Tennessee Disability Lawyers · Founded 2002

We exist for one reason: to fight for the people the system failed.

Downard & Associates is a Tennessee SSDI firm with one focus: disability. Founded by David Downard in 2002, our Nashville-based firm has spent more than two decades representing families denied Social Security disability benefits. Disability law is what we do — and the only thing we do.

Why our Tennessee SSDI firm focuses on disability law alone.

The Social Security Administration denies most disability claims at the initial stage. Many denied claimants give up. Many more hire a general-practice firm that handles disability as a side service.

We’re different. Disability is the only kind of law we practice. Every attorney, every paralegal, every staff member at Downard & Associates spends every working day on SSDI, SSI, and disability appeals.

That depth is the reason we win cases that other firms walk away from — and the reason David Downard built this firm in the first place.

Most of our clients come to us already denied — and exhausted. Our job is to take that fight off their shoulders and put it on ours.— The Downard & Associates Team

20+

Years winning disability cases for Tennessee families

Top 150

ACRD national ranking across our four-state region

Upfront fees — no fee unless we win, period

5.0★

Rating across 200+ verified Tennessee client reviews

What We Believe

Three principles that guide every case.

These aren’t slogans. They’re how we run the firm — and how clients describe us in their reviews.

Specialty & depth

Disability is what we do — every case, every day, for 20+ years. We know the SSA's playbook because we've seen every variation of it. Specialty creates depth, and depth creates wins.

Real human service

You'll never get a call center. You'll get a real attorney and a real legal team that picks up the phone, returns your messages, and remembers your case. Disability is personal — our service is too.

If we don't win, you don't pay

We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Zero financial risk to call. Zero financial risk to file.

The Attorneys

The lawyers who’ll be in the room with you.

Real attorneys. Real Tennessee roots. The same people who answer your call will represent you at every level — from initial application through ALJ hearing.

In Memoriam · 1968–2019

David Downard

Founder

David Downard was born in Springfield, Tennessee. When he was just 12 years old, he lost his father and was raised by his grandparents. Social Security stepped in and awarded the young Downard benefits, helping with costs through the remainder of his childhood. He credited his success, in part, to the benefits he received — something that allowed him to worry about school and success instead of how he would pay bills. He began his career as a service specialist with the SSA. During this time, his grandmother applied for, and was denied, Social Security Disability benefits. After learning more stories like hers, he earned his law degree in 2002 so he could help people just like his beloved grandmother. Mr. Downard spent his entire career fighting for people who were unable to work — and that same spirit of service continues at Downard today.

Joseph M. Dalton, Jr.

Managing Member & Trustee

Joe was born and raised in Colonie, New York and graduated from Notre Dame–Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady. He became a Tennessean when he graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He went on to obtain his Master of Science Degree from the University of Miami in Florida, then attended the Nashville School of Law, where he earned his law degree in 1981. Joe is a lifetime member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, former board member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, and has spent 35 years as a trial lawyer. He has helped people all over Nashville with their Social Security Disability claims since 1984. Joe and David had been dear friends since college and trusted one another both personally and professionally.

Ray Akers

Managing Attorney

Ray has been with Downard & Associates since February 2016. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Cumberland University in 1996, and his Juris Doctor from Nashville School of Law in 2004. After passing the Bar Examination in 2004, Ray focused his practice in Family Law, where he was an Adjunct Faculty Instructor for Bethel University's Master of Conflict Resolution program and a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Listed Mediator. Ray was admitted to practice by the Tennessee Supreme Court in November 2004, the United States District Court for Middle Tennessee in 2006, the United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit in 2007, and the United States District Court for Western Tennessee in 2016. Ray is also authorized to practice before any Social Security Administration Judge in the United States. He is a member of the National Association of Disability Representatives, the Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, and the 15th Judicial District Bar Association.

rakers@downardlaw.com

Lauren Inocencio

Associate Attorney

Lauren has been with Downard & Associates since February 2026. Born and raised in Texas, Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University in 2015, and Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law–Houston in 2018. After passing the Bar Examination in 2019, Lauren served as a Judge Advocate (JAG) in the United States Air Force, providing legal counsel to military commanders and service members on a wide range of legal matters, including military justice, family law, administrative law, and regulatory compliance. Her role required strong advocacy, careful legal analysis, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex government systems. Lauren is authorized to practice before any Social Security Administration Judge in the United States.

linocencio@downardlaw.com

The Team

Senior paralegals, case managers & specialists.

The people behind every case — the ones who gather records, manage hearings, file appeals, and pick up the phone when you call. Together, more than 200 years of combined disability-law experience.

Martha Ruehle

Senior Paralegal & Finance Manager

Martha joined Downard & Associates in 2013, bringing over 41 years of diverse legal experience to our team. With expertise spanning Social Security disability, criminal, personal injury, insurance defense, and family law, Martha has contributed to law firms, Michigan's Chief Criminal Court Judge, and Vanderbilt Legal Department. Originally from a small town in Northern Michigan, she moved to Tennessee in 2007.

Karen K. Chapman

Senior Paralegal & Intake Supervisor

Karen serves as the Intake Department Manager and Senior Paralegal at Downard & Associates, bringing over 15 years of expertise in all phases of the Social Security Disability process. A native of Jackson, Tennessee, Karen graduated from Lambuth University with a Bachelor of Science Degree, where she also played college tennis.

Jodi Biggs

Hearing Department Manager & Senior Paralegal

Jodi was born and raised in Greenbrier, TN. She joined Downard & Associates in February 2017, initially working in the State Agency Department filing appeals. Over the years, Jodi has gained invaluable experience across all departments, culminating in her promotion to Hearing Department Manager in May 2024.

Samantha Gray

Senior Paralegal & Hearing Case Manager

Samantha brings a combined 20 years of experience in customer service and case management to our team. A proud White House High alum, Class of '99, Samantha brings expertise in hearing-level cases and a genuine passion for helping clients navigate the legal process.

Kelsey Dunkle

State Level Supervisor / Case Manager

Kelsey was born in Columbia, TN, and raised in Lewisburg. She has been with the firm for four years, specializing in disability determination services and serving clients at the initial claim level. What Kelsey loves most about her position is helping clients who come to us feeling helpless and seeing their cases achieve a positive outcome.

Mike Jenson

Intake & Document Specialist

Mike graduated from Gallatin High School in 1996 and Vol State in 2001 with an Associates Degree in University Studies. He also attended Middle Tennessee State University and Tennessee State University where he graduated with degrees in History and Political Science. Mike specializes in the Social Security Disability intake process and Document Management.

Katie Norris

Paralegal

Katie joined our team in 2021 as a paralegal for Attorney J. Ray Akers Jr., focusing on hearing-level cases. A 2019 graduate of Volunteer State Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, Katie was recognized with the National Society of Leadership and Success award for her academic dedication.

Kelly Christensen

Paralegal & Intake Specialist

Kelly grew up in Evansville, Indiana, and furthered her education at Vincennes University. She has been with Downard & Associates for about a year and a half, specializing in the Social Security Disability intake process.

Kelly Jones

Office Clerk

Kelly serves as the Office Clerk, bringing valuable insight to our clients through her personal experiences. A graduate of Franklin High School, she began her paralegal career at a personal injury law firm in Columbia, Tennessee. With nine years at Downard, she specializes in personal injury, workers' compensation, and auto accidents, and manages our monthly client billing.

Carter Herrick

Intake Specialist

A native of Virginia, Carter graduated with a bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. With experience in the service industry, she knows the importance of friendly, yet effective communication. She enjoys interacting with our clients and making sure they get the help they need.

Kimberly Bush

Legal Assistant

Kimberly serves as our Client Relations Specialist and Assistant in the Finance Dept., bringing a wealth of experience in client care and a genuine passion for helping others. With a background in family business and a strong commitment to advocacy as a CASA volunteer, Kimberly ensures every client feels supported and understood.

Nancy Hale

Appeal Specialist

Nancy brings over 30 years of experience in banking and financial services, with expertise spanning branch operations, management, and IT. For the past seven years, she has served as a Testing Project Manager at Caterpillar Financial. A certified Project Manager, Nancy is dedicated to ensuring project success and efficiency.

Bobbie Lynn Jowers

State Agency Case Manager

Bobbie specializes in state-level case management of Social Security disability cases. Originally from Jackson, Tennessee, she has a diverse background in customer service, accounting, and enteral nutrition within various logistics and healthcare settings.

Makayla Myers

Paralegal & Intake Specialist

Makayla is a native of Evansville, Indiana, where she graduated from Castle High School. Since joining the Downard team about a year ago, she has specialized in the Social Security Disability intake process. Prior to her work here, Makayla dedicated herself to educating and supporting special needs children.

Chantel Powell

Case Manager

Chantel Powell serves as a Case Manager, bringing a detail-oriented approach to client care. A graduate of F.J. Reitz High School and Indiana Wesleyan University, Chantel is passionate about supporting the firm's mission of delivering exceptional legal services.

David Worley

Case Manager

David is a Humble, Texas native and Texas A&M graduate. A lifelong entrepreneur, he founded businesses in landscaping, flooring, and competitive gymnastics, and spent 20 years coaching gymnasts to local, state, and national championships. He retired from coaching in 2023 and moved to Tennessee to be closer to his three daughters and five grandchildren.

Mercedez Eldridge

Hearing Support

Born and raised in Tennessee, Mercedez Eldridge enjoys life with her husband and three beautiful boys. Mercedez graduated from Volunteer State Community College in 2016. She has prior experience as an AEMT and started here at Downard in 2026 as a legal analyst, with a passion to help and serve our clients.

Elizabeth Bland

Case Manager

Elizabeth serves as a case manager in the hearing department, bringing a thorough and conscientious approach to clients on every level of their disability claim. Elizabeth has 10 years of customer service experience and is passionate about helping others.

Taylor Harper

Hearing Case Manager

Taylor joined Downard & Associates in 2025 specializing in state-level case management. Born and raised in Mt Juliet, TN and later attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Taylor is passionate about helping clients and bringing compassion to everyone she meets.

Brittney Kurdy

Receptionist

Brittney, born and raised in Middle Tennessee, graduated from MTSU with a degree in Sociology. With 10+ years of experience in customer service, she is passionate about helping others. She enjoys traveling and being outdoors.

Members of the organizations that set the standard.

We don’t just practice disability law — we participate in shaping it. Our attorneys are members of the two leading professional organizations for Social Security disability representation.

NADR

National Association of Disability Representatives

NADR brings together attorneys and non-attorney representatives who specialize in Social Security disability claims, focusing on professional development and ethical advocacy for disabled Americans.

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