Thank you all for your input and the links. It really did help and I appreciate it.

To answer a couple Q's that were asked...
Finz asked: In another post you mentioned you were thinking this will be your lawyer. What about him made you feel comfortable and confident with his abilities ? Did you get to talk about your concerns about the extra fees being standard ?

I felt comfortable with him from the very beginning, when he took a good amount of time to answer my Q's and explain some things. We've been emailing back and forth regarding negotiations on his contract and he's willing to change or drop a couple of clauses to fit my particular situation.
Regarding his fee agreement, he did say that the $6000 limit does get dropped if we lose the ALJ hearing and have to go to Appeals Council. If we are granted a new hearing and win, then this is where he collects 25% of backpay with no limits. He didn't mention anything about going as far as the federal court, so I'm not sure on that.

Echoes stated:

im sure the lawyer is referring to 25% of everything if in the event you lose at the alj level, appeal to the appeals council or federal court and get another hearing ordered. its not 25% of everything for the initial alj hearing only if you lose the initial hearing and then appeal and then eventually get awarded.

That's exactly right. Pretty much word for word of how it is stated in his contract (minus any mention of fed court).

thanks again for the great input.

Rae