Intro: Brian joined our team in 2011 and currently serves as the Managing Attorney for our Disability Practice. This practice area focuses on representing individuals for disability benefits before the Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). Brian is involved in disability cases in our office from the initial client conversation once a case is opened, through all aspects of claims handling, and finally to case resolution. He has personally represented SSD/SSI claimants at all administrative levels (initial, reconsideration, hearing, Appeals Council) and federal court. Additionally, he has represented claimants in more than 2,500 ALJ hearings, many veterans before the VA in proceedings with decision review officers (DRO), veteran law judges (VLJ), and railroad workers in hearings before RRB hearing officers.

Background: During high school and college, Brian worked various jobs such as a farmhand (produce), warehouse laborer, golf shop assistant, call center representative, and dry cleaner assistant/cashier. While earning his Master of Public Administration from Troy University, he worked full time as a credit union teller/new account representative while attending school full time at night. Brian worked at the Disability Determination Service (DDS) in Birmingham, deciding over 1,000 SSDI and SSI claims. He went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law and launch his career at Wettermark Keith.

Brian’s “Why”: Brian has found that helping clients through the cumbersome process of dealing with Social Security, the VA, and the RRB is personally rewarding. Daily, he is honored by compliments and appreciation from our clients, who put their trust in him to assist them during difficult times.

Bar Admissions:

• Alabama State Bar
• United States District Court Northern District of Alabama
• United States District Court Middle District of Alabama
• United States District Court Eastern District of Tennessee
• United States Court of Appeal for the 11th Circuit

Professional Associations: 

• American Association for Justice
• Alabama Association for Justice (Chair, Social Security Caucus)
• Birmingham Bar Association
• National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (Sustaining Member)
• National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates, Inc.
• Alabama Veteran, Advisory Board Member (2022)
• National Association of Disability Examiners (2007-2011)

Honors and Awards:

• Social Security Disability Leadership, 2022 Top 100
• Social Security Disability Leadership, 2021 Top 100
• Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Stars 2023
• Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Stars 2022
• Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Stars 2021
• Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Stars 2020
• Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Stars 2019
• Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Stars 2018
• Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Stars 2017

Publications:

• Lee Fernon, Rebecca Gilliland & Brian Smith, INSURED BEWARE: Potential Conflicts Between Your Disability Carrier and Their Recommended Social Security Attorney, Ala. Ass’n for Just. J. Fall 2019, 57 (2019).

Just For Fun: Brian enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and watching Alabama football in his free time!