Social Security Disability Attorneys in Dayton, OH
Marilyn R. Donoff
After nearly 50 years representing Social Security claimants, Marilyn is one of the most experienced Social Security lawyers in the country.
The daughter of gravediggers, Marilyn was among the first women in her generation to attend law school—all while raising her daughter as a single mother. Marilyn rose through the ranks at a large law firm as a standout trial lawyer. But she never felt comfortable in the old boys’ club, where they were often taking quick settlements and charging massive fees. She left to start her own firm. And unlike the other firms, Marilyn took all comers: she never forgot that she went to law school to help the poor and needy.
Marilyn still has the hard-nosed spirit of a trial litigator. She welcomes hard cases rejected by other firms. She aggressively cross-examines the government-hired “experts.” She takes cases to federal court. She shows up to doctors’ offices to demand evidence. And if you meet with Marilyn, she will ask seemingly countless question so that she knows everything about your impairments.
It is hard to overstate Marilyn’s experience, expertise, and impact. She has helped generations of disabled Ohioans receive their benefits—now often representing the children and even grandchildren of former clients.
Admissions
- Supreme Court of Ohio
- United States Supreme Court
- Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Southern District of Ohio
Education
- J.D., University of Cincinnati
- B.A., Wright State University
Memberships
- National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR)
- National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR)
- Advocates, Counselors & Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD)
- Dayton Bar Association
- Cincinnati Bar Association
Rebecca R. Fate
Rebecca went from hardship to Harvard Law School. Now she helps disabled people get the benefits they need.
From a working-class background and the first in her family to graduate from college, Rebecca attended the University of Central Florida on a full scholarship. After graduating top of her class, she went to Harvard Law School (where she also graduated with honors). She immediately left for a national law firm known for its commitment to providing top-notch legal aid to both major corporations and individuals in need. Indeed, that firm represented the last Social Security claimant to reach the Supreme Court, Biestek v. Berryhill. She joined Donoff & Lutz, LLC so that she could dedicate herself fully to helping those in need.
Rebecca works hard for her clients. She understands how much it matters for people to get their benefits. And she provides compassionate counsel to clients throughout the process. Rebecca’s goal is not just to win your case, but to help you navigate the maze with confidence.
Admissions
- Supreme Court of Ohio
- Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Southern District of Ohio
Education
- J.D., Harvard Law School
- B.A., B.S., University of Central Florida
Memberships
- National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR)
- National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR)
- Advocates, Counselors & Representatives for the Disabled
- (ACRD)
- Dayton Bar Association
- Cincinnati Bar Association
Zachary P. Lutz
When he was 13, Zachary started at the firm as a file clerk. After two Harvard degrees, he returned as an attorney.
Born and raised in Southwestern Ohio, Zachary graduated with honors from Harvard College and Harvard Law School and pursued graduate studies at the University of Chicago. He brings this scholarly bent to his Social Security practice, often wielding little-known regulations to win cases. And to present arguments, he brings well-developed debate skills, honed as the President of the Harvard Political Union and at a national trial litigation firm.
It’s not enough simply to know the law: great advocates know how to convince judges and address their concerns. Zachary worked for judges and learned how they think. During college he was a judicial intern at the United States Supreme Court, memorably watching from the courtroom as Obergefell v. Hodges was announced. After law school, he clerked for the Associate Chief Justice of a state Supreme Court (a thought leader in “textualist” statutory interpretation), and for the longest-tenured active judge in the history of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Indeed, the D.C. Circuit—sometimes called “the Supreme Court of administrative law”—plays a foremost role in developing the administrative legal standards that govern many Social Security cases.
Zachary eventually returned to the firm now known as Donoff & Lutz, LLC. He didn't go to law school to represent rich people. He helps the little guy live a happy, fulfilling life. In his free time, he advocates for Social Security policy improvements and represents veterans pro bono in their claims for service-connected disability benefits.
Admissions
- Supreme Court of Ohio
- D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals
- Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Southern District of Ohio
- District Court for the District of Columbia
Education
- J.D., Harvard Law School
- M.A., University of Chicago
- B.A., Harvard College
Memberships
- National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR)
- National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR)
- Advocates, Counselors & Representatives for the Disabled
- (ACRD)
- Dayton Bar Association
- Cincinnati Bar Association
Clerkships
- D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals
- Supreme Court of Utah
Judicial Internships
- Supreme Court of the United States
We’re here to help! Call (937) 223-4400 or email disability@donofflutz.com to discuss your claim.