team-member

James Ratchford

Buffalo, NY

N/A

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Social Security Disability

Language

English

About

After my experiences at some large firms, I've come to deeply believe in the importance of individual relationships between lawyers and clients.  Getting to know you and your unique circumstances will enable me to provide you with the personalized service that suits your particular case or legal need. When I'm not working on my clients' needs, you'll most likely find me on a bike or in a kayak.  I'm a big believer in extreme achievements and in doing things that others find intimidating or impossible, like expedition adventure races and steep whitewater descents.  I live by two simple mottos: always move forward, and conquer fear.  Those key lessons got me through law school as well as my service in the US Navy and countless adventures and obstacles small and large.   In law school, I studied as diverse a range of topics as I could get my hands on.  Today, I apply all of that knowledge and my nine years of experience in Social Security to giving my clients the individual service and attention they deserve and working toward getting each client the best possible outcome.

Language

English

Contact

37 Franklin St., Ste. 1000Buffalo, NY, 1420237 Franklin St., Ste. 1000Buffalo, NY, 14202

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Jennifer
November 2, 2018

Mr. Ratchford was extremely helpful to me with my case. He was professional, courteous, non-judgmental, and he treated me with respect. He always returned my calls promptly and answered/explained every question I had. My experience was made easier by Mr. Ratchford. I am grateful that he represented me.

Brittany M. from Rochester, NY
February 22, 2018

I had the extreme pleasure of working with Mr Ratchford through a disability contracted company. Although the company ended up being a disaster- Mr Ratchford DID NOT! Mr Ratchford has taken the time to help me deal with the ever challenging system of SSA!! He was always professional, always honest ( especially given the circumstances he had to work through with the contract company), always answered my emails or calls in an unbelievable timeframe (especially for a busy attorney), treated me with respect as well as made me feel like I was his only client when I know for sure I was far from that! Mr Ratchford did not have an easy time when it came down to working with this “contracted” company- nor did I!! He was frequently given wrong information and honestly at times- no information at all. However, he worked through the challenges without showing me the same frustration I was feeling towards this company. I am not here to sway people’s opinions on this company as you will have to form your own opinion if you are currently working with them! I will not name them- but I am here to say how happy I am that they made the choice to assign Mr Ratchford to me! If you are struggling to understand and navigate through the SSA process- contact him! He will work on the disabled persons behalf with nothing but professionalism and honesty, he will always treat you with sincere respect regardless of your disability and will give you clear cut directions on what you need to do. The SSA process is not easy- nor should it be but James Ratchford WILL help you navigate through the system - that I can promise you! My sincere hope is that you have the same experience I did with Mr Ratchford! Thank you for your hard work -and for “walking” with me through this especially difficult time in my life!!

Jeff
September 30, 2014

James helped me out with starting a non profit corporation, and a new business partnership contract. He is really knowledgeable in all aspects of law, and has a tremendous knowledge of SSD cases. His personal service and attention to detail, as well as good nature make him a great lawyer!

anonymous
September 25, 2014

I was very please with Mr. Ratchford's legal services. We had been having difficulties with a contractor who installed a pool liner in our existing pool, and the contractor not only did not complete the job, but he left us with leaks and undue stress. The contractor/owner of Empire Pools, became threatening, leaving harassing voicemails wherein he called us names and made threats to our home. Mr. Ratchford reviewed the contract and all additional paperwork, and discovered that the pool company had several illegal business practices in play. So not only was Empire Pools in breach of our contract, they were violating business law. Mr. Ratchford drafted a letter to advise Empire Pools of the breach, damages, and illegal practices, and the matter is closed. Mr. Ratchford's work was efficient and impressive. His fees were reasonable, and his completion of the research and letter delivery were timely.

Jennifer
November 2, 2018

Mr. Ratchford was extremely helpful to me with my case. He was professional, courteous, non-judgmental, and he treated me with respect. He always returned my calls promptly and answered/explained every question I had. My experience was made easier by Mr. Ratchford. I am grateful that he represented me.

Brittany M. from Rochester, NY
February 22, 2018

I had the extreme pleasure of working with Mr Ratchford through a disability contracted company. Although the company ended up being a disaster- Mr Ratchford DID NOT! Mr Ratchford has taken the time to help me deal with the ever challenging system of SSA!! He was always professional, always honest ( especially given the circumstances he had to work through with the contract company), always answered my emails or calls in an unbelievable timeframe (especially for a busy attorney), treated me with respect as well as made me feel like I was his only client when I know for sure I was far from that! Mr Ratchford did not have an easy time when it came down to working with this “contracted” company- nor did I!! He was frequently given wrong information and honestly at times- no information at all. However, he worked through the challenges without showing me the same frustration I was feeling towards this company. I am not here to sway people’s opinions on this company as you will have to form your own opinion if you are currently working with them! I will not name them- but I am here to say how happy I am that they made the choice to assign Mr Ratchford to me! If you are struggling to understand and navigate through the SSA process- contact him! He will work on the disabled persons behalf with nothing but professionalism and honesty, he will always treat you with sincere respect regardless of your disability and will give you clear cut directions on what you need to do. The SSA process is not easy- nor should it be but James Ratchford WILL help you navigate through the system - that I can promise you! My sincere hope is that you have the same experience I did with Mr Ratchford! Thank you for your hard work -and for “walking” with me through this especially difficult time in my life!!

Jeff
September 30, 2014

James helped me out with starting a non profit corporation, and a new business partnership contract. He is really knowledgeable in all aspects of law, and has a tremendous knowledge of SSD cases. His personal service and attention to detail, as well as good nature make him a great lawyer!

anonymous
September 25, 2014

I was very please with Mr. Ratchford's legal services. We had been having difficulties with a contractor who installed a pool liner in our existing pool, and the contractor not only did not complete the job, but he left us with leaks and undue stress. The contractor/owner of Empire Pools, became threatening, leaving harassing voicemails wherein he called us names and made threats to our home. Mr. Ratchford reviewed the contract and all additional paperwork, and discovered that the pool company had several illegal business practices in play. So not only was Empire Pools in breach of our contract, they were violating business law. Mr. Ratchford drafted a letter to advise Empire Pools of the breach, damages, and illegal practices, and the matter is closed. Mr. Ratchford's work was efficient and impressive. His fees were reasonable, and his completion of the research and letter delivery were timely.

Jennifer
November 2, 2018

Mr. Ratchford was extremely helpful to me with my case. He was professional, courteous, non-judgmental, and he treated me with respect. He always returned my calls promptly and answered/explained every question I had. My experience was made easier by Mr. Ratchford. I am grateful that he represented me.

Brittany M. from Rochester, NY
February 22, 2018

I had the extreme pleasure of working with Mr Ratchford through a disability contracted company. Although the company ended up being a disaster- Mr Ratchford DID NOT! Mr Ratchford has taken the time to help me deal with the ever challenging system of SSA!! He was always professional, always honest ( especially given the circumstances he had to work through with the contract company), always answered my emails or calls in an unbelievable timeframe (especially for a busy attorney), treated me with respect as well as made me feel like I was his only client when I know for sure I was far from that! Mr Ratchford did not have an easy time when it came down to working with this “contracted” company- nor did I!! He was frequently given wrong information and honestly at times- no information at all. However, he worked through the challenges without showing me the same frustration I was feeling towards this company. I am not here to sway people’s opinions on this company as you will have to form your own opinion if you are currently working with them! I will not name them- but I am here to say how happy I am that they made the choice to assign Mr Ratchford to me! If you are struggling to understand and navigate through the SSA process- contact him! He will work on the disabled persons behalf with nothing but professionalism and honesty, he will always treat you with sincere respect regardless of your disability and will give you clear cut directions on what you need to do. The SSA process is not easy- nor should it be but James Ratchford WILL help you navigate through the system - that I can promise you! My sincere hope is that you have the same experience I did with Mr Ratchford! Thank you for your hard work -and for “walking” with me through this especially difficult time in my life!!

Jeff
September 30, 2014

James helped me out with starting a non profit corporation, and a new business partnership contract. He is really knowledgeable in all aspects of law, and has a tremendous knowledge of SSD cases. His personal service and attention to detail, as well as good nature make him a great lawyer!

anonymous
September 25, 2014

I was very please with Mr. Ratchford's legal services. We had been having difficulties with a contractor who installed a pool liner in our existing pool, and the contractor not only did not complete the job, but he left us with leaks and undue stress. The contractor/owner of Empire Pools, became threatening, leaving harassing voicemails wherein he called us names and made threats to our home. Mr. Ratchford reviewed the contract and all additional paperwork, and discovered that the pool company had several illegal business practices in play. So not only was Empire Pools in breach of our contract, they were violating business law. Mr. Ratchford drafted a letter to advise Empire Pools of the breach, damages, and illegal practices, and the matter is closed. Mr. Ratchford's work was efficient and impressive. His fees were reasonable, and his completion of the research and letter delivery were timely.