Joel Zelkowitz, Esq.
Joel Zelkowitz, Esq. is a Partner at Riemer Hess LLC, a national disability insurance law firm based in New York City. He has more than a decade of experience representing policyholders in complex disability insurance matters, with a practice focused on ERISA long term disability claims, individual disability insurance claims, administrative appeals, federal court litigation, and negotiated resolutions.
Joel represents professionals and executives at all stages of the disability claim process. His practice includes developing and strengthening claims, challenging benefit denials and terminations, litigating disputes against major insurance carriers, and evaluating opportunities for negotiated resolutions. He also advises clients regarding disability claim settlements and buyouts, including the financial and practical considerations involved in exchanging future monthly disability benefits for a lump-sum payment.
Joel earned his J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2013. Before focusing his practice on disability insurance law, he served as a Public Defender in Northeast Pennsylvania, where he gained significant courtroom and litigation experience. He is a graduate of the Justice Morris Pashman American Inns of Court and a member of the Bergen County Bar Association.
Joel is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Samantha Wladich, Esq.
Samantha Wladich, Esq. is an Associate Attorney at Riemer Hess LLC, a New York–based law firm whose practice focuses on guiding individuals nationwide through the complexities of ERISA and long-term disability insurance claims. From stopping work and gathering supportive evidence to protecting benefits, corresponding with insurers and employers, and navigating appeals, she is committed to advocating for and empowering her clients. Since joining the firm in 2022, she has also supported the firm’s litigation practice by challenging claim denials and wrongful terminations of benefits.
Prior to joining Riemer Hess, Ms. Wladich represented individuals seeking Social Security Disability and Veterans’ Disability benefits. Through this work, Ms. Wladich worked directly with disabled individuals and helped them secure critical financial benefits they were entitled too. Ms. Wladich earned her Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from Western New England University.
Samantha is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
