When a Pennsylvania law firm that has helped shape disability legislation for more than four decades lands on a national top-200 list, it is more than just an award — it is a testament to how deep legal expertise can change lives. Silver & Silver, based in Ardmore, has been named among 200 Social Security Disability practices nationwide in the FY2025 rankings from Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD). The honor adds to a legacy that includes congressional testimony, leadership in national legal organizations, and a direct hand in making medical records more affordable for those who need them most.
Founded in 1981 by attorneys Mike and Cindy Silver, the firm has built a reputation that stretches well beyond its suburban Philadelphia roots. What truly sets Silver & Silver apart is not just the decades spent guiding clients through the disability claims process, but the extraordinary contributions its attorneys have made to the legal profession itself. From influencing legislation and testifying before Congress to holding leadership posts in national organizations, the firm’s lawyers have devoted their careers to improving disability representation and protecting the rights of individuals who can no longer work because of serious medical conditions.
A legacy of national leadership in disability law
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At the heart of that legacy is founding attorney Mike Silver, who was among the first lawyers in the country to focus exclusively on disability law. His influence extends well beyond the clients he has personally represented. In 1990, Silver was elected president of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), then a 4,300-member group dedicated to advancing the rights of Social Security claimants. He also testified before the United States House of Representatives’ Social Security Subcommittee, pushing for a more equitable disability system, and founded and chaired the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Disability Law Committee for nearly a decade.
One of Silver’s most significant achievements involved helping advance Pennsylvania legislation that made medical records more affordable for people pursuing disability claims. Recognizing that excessive fees for medical records created major barriers for those seeking benefits, he worked to support legislation that established more reasonable costs for obtaining the documentation needed to prove disabling conditions. His efforts reflected a commitment that went beyond individual cases — improving the system for disabled individuals across the entire state.
Silver’s career has earned numerous professional and community honors. He has received Philadelphia Magazine’s Super Lawyers recognition in disability law for more than 20 years, was named Main Line Today Magazine’s first Person of the Year in 2004 for his professional and charitable contributions, and has repeatedly earned local Best Attorney distinctions. The firm itself has also received multiple Best Law Firm honors through Main Line Media’s Readers’ Choice awards, including recognition in 2025. These accomplishments reflect a legacy built not just on legal experience, but on leadership, service, and dedication to the communities the firm represents.
Continuing a tradition of excellence through the next generation
That commitment to exceptional legal representation continues with Joseph B. Silver, who joined the firm in 2014 and has built his own impressive credentials in Social Security Disability law. A graduate of Duke University School of Law, where he also earned a master’s degree in Media Studies, Joseph represents disability claimants before the Social Security Administration and in federal court.
Joseph currently chairs the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Disability Law Committee — the same committee his father helped establish — and serves as the Third Circuit representative to NOSSCR’s national Board of Directors. Through these roles, he contributes to discussions about disability law, claimant representation, and the policies affecting individuals seeking benefits across the country.
His professional achievements have earned him recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2018 and as a Top Lawyer by Main Line Today. Together, Mike and Joseph Silver represent a powerful combination of pioneering legal experience and continued leadership in an evolving area of law.
National recognition that reflects decades of dedication
Silver & Silver’s inclusion in ACRD’s FY2025 disability rankings marks another milestone in the firm’s long-standing commitment to serving individuals and families facing life-changing circumstances. ACRD’s recognition program honors legal professionals and organizations that advance disability representation, professional excellence, and advocacy throughout the United States. The firm’s award is scheduled to be presented during the ACRD 2026 Tech Summit, October 21–22, in San Antonio, Texas.
For people living with disabilities, access to knowledgeable legal representation can make a meaningful difference during an already overwhelming period of uncertainty. Whether assisting with an initial disability application, appealing a denied claim, or representing a client in federal court, Silver & Silver brings decades of concentrated experience and a long-standing commitment to helping people pursue the benefits and protections available to them.
While the firm’s accomplishments have brought national recognition, Silver & Silver remains deeply connected to the Philadelphia region. From its office in Ardmore, the firm serves individuals and families throughout Montgomery County, Delaware County, Philadelphia, and surrounding communities. Its attorneys combine the experience and professional involvement associated with nationally recognized legal advocates with the personal attention and accessibility of a long-standing local practice. The firm has also received other community recognition that readers can view in Main Line Today’s 2026 lawyers feature, where Cindy Silver and partner Joe Schwartz were included.
About Silver & Silver
Founded in 1981, Silver & Silver is an established law firm headquartered in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, serving clients throughout the greater Philadelphia area and beyond. With more than 45 years of history, the firm focuses on social security disability, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and employment law. Its attorneys have held prominent leadership roles in national and regional legal organizations, earned numerous professional awards, and contributed to important disability advocacy efforts. Silver & Silver remains dedicated to providing experienced legal representation while helping individuals and families navigate difficult circumstances with confidence.
For more information contact the firm today or call at (610) 658-1900.
Joe Silver
Silver & Silver
+1 610-658-1900
jsilver@silverandsilver.com
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Why it matters: For the thousands of Americans navigating the often-confusing Social Security Disability system each year, this recognition underscores the value of experienced legal advocates who have not only won cases but helped shape the laws that govern benefits. When a firm’s attorneys have testified before Congress and chaired national organizations, it signals a level of expertise that can directly affect whether a claimant receives the support they need.
