Prior to joining the team at Pinyerd Disability Law, James Barker worked as an appeals analyst, attorney-adviser, and senior attorney at the Social Security Administration Offices of Hearing Operations and Appellate Operations. While working for the Administration, James reviewed numerous cases, recommended on the record (OTR) dispositions and further development actions, and advised Administrative Law Judges and Administrative Appeals Judges on hearing decisions and appeals actions, including listing determinations and advising on changes to the regulations and sub-regulatory policy. His diverse agency experience has provided him with an in-depth understanding of the agency’s processes and procedures, which enhances his ability to provide well-informed legal advice to the firm’s Social Security disability clients.  

James graduated with distinction from Ohio Northern University Claude W. Petit College of Law in 2013, and he has undergraduate degrees in geography and environmental studies from Emory and Henry College, and a masters’ degree in geography from Marshall University. James also has prior federal work experience as a contract specialist with Army Contracting Command and as a biologist with the National Park Service.