited from assisting claimants in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of VA claims, regardless of whether or not the attorney charges legal fees for those services. Unaccredited attorneys may only provide limited services to veterans, such as providing general information about VA benefits, and may not assist veterans in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of their claims.

The VA accreditation system is designed to ensure that lawyers who represent VA claimants have a thorough understanding of the VA health and benefit systems, so that they may provide quality assistance in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of those claims.

This accreditation allows Ms. Abrams to provide veterans and their families with advice on complex areas of law concerning long-term care planning, including VA pension benefits and the related issue of Medicaid benefits.

Ms. Abrams is proud to join fellow Needham Mitnick & Pollack Attorney Edward Zetlin in being one of the few attorneys in Virginia accredited by the Department of Veteran Affairs to assist veterans who have served our country obtain the benefits they deserve.

Virginia Attorney Sheri R. Abrams along with Attorney Benjamin W. Glass has published a new guide for anyone filing for Social Security Disability benefits. This comprehensive legal book explains the process of filing for Social Security Disability benefits in easy-to-understand language, describes how an experienced attorney can guide a claimant through the maze of administrative work involved, and answers frequently-asked questions about the process.

The clear organization and down-to-earth approach makes this book a valuable reference tool for a layperson who seeks to understand how and when to apply for Social Security Disability benefits-and when to hire an attorney to help.

Sheri Abrams practices Social Security Disability law in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Sheri is “of counsel” to the law firm of Needham Mitnick & Pollack. Virginia attorney Benjamin Glass has authored six previous legal books.

This book is available for purchase at Amazon.com and through Word Association Publishers.

You can also download a free copy at www.sheriabrams.com.

I have gotten many requests for information on vacation options for families who have members with disabilities.

“Autism on the Seas” provides cruising vacation options for Adults and Families dealing with Autism and related Disabilities.

“Autism on the Seas” is dedicated to servicing the cruising travel needs of families and individuals faced with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, and all Cognitive, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as well as (but not limited to) Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome.

“Autism on the Seas” has been in collaboration with Royal Caribbean International since 2007, providing Group Cruises for a vacation experience that is unmatched. They also provide “Individual Autism Cruise Services” for those individuals and families who wish to cruise on any date or ship of their choice on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL, Carnival, or Disney.

Please visit their website at www.AutismontheSeas.com

or call “Autism on the Seas” at 1-800-516-5247 and ask for Mike or Karen

Please tell him/her that Sheri Abrams referred you.

The Red Book serves as a general reference source about the employment-related provisions of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. While the Red Book is primarily for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals and counselors who serve people with disabilities, it can also serve as a self-help guide for Social Security applicants and beneficiaries. The 2010 Red Book is available in English and Spanish at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/

For more information about going back to work while receiving Social Security disability benefits please contact Attorney Sheri Abrams at www.sheriabrams.com for an Appointment.

It is my pleasure to announce that starting this January 2010 I will be joining the law firm of Needham Mitnick & Pollack, as “Of Counsel.”

After being a solo practitioner for the last 15 years I did not enter into this position lightly. However, I feel that this relationship with the wonderful people of this firm will be a benefit to both myself and my clients.

At Needham Mitnick & Pollack I will continue practicing Social Security Disability Law and Special Needs Planning as well as some additional areas in the future.

I will be available to see clients at Needham Mitnick & Pollack’s offices in Falls Church as well as my present office in Fairfax.

Needham Mitnick & Pollack is a well established Elder Law, Estate, Disability & Special Needs Planning law firm that can assist clients with Wills, Trusts, Probate, Trust Administration, Powers of Attorney, Advance Medical Directives, Guardianships, Long Term Care Planning, Disability Planning, Medicaid Eligibility, Veterans Benefits and Special Needs Trusts.

For more information on the law firm of Needham Mitnick & Pollack, please click here.

Attorney Sheri Abrams will be the speaker at the january 16, 2010 Springfield Multiple Sclerosis Support Group Meeting.

She will speak on the topic of how to receive Social Security Disability benefits.

The support group meets from 10:00 AM to Noon at:

Sunrise Assisted Living
6541 Franconia Road
Springfield, VA 22150

third floor

The woman at the front desk will direct you to the right elevator

All are welcome and this event is free.

Fairfax Virginia Attorney Sheri Abrams’ blog “Virginia Disability Law Blog” has been chosen as one of the National Top 100 Legal Blogs by Attorney.org.

Most people have heard the terms “will” and “trust,” but not everyone knows the differences between the two. Both are useful estate planning devices that serve different purposes, and both can work together to create a complete estate plan.

One main difference between a will and a trust is that a will goes into effect only after you die, while a trust takes effect as soon as you create it. A will is a document that directs who will receive your property at your death and it appoints a legal representative to carry out your wishes. By contrast, a trust can be used to begin distributing property before death, at death or afterwards. A trust is a legal arrangement through which one person (or an institution, such as a bank or law firm), called a “trustee,” holds legal title to property for another person, called a “beneficiary.” A trust usually has two types of beneficiaries one set that receives income from the trust during their lives and another set that receives whatever is left over after the first set of beneficiaries dies.

A will covers any property that is only in your name when you die. It does not cover property held in joint tenancy or in a trust. A trust, on the other hand, covers only property that has been transferred to the trust. In order for property to be included in a trust, it must be put in the name of the trust.

Another difference between a will and a trust is that a will passes through probate. That means a court oversees the administration of the will and ensures the will is valid and the property gets distributed the way the deceased wanted. A trust passes outside of probate, so a court does not need to oversee the process, which can save time and money. Unlike a will, which becomes part of the public record, a trust can remain private.

Wills and trusts each have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, a will allows you to name a guardian for children and to specify funeral arrangements, while a trust does not. On the other hand, a trust can be used to plan for disability or to provide savings on taxes. Sheri Abrams, Attorney at Law, can tell you how best to use a will and a trust in your estate plan.

The Circle of Support Conference is a conference for families of children with special needs and the professionals who work with them. The conference is sponsored by the ARC of Prince William County.

The conference is taking place on Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM.

The conference is taking place at: Hylton High School, 14051 Spriggs Road, Woodbridge, VA 22193.

For info about this conference please see this website: http://arcgpw.org/

Ms. Abrams will be speaking on The In’s and Out’s of Qualifying for Social Security Disability & SSI Benefits –

In this workshop, Sheri Abrams will discuss what social security disability and SSI benefits are, who qualifies for them (with emphasis on families of children with special needs), how the application and appeal process work, what to do if denied benefits, and when to hire an attorney and the costs involved. Sheri R. Abrams is an attorney specializing in Social Security Disability law and the preparation of wills, special needs trusts, living wills, financial powers of attorney, and health care powers of attorney. She is a sole practitioner in Fairfax, VA.

Fairfax Virginia Attorney Sheri Abrams has been selected by her peers as a member of Virginia’s Legal Elite for 2009.

In cooperation with the Virginia Bar Association, Virginia Business magazine asked lawyers throughout the commonwealth to nominate the best in their profession in 15 practice categories.

Ms. Abrams will be listed with the other winners in the December issue of Virginia Business magazine.

Press ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Abrams, Sheri R Receives 2009 Best of Fairfax Award

Best of Fairfax Award Honors Their Achievement

FAIRFAX June 8, 2009 — Abrams, Sheri R has been selected for the 2009 Best of Fairfax Award in the Local Business category.

Each year, The Best of Fairfax Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The Best of Fairfax Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally and data provided by third parties.

About The Best of Fairfax

The Best of Fairfax funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of Best of Fairfax Award is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The Best of Fairfax Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs.

SOURCE: The Best of Fairfax

CONTACT:
The Best of Fairfax
Email: PublicRelations@2009Award.org
URL: http://fairfax.2009award.org

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Please follow this link to read this article:

http://scoop.jdsupra.com/2009/02/articles/jd-supra-contributors/jd-supra-contributors-february-roundup-savvy-women-in-the-law/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Butler New Media, LLC
+1 229-246-7669
Cornelius@butlernewmedia.com

The Law Firm of Sheri R. Abrams, P.C. Launches Accessible Site Creates a More Welcoming and Open Experience for People with Disabilities

Bainbridge, Georgia February19, 2009 Butler New Media, a Disability services firm announces the official re-launch of the website for the Fairfax Virginia law firm of SheriR. Abrams, P.C.

Located online at (http://www.sheriabrams.com/) the site recently underwent a comprehensive web accessibility evaluation with real users with disabilities. Through extensive testing and remediation the site now has a variety of accessibility features that are beneficial to people with disabilities who use assistive technology. “As an Attorney who practices Disability Law I felt it was important that my website be fully accessible to those in the disability community” said Sheri R. Abrams.

The site has been redesigned to be among the first to comply with World Wide Web Consortium Web Accessibility Initiative Guidelines 2.0. This site is one of the first to be completed through ACCESSIBLENET, a bold and ambitious new project aimed at creating at least 100,000 new accessible websites over the next ten years.

The project is the vision of Butler New Media co-founded by a person with a disability, Cornelius Butler. He is an alumnus of Georgia’s High School/High Tech Program and the first person in the nation to start a business after graduating from the program. He wanted to provide an easier way for people with disabilities to access online resources. He realized as a legally blind individual that people with disabilities have unique needs, wants, and desires that are currently not being addressed by website owners. “I wanted to make it easier for website owners to ensure their sites are usable by all people, regardless of ability. I believe that this project will break new ground in building awareness about the disability community and market” said Butler

With an estimated $10 trillion of collective spending power, the disability community is a market that simply cannot be ignored by website owners.

About Butler New Media: Butler New Media is a full service disability consulting firm with locations in both Conyers and Bainbridge, Georgia U.S.A. The firm specializes in helping corporations and government agencies communicate with the disability community. Butler New Media has grown to include local, national, and international clients. Some of these clients include: Microsoft, Humana, U.S. Department of Labor, The Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and IBM. The company is located online at:http://www.butlernewmedia.com.

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Sheri R. Abrams, Attorney at Law, will be giving a presentation entitled “Wills and Special Needs Trusts” as part of the caregiver/survivor track of the Brain Injury Association of Virginia’s 8th Annual Conference.  This conference’s theme is “Opening Doors: New Answers For a New Era” and will take place on March 7, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Richmond Airport in Richmond Virginia.

Sheri R. Abrams, Attorney at Law, was among the attendees at the Annual Stetson University Law School Conference on Special Needs Trust Preparation, which took place October 16-17, 2008 in Tampa, Florida.

Special needs Trust Preparation is one of the fastest-growing areas of estate planning. Attorneys in this field focus on helping individuals with special needs and their families plan for a more secure future. The attorneys must combine compassion with skilled estate planning and a knowledge of the public benefit programs on which many individuals with special needs must rely.

These Conferences put on by the Stetson University Law School provide attorneys in this growing field of law with access to a collegial community and practice tools to assist them in fulfilling their clients’ needs.

This conference in Tampa featured presentations by nationally recognized leaders in special needs planning and related disciplines who shared insights on the latest developments and legal strategies in the field.

To learn more about Special Needs Planning Services offered by Sheri R. Abrams, please call 703-934-5450 and set up an initial consultation or see our website at www.virginiaspecialneedstrusts.com.

Sheri Abrams, Attorney at Law, will be teaching a class on Social Security Disability Law for NBI on October 6, 2008. For information please go to http://www.nbi-sems.com/Enbi/Brochurepdfs/45828.pdf.

I hope that you like our new website. It is a work in progress so please let us know if you have any questions or comments on its setup or content.

The law offices of Sheri R. Abrams, P.C. have moved to a new location right across from the Courthouse in Fairfax City Virginia.

Our new address is: 4015 Chain Bridge Road, Suite I, Fairfax, VA 22030

Our telephone number remains the same at (703) 934-5450