ABOUT ME

Katherine Hartung O’Neal

SENIOR ATTORNEY

Bachelor Degree

Shepherd University

Top 1%

Juris Doctorate

West Virginia University

Social Security Experience

Social Security Work Experience

Legal Services | Albuquerque, NM

Senior Attorney / Manager, Federal Court Department

Under the tutelage of the founding attorney of this Albuquerque law firm, Attorney O’Neal learned the art of litigation before the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico (DNM). Following the founding attorney’s retirement, Attorney O’Neal received invaluable mentoring and guidance that allowed her to flourish as a legal writer. The passion for clients and unmatched work ethic of her predecessor served as a deep source of inspiration. Attorney O’Neal was promoted to senior attorney and took on management of the federal court department. Although she enjoyed hearing work, her true passion lay in formulating specialized legal arguments tailored to individual magistrate judges.

Key Responsibilities:

Represented clients before all levels of the Social Security Administration (SSA)
Communicated with the SSA, Disability Determination Services, the Office of Hearing Operations, and the Appeals Council (AC)
Drafted pre- and post-hearing memoranda, expert objections, and customized five-day letters for each client
Prepared clients for hearings by explaining the process, legal theory, and expectations for interaction with the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
Conducted mock hearings with clients, role-playing both the ALJ and attorney, with a focus on addressing unfavorable facts
Explained hearing decisions and advised clients on next steps regarding payment or appeal
Briefed Requests for Review to the Appeals Council
Drafted and reviewed Complaints filed in the DNM
Reviewed In Forma Pauperis petitions
Oversaw all calendaring related to the litigation process
Wrote Motions to Reverse and Remand to the Agency or for the Award of Immediate Benefits
Proofread and edited every brief submitted to the DNM
Negotiated voluntary remand terms with opposing counsel
Served as the primary point of contact for all communication with the U.S. Attorney, the Office of General Counsel, and the DNM
Analyzed DNM Memorandum and Orders for client communication and use as persuasive authority
Drafted, negotiated, and filed Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) motions
Drafted, conferred, and filed motions under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b)
Contributed to appellate briefing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

Legal Services | Parkersburg, WV

Attorney

Under the leadership of the firm’s owner, she represented hundreds of clients at all administrative levels of the SSA. During her time working with this West Viginia firm, Attorney O’Neal was tasked with studying the writings of Sarah Bohr, reviewing past NOSSCR conference materials, and shadowing experienced claimant’s attorneys. Practicing in the same hearing office as the infamous Eric Conn—and witnessing the resulting fallout—gave her a unique appreciation for the integrity required in this area of law.

Key Responsibilities

Performed client intakes and assisted with initial applications, function reports, and reconsideration paperwork
Managed a caseload of approximately forty hearings per month
Wrote Appeals Council briefs
Drafted internal memoranda for the Veterans Benefits department
Returned to work in a wheelchair following a catastrophic injury, bringing a newfound empathy to client advocacy
Sang at all firm social events

Won every Social Security Disability Appeal in 2024.

Over seventeen years of experience

Sustaining Member of the National Organization of Social Security Disability Representatives

Member of the State Bar of New Mexico

Member of the New Mexico Social Security Attorneys Association

Member of the Appellate Practice Section

Member of the Committee on Women in the Legal Profession

Member of the Solo and Small Firm Section

Track record of excellence in the United States District Court

Member of the Federal Bar Association

As a New Mexico resident and a West Virginia native, Attorney O’Neal has seen firsthand the horrors of poverty and has made it her life’s mission to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

That mission became more focused after she suffered a severe crushing injury in 2011, which left her in and out of a wheelchair for three years. Having practiced in the area of Social Security and workers’ compensation, at age twenty-nine, she never expected to navigate the system as a claimant. Her accident and the surrounding litigation taught her important lessons in empathy and humility.

Although returning to work while still suffering from disabilities was difficult, her mental perseverance made it possible to thrive in a challenging situation. She was able to take her experiences and use them as fuel to get back to helping others by helping herself. After more than five hundred rounds of physical therapy, she was back on her feet, and twelve years later, she is in great mental and physical shape. She appreciates and is thankful for all she has been through because it has made her a powerful advocate.

Joya Querencia

Paralegal

Twelve years with the Social Security Administration as a Teleservice and Claims Representative.

Her work in law and nonprofits reflects a deep commitment to equity and inclusion

Education: Psychology. University of Southern California

Joya Querencia has spent more than 20 years helping people who’ve been overlooked or underserved by complex systems. At O’Neal Appellate Law, she uses that experience to help clients fight wrongful Social Security Disability denials in federal court—bringing compassion, legal and operational skills to every case.

Legal Analyst

Master of Business Administration – University of New Mexico, Anderson School of Management – 2012

Fifteen years of Social Security Experience, including former SSA Decision Writer

Fluent in English & Spanish

Pilar Sandoval brings over 15 years of distinguished federal public service to O’Neal Appellate Law, where she plays a pivotal role in the firm’s litigation success. With a career rooted in the Social Security Administration, Pilar offers a rare depth of insight into the federal disability adjudication process.

Chief Dog Officer

Murphy Robocop O’Neal serves as the Chief Dog Officer at O’Neal Appellate Law, LLC, bringing a unique blend of enthusiasm, loyalty, and keen auditory supervision to the firm. A spirited Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Murphy has a distinct presence in the office, often providing real-time commentary during client calls and court appearances — a testament to her unwavering dedication to ensuring every voice is heard (especially hers).