Was he provided by your employer? Go out to the courthouse and ask the clerks [after you've combed the phone books and the library's Martindale-Hubbel directory] pick 3-5 names and ask which one is the most agressive...YOU DO NEED AGRESSIVE here. Fanfaire is right in that you want one that specializes in ERISA cases..And that they are going to look for any and every excuse to deny you...not fair, but that's the way it is.

IF the lawyer was 'recommended' by your employer well, you know who he's really working for.

Also there might be an area magazine [we have one in the DC area] that does 'Top Docs, Top Lawyers' features every year or so...you can find the toughies there...they do not come cheap but you get big bang for your bucks.

Martindale Hubbel is a directory of lawyers and they can only be listed with the 'nomination' of other lawyers...they are rated...Soo if an attorney is listed there - and rated highly they are truly not run of the mill.

Move on it as quickly as you can...My hopes are with you! - j