James Ratchford

61 Davidson Ave T: 631-662-1577

Buffalo, NY 14215 jayratch@gmail.com

Education

University at Buffalo Law School, State University of New York — Candidate for J.D, May 2013

Houghton College, Houghton, NY — B.A. Psychology, 2008

Professional Experience

Non-Attorney Representative, Binder and Binder — 2009-present

? Represent disability claimants before Administrative Law Judges

? Present oral and written arguments, elicit testimony, and cross examine witnesses

? Review and develop cases, inclusive of writing case summaries and letters, providing development directives to junior paralegals, and extensively studying each case in preparation for the hearing.

Legal Writer, Binder and Binder — 2008-2009

? Reviewed and analyzed disability case files and prepared claims for hearings and appeals

? Wrote legal arguments and case summaries for pre-hearing and Appeals Council cases

? Reviewed medical evidence, directed development of claims, and communicated concerns to clients

Retail Sales Consultant, AT&T Mobility; Woodbury, NY — 2006-2007

? Managed a growing consumer and business client base

? Conducted training for staff and clients, creating unique curricula covering advanced devices such as Apple iPhone and RIM Blackberry

? Maintained top sales ranking within one of the nation?s most competitive markets

Nuclear Electronics Technician, US Navy; San Diego, CA — 2004-2006

? Stood watch in a multi-million dollar nuclear power plant

? Operation and maintenance of electronic control and instrumentation equipment

? Conducted continual training on classified technological curriculum

? Supervised 15 junior personnel and provided basic job skills training

Skills

? Proficient in oral and written argument

? Experienced with legal research including LexisNexis and WestLaw online.

? Proficient in a range of writing styles including research memos, case summaries, appellate comments, explicative letters, and persuasive letters.

? Proficient in all major computer applications including Microsoft Office for Windows and Macintosh, PC and Macintosh network configuration and troubleshooting, and internet research.