If you never had a lawyer involved, I would consider trying to do it on my own to save the lawyer fees.....as you said, you did all of the work.

I would think seriously about getting another lawyer in your case....both because it is now at the ALJ level AND because if another lawyer gets involved, his documentation might pull more weight with the SSA to cut your old lawyer out of the picture or at least split that fee. I'm afraid the the old lawyer has made his case (or will do so) with SSA to claim that 25% of your backpay. If that 25% is going to be taken out anyway, I'd rather it go to the new lawyer. Even if they split it, that would be less for the guy who did nothing.

A new lawyer would have better knowledge/skills in determining what the old lawyer actually did or didn't do......and he would have the financial incentive to try to squeeze the old lawyer out of the equation.

It's a tough decision.....and just adding more stress that you don't need.

Take Care