T. Rhett Smith, Esquire
T. Rhett Smith is a lifelong resident of Pensacola, Florida. Mr. Smith served in the United States Marine Corp in the early 1970's. After leaving the Marine Corp, he became a law enforcement officer in a local agency where he served for thirteen years. During this time, he attended college at Pensacola Junior College and then Troy State University where he earned a degree in public administration. He was a member of the Academic Honors Society at Troy State University . Mr. Smith graduated from Florida State University School of Law, Magna Cum Laude in 1989. He has devoted the majority of his practice to representing individuals in Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability cases.
In addition to being a member of the Florida Bar, he is admitted in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and in the Northern District of Florida of the United States District Court and the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
T. Rhett Smith has been practicing in the field of Workers' Compensation since 1990 and has practiced in the field of Social Security Disability since 1997. Mr. Smith is a sustaining member of NOSSCR.
Jerry C. Shirley, Counsel
Retired Social Security Administrative Law Judge, Jerry Shirley has eighteen (18) years of experience (1987-2005) in the Social Security Administration Office of Hearings and Appeals in hearing and deciding social security claimant disability appeals. Judge Shirley served in the United States Marine Corps for 23 years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was previously engaged in the private practice of law in Alabama which practice included representation of disability claimants in appeals of denial of social security disability claims. He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Alabama and is a member of the Alabama Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, the Eleventh United States Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, the United States Court of Claims and the United States Court of Military Appeals.
David (Dave) T. Shirley
In 1983, Dave received his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama. In 1992, he graduated from Troy University with an MS degree in Business Management. Dave has 14 years of experience representing the disabled before the Social Security Administration at all levels. Dave has successfully passed a comprehensive written examination on the practical use and application of the Social Security Administration's disability laws, regulations, and rulings. In order to remain current on Social Security's frequently changing disability process, Dave participates in annual continuing education seminars. He is a member of the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR) and attends annual conferences with the National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives (NOSSCR). Dave is a 21 year veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Patrick S. Cornelius
Patrick S. Cornelius is a Social Security Consultant for the firm. He attended Florida State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993. Patrick has represented claimants before the Social Security Administration since 1998. He has successfully passed a written examination pertaining to the practical use and application of the Social Security Administrations disability laws, regulations and rulings and is a participant in the Social Security Fee Withholding Demonstration Project. Patrick is a member of the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR) and attends conferences for continuing education with the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR).
Teresa E. Liles, Esquire
Ms. Liles is a native of the south who moved to the State of Florida in 1980. Ms. Liles attended Milsap’s College, in Jackson, Mississippi, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1979. She attended the University of Florida College of Law, graduating Suma Cum Laude, in 1985. She has practiced in Florida in Administrative and Appellate Law for over 20 years.