ABOUT US

ATTORNEY 

MICHAEL MISKOWIEC

     Originally from Utica, New York, Mike received a B.A. in History from State University College of New York at Oswego, N.Y. in 1978 and his J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law in 1982.

     After graduation from law school, Mike worked for Legal Services Corp. of Alabama from 1982 to 1990.  In addition to representing low income clients in civil legal matters from domestic relations to Social Security claims, Mike was lead counsel on class actions dealing with Food Stamp eligibility and child support collections.

     In 1990, Mike and his family moved to Charleston, West Virginia where he was employed by West Virginia Legal Services Plan, another legal aid organization. In his five years with the Plan, Mike concentrated on federal litigation concerning federal and state benefit programs. 

     Because Congress restricted the Plan’s ability to pursue relief for their clients in the federal courts in 1996, Mike opened his own law office that year. For the first 14 months, Mike was a “one man gang,” with no staff. Nevertheless, he continued to file significant litigation on behalf of the poor and disabled.

     At this time, Mike’s practice is limited to Social Security and SSI disability claims, including litigation in federal court, and West Virginia and federal workers’ compensation claims. Mike is licensed to practice law in West Virginia, Alabama and Florida. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern District of West Virginia, the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Alabama and before the Fourth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals.

     Since 2003, Mike has been Chairman of the West Virginia Bar’s Social Security Committee. He is a sustaining member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives.

     Away from the office, Mike enjoys all sports, especially baseball, tennis and his beloved New York Giants. He is also active in community theatre.

STAFF

BETTY ANN MISKOWIEC
     
     Betty Ann Miskowiec is the office manager/secretary. She is also Mike’s wife.  She has worked at the office since 1998. Prior to working at Mike’s office, B.A. worked for Legal Services Corp. of Alabama and the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office.

     B.A.’s personal interests are reading, writing, needlework and church activities.        

MARGARET J. PAYNE

     Margaret J. Payne is the legal assistant at the office. She is responsible for initial client interviews and developing medical evidence. Prior to coming to work for us in 2004, Margaret worked for 13 years as a Disability Examiner for the West Virginia Disability Determination Section and was a member of the National Association for Disability Examiners (NADE).

     Margaret is a graduate of West Virginia State College. She is active in her local church and community. She is currently an active volunteer for the Kairos Prison Ministry in West Virginia. Margaret has also served as a volunteer for the Literacy Volunteer Program in the Kanawha Valley.   

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