Judith S. Leland (1943-2021)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our founding law partner and mentor, Judith S. Leland, on January 19, 2021. For over 40 years, Judith served her clients with skill, dedication and compassion. A former SSI Judge, she trained and molded her attorneys to be zealous advocates for the disabled.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our founding law partner and mentor, Judith S. Leland, on January 19, 2021. For over 40 years, Judith served her clients with skill, dedication and compassion. A former SSI Judge, she trained and molded her attorneys to be zealous advocates for the disabled. Her motto was, “justice shall prevail.”
Born on January 6, 1943, Judith is survived by her children, Alexis and Moselle, who are also Social Security attorneys and continue Judith’s legacy and law practice.
Judith received her Bachelors of Art degree with Honors from the University of California at Berkeley and her law degree from the prestigious Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Prior to establishing her Social Security practice in 1977, Judith served as a general practitioner, even representing the likes of Cashus Clay. She then served as a Supplemental Security Income Judge with the Social Security Administration, presiding over numerous Social Security Disability and SSI hearings in California.
During her lengthy and successful career, she was an active member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), having served as district representative and having been a speaker at many NOSSCR conventions. She presented at many patient support groups and was a presenting panel member at the CEB course, “Handling the Social Security Case.” She also served as chairperson of the Social Security Sections of the Orange County and Los Angeles County Bar Associations. During her career, Judith handled over 2000 Social Security Disability cases at all adjudicatory levels including the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Judith is remembered by family, friends, clients and colleagues for her compassion, intelligence, and dedication. She will be greatly missed by many.
