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Heard & Smith, LLPPartner
John R. Heard
Pro

John R. Heard

4.6
19 reviews

10715 Gulfdale Street, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78216

Social Security Claimants, Social Security, Social Security Appeals and 3 more

About John R. Heard

John R. Heard received his B.A. with honors from the University of Texas in 1971, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin Law School with honors in 1975. In Law School, Mr. Heard was on the Law Review, and also served as a Teaching Quizmaster. After serving as law clerk for a United States District Court Judge, he began his own law practice in San Antonio in 1976. Mr. Heard is a frequent lecturer at legal seminars addressing social security issues. He has successfully represented Social Security claimants for over 30 years.

Mr. Heard is the Past President of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives and is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is licensed to practice in all Texas Courts, the Federal Courts of the Eastern, Western and Southern Districts of Texas, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States Court of Veterans Appeals. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States in 2001. He is a maintaining member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, and is a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation.

 

John R. Heard (San Antonio, Texas) View website

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.
Champion Badge Platinum
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

John R. Heard got this award in 2021

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

John R. Heard got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

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Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for John R.

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Overall Rating
4.6
See All Reviews
19
4.3
Lawyers.com
11
Martindale
Not yet reviewed
4.6
Avvo
8
Showing 1-10 of 11 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
45%
4 stars
36%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
9%
1 star
9%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.3
Quality of Service
4.2
Responsiveness
4.5
Value for Money
4.4
Social Security
Posted by anonymous
November 19, 2011
Hired Attorney

Very professional. Took time to explain thoroughly.

Social Security
Posted by anonymous
July 22, 2012
Hired Attorney

This firm aided me in receiving my Social Security Disability benefits easily and quickly. I knew exactly what fees would be applied and was very pleased with the dollar amount. They did not overcharge or burden me in any way. Excellent source for this type of assistance.

Social Security
Posted by anonymous
March 25, 2011
Hired Attorney

Responsive to my needs, helpful.

Social Security
Posted by anonymous
November 28, 2010
Hired Attorney

Great experience

Social Security Disability
Posted by anonymous
October 11, 2018
Hired Attorney

I was extremely dissatisfied with the services rendered from this firm. You never speak to John R Heard or any other lawyer for that matter to the very end/Hearing stage. It is all handled administratively or by representatives/interns. Very impersonal. I fired them & I would never recommend them.

Response from John R.
October 11, 2018
This review is not typical for a client my firm represents, we do not know who wrote this. Our clients can speak with an attorney anytime during their case. We work hard for our clients and also offer compassion to help them through a difficult time.
Social Security
Posted by anonymous
September 02, 2011
Hired Attorney

His law firm handled our daughter's SSI case, my SS Disabiliy case & hers had to go to the 3rd attempt,then trial.I listened to our daughter's representation legally, completely void of pertinent information! I asked to testify, the judge allowed it. I shared the FACTS of her case & the judges mouth dropped open & said our daughter DEFINITELY qualified! I submitted my case to this firm much later, but our congressman sent my letter of appeal directly to SS in Austin & I won in a month!

 
Social Security
Posted by anonymous
July 16, 2013
Hired Attorney
Social Security
Posted by anonymous
February 12, 2013
Hired Attorney
Social Security
Posted by anonymous
May 19, 2012
Hired Attorney
Social Security
Posted by anonymous
April 23, 2011
Hired Attorney
From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Social Security 1
    • Social Security Disability
  • Other 4
    • Social Security Claimants
    • Social Security Appeals
    • Social Security Disability Insurance
    • Supplemental Security Income

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1975, Texas
    U.S. Supreme Court
    U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
    U.S. District Court Court, Western District of Texas
    U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
    U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
    U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans' Claims
    Memberships
    San Antonio and American (Member, Section on Real Property, Probate and Trust Law) Bar Associations
    State Bar of Texas (Member, Guardianship Committee, Estate Planning and Probate Council, 1983—).
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of Texas
    Class of 1975
    J.D.
    with honors

    University of Texas
    Class of 1975
    J.D.
    with honors
    Other Education
    University of Texas
    Class of 1971
    B.A.
    with honors

    University of Texas
    Class of 1971
    B.A.
    with honors
    Legal Certifications
    Board Certified, Civil Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1949
    San Antonio, Texas, March 2, 1949
    Hobbies & Interests
    Phi Delta Phi. Member, University of Texas Law Review, 1974-1975. Teaching Quizmaster, Legal Research and Writing, University of Texas Law School, 1974-1975. Law Clerk to U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, 1975-1976. Chairman, Bexar County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center, 1985-1986. President, 1999-2000 and Sustaining Member, 1980-2007, National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR).

Contact John R. Heard

Partner at Heard & Smith, LLP
4.6
19 reviews

10715 Gulfdale Street, Suite 100San Antonio, TX 78216U.S.A.

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Fax: (210) 820-3777
Office Hours:
  • Saturday By appointment
  • Sunday By appointment

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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    John R. Heard was admitted in 1975 to the State of Texas.
  • Does this attorney speak any other languages?
    John R. Heard speaks Spanish.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, John R. Heard has a 4.3 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • How many attorneys are in this law firm?
    Heard & Smith, LLP has 21 attorneys at this location.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    John R. Heard attended University of Texas.

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