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PA UC Attorney Success Stories? Need recommendations for benefit denial appeal

Hi everyone, I'm in a tough spot. My PA unemployment claim was just denied because my former employer is claiming I was terminated for willful misconduct (completely untrue - I was let go because the company lost a major contract). I've filed my appeal but I'm thinking about hiring an attorney to help me win this thing. Has anyone here successfully used a lawyer for their PA UC appeal hearing? Looking for recommendations on who you used and roughly what it cost. My hearing is scheduled for March 3, 2025, so I don't have tons of time. Any insights would be super helpful!

Chloe Martin

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i won my appeal without a lawyer. just brought all my documentation showing the real reason i was let go. the hearing referee was pretty fair and my employer didn't even show up lol

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AstroAce

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That's encouraging! Did you have any specific documentation that helped your case? My company is definitely planning to attend the hearing and they have an HR rep who handles these things regularly, so I'm worried about being outmatched.

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Diego Rojas

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I used attorney Miller at Workers' Rights Legal when my claim was denied for similar reasons. Cost was around $900 for full representation, which included prep meetings and the actual hearing. Worth every penny since I won and received about $14,500 in backpay. The key thing to know is that in PA, the employer has the burden of proof in misconduct cases. If they can't definitively prove you violated a known policy, you should win regardless of representation. That said, an attorney definitely helps navigate the process and knows which questions to ask during the hearing.

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Wait I thought the appeal hearings were just like, you tell your side and they tell theirs? There's actual questioning involved? Oh man, I'm going thru the same thing and now I'm freaking out!!!

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My cousin went through this last year. He used some legal aid place that helps with unemployment for free if you qualify based on income. Maybe worth checking into?

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Zara Ahmed

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This is good advice. Community Legal Services in Philadelphia and similar organizations across PA offer free legal assistance for unemployment appeals if you meet their income guidelines. Even if you don't qualify for free representation, many attorneys who specialize in employment law offer free initial consultations and affordable payment plans for UC appeals.

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StarStrider

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I had the WORST experience with my appeal. No lawyer, I lost, and then ended up with a $7200 overpayment bill because I had been collecting before they reversed it!!! GET A LAWYER!!! The system is RIGGED against us!

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Luca Esposito

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You can actually appeal the overpayment separately and request a fault overpayment waiver if you received benefits in good faith. Don't just accept the $7200 bill - there's a separate process for that. I've helped several people navigate this successfully through my work at a nonprofit.

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Zara Ahmed

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Before spending money on an attorney, I'd recommend trying to reach PA UC directly to discuss your case. Many denial issues can be resolved with proper documentation and explanation. The challenge is getting through to someone who can actually help. When I needed to speak with a UC rep about my appeal, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days trying. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Speaking with a knowledgeable UC representative first might save you the attorney fees, as they can tell you exactly what documentation you need for your specific case.

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Does this actually work? The UC phone lines are IMPOSSIBLE. I've been calling for two weeks straight!!

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Luca Esposito

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I work with a legal aid organization that handles unemployment appeals. Some insights that might help: 1. In willful misconduct cases, the burden of proof is on the employer 2. Success rates are actually quite good for claimants who properly prepare 3. Attorney fees typically range from $600-1200 for UC appeals in Pennsylvania 4. Many attorneys offer payment plans spread over several months I'd suggest calling the PA Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service. They can connect you with attorneys who specialize in unemployment cases, often with reduced initial consultation fees. But don't wait - with your hearing on March 3, you'll want to secure representation at least 2 weeks before to allow proper preparation time.

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AstroAce

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This is super helpful information. Do you know if the PA Bar Association's referral service screens for quality, or do they just provide names of available attorneys?

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Nia Thompson

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im in the middle of my apeal too! found out my boss was reporting diffrent hours than i was working and now im in troble for frod even tho it was HIS mistake not mine! the hole system is a joke tbh

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Diego Rojas

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That's not fraud on your part if you reported your hours correctly. Make sure you bring any text messages, emails or time sheets showing the hours you actually worked. The referee will want to see evidence that you reported your hours accurately to UC based on what you honestly believed you worked.

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Chloe Martin

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Back wen i had my hearing the employer just made stuff up about me! they said i was always late but had zero proof. the referee asked them for attendance records and they didnt have any lol. make sure u ask them for proof of whatever they claim u did

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Luca Esposito

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This is excellent advice. During unemployment hearings, many employers make allegations without documentation. Always politely ask the referee to request supporting evidence for any claims made against you. If the employer can't produce records, time sheets, written warnings, or policy documents, their case is significantly weakened.

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Diego Rojas

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One more thing to consider - if you hire an attorney, make sure they specialize in unemployment cases specifically. I initially talked to a general practice lawyer who gave me completely wrong information about the appeal process. PA unemployment hearings have very specific rules and procedures that not all attorneys understand. Ask potential lawyers how many UC appeals they've handled in the past year.

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Zara Ahmed

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Completely agree with this. I've seen many claimants hire general practice attorneys who weren't familiar with the nuances of PA's unemployment law, particularly around the different standards for willful misconduct, voluntary quit, and able/available issues. Each type of case has different elements that need to be proven or disproven. A specialist will know exactly what to focus on for your specific situation.

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Sean O'Donnell

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My friend who works at the unemployment office (not in appeals tho) says a lot of people represent themselves and win. Just depends on how complicated your case is and how well you can organize your thoughts when you're nervous.

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StarStrider

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Yeah well I represented myself and LOST even though my employer was CLEARLY in the wrong! The hearings are intimidating and if your employer has someone from HR who does this all the time, you're at a disadvantage from the start. Don't risk it!!

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