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ABOUT ME

Katherine Hartung O’Neal

SENIOR ATTORNEY

Bachelor Degree

Shepherd University

Top 1%

Juris Doctorate

West Virginia University

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, I have seen first-hand the horrors of poverty and have made it my life’s mission to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

That mission became more focused after I suffered a severe crushing injury in 2011, leaving me in and out of a wheelchair for three years. Having practiced in the area of social security and workers compensation, at age twenty-nine, I never expected to go through the system as a claimant. My accident, and the surrounding litigation, taught me important lessons on empathy and humility.

Although going back to work while still suffering from disabilities was difficult, my mental perseverance made it possible to thrive in a challenging situation. I was able to take my experiences and use them as fuel to get back to helping people by helping myself. After over five hundred rounds of physical therapy, I was back on my feet and twelve years later, I’m in great mental and physical shape. I appreciate and am thankful for all I’ve been through because it has made me an powerful advocate.

Critical Skills

  • Carefully crafts each argument to the facts and updated law
  • Cognizant of the legal viewpoints of each assigned Magistrate or District Judge
  • Excellent rapport with opposing counsel—friendly, respectful, but tough when necessary
  • Impeccable research skills—strong intellectual curiosity
  • Work well under pressure—calm and efficient
  • Organized—created charts and other documents outlining law
  • Outstanding reputation amongst colleagues—referred cases consistently
  • Incredible passion for helping people living with disabilities

Social Security Work Experience

  • Armstrong Johnson Law, LLC | Albuquerque, NM

    Senior Attorney/Manager Federal Court Department

    ​Under the tutelage of Attorney Michael D. Armstrong, I learned the art of litigation before the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico (DNM). After his retirement, I received invaluable mentoring and guidance, which allowed me to flourish as a writer. The passion for our clients and unmatched work ethic of his predecessor has inspired me greatly. I was quickly promoted to senior attorney and currently managed the federal court department. I loved hearing work, but my passion was in formulating specialized arguments, targeted to individual magistrates. My job duties are as follows:

    • Represent clients before all levels of the Social Security Administration (SSA)
    • Communicate with the SSA, Disability Determination Services, the Office of Hearing Operations, and the Appeals Council (AC)
    • Craft pre- and post-hearing memorandum, expert objections, creative five-day letters tailored to each client
    • Prepare clients for hearing, explaining the process, basic legal theory, and what to expect from the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
    • Conduct mock hearings with the client, playing the ALJ and attorney, focusing on fleshing out “bad facts”
    • Explain hearing decisions to clients, going over the next steps regarding payment or appeal
    • Brief Requests for Review to the AC
    • Draft or review Complaints to the DNM
    • Review In Forma Pauperis petitions
    • Oversee all calendaring during the litigation process
    • Write Motions to Reverse and Remand to the Agency or Motions for the Award of Immediate Benefits
    • Proofread and edit every brief that is submitted to the DNM
    • Negotiate conditions of voluntary remand with opposing counsel
    • Serve as point of contact for all communication with the United States Attorney, the Office of General Counsel, and the DNM
    • Analyze DNM Memorandum and Orders for communication with the client and for future use as persuasive authority
    • Draft, negotiate, and file Equal Access to Justice Act motions
    • Draft, confer, and file motions under 42 U.S.C. § 406(b) motions
    • Help prepare briefing before the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

  • Jan Dils Attorneys at Law | Parkersburg, WV

    Attorney

    Under the leadership of the firm’s owner, I represented hundreds of clients at all administrative levels of the SSA. While working with Ms. Dils, I was tasked with learning the writings of Sarah Bohr, studying past NOSSCR conference presentations, and shadowing seasoned claimant’s attorneys. I practiced in the same hearing office as the infamous Eric Conn and was there for the fallout, which gave me a unique respect for the integrity required to practice in this area of the law

    • Performed intakes and helped clients fill out the initial applications, function reports, and reconsideration paperwork
    • Managed a caseload of around forty hearings per month
    • Wrote AC briefs
    • Wrote internal memorandum for the Veterans Benefits department
    • Sang at all firm social events
    • Returned to work in a wheelchair after a catastrophic injury with newly found empathy for our clients

Organizations

  • New Mexico Social Security Attorneys Association
  • National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives—Sustaining Member
  • State Bar New Mexico
  • West Virginia State Bar (inactive)
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
  • United States District Court for the District of New Mexico
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
  • Committee on Women in the Legal Profession
  • Federal Bar Association
  • West Virginia Women Attorneys—Founding Member
  • West Virginia Magistrate Court Mediator
  • CallMeOzz Karaoke Club Premium Member

Joya Querencia

Paralegal

Bachelor Degree

Shepherd University

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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.

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Pilar Sandoval

Paralegal

Bachelor Degree

Shepherd University

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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.

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Pilar Sandoval

Her experience as a decision writer for Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) uniquely positions her to anticipate and address the analytical demands of Social Security appeals at the federal court level.

At O’Neal Appellate Law, Pilar serves as a key contributor to the firm’s strategic litigation efforts by producing detailed legal outlines that help guide persuasive, well-supported motions. She excels at distilling dense case records and complex legal standards into clear, actionable frameworks—an essential skill in building strong appeals.

Pilar’s academic credentials include a Master of Business Administration in Information Assurance and a bachelor’s degree in accounting, both from the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management. Her education and experience inform a systems-focused approach that prioritizes accuracy, efficiency, and accountability—qualities that directly benefit the firm’s clients and internal operations alike.

Before joining O’Neal Appellate Law, Pilar served as an Operations Supervisor for the Social Security Administration in Albuquerque, where she led a team of claims specialists and technical experts. She was known for her ability to streamline workflows, implement performance improvements, and lead with integrity. Her earlier roles as a Claims Specialist, Paralegal Specialist, and Legal Assistant gave her a comprehensive understanding of public benefit programs and client needs, further enriching her perspective on the disability process.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Pilar has long been a bridge to underserved communities, offering support with empathy and clarity. She is also a committed mentor and team builder, having trained new staff, led hiring panels, and participated in mentorship programs that promote fairness, inclusion, and professional excellence.

Pilar’s leadership, strategic insight, and dedication to public service make her an invaluable part of O’Neal Appellate Law’s mission to deliver outstanding results for disability claimants across New Mexico and nationwide.

Murphy Robocop O’Neal

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).

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Murphy Robocop O’Neal

Since joining the firm, Murphy has taken an active role in maintaining office morale, enforcing regular breaks, and offering kisses to the managing attorney and team. Her signature bark has become an unexpected but welcomed part of the firm’s character, adding a touch of authenticity and warmth to even the most serious appellate discussions.

When not overseeing day-to-day operations, Murphy enjoys brisk walks, chasing tennis balls, and reviewing legal documents (mostly for taste). She embodies the values of loyalty, vigilance, and spirited advocacy that O’Neal Appellate Law proudly upholds.

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