Brian Smith

Managing Attorney, Disability Practice Bar Admissions Alabama

Email Get Free Consultation

Overview Education Notable Cases Memberships Recognition In The News Get Free Consultation

Overview

Brian joined our team in 2011 and currently serves as the Managing Attorney for our Disability Practice. This practice area focuses on representing individuals for disability benefits before the Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). Brian is involved in disability cases in our office from the initial client conversation once a case is opened, through all aspects of claims handling, and finally to case resolution. He has personally represented SSD/SSI claimants at all administrative levels (initial, reconsideration, hearing, Appeals Council) and federal court. Additionally, he has represented claimants in more than 2,500 ALJ hearings, many veterans before the VA in proceedings with decision review officers (DRO), veteran law judges (VLJ), and railroad workers in hearings before RRB hearing officers.

Education

During high school and college, Brian worked various jobs such as a farmhand (produce), warehouse laborer, golf shop assistant, call center representative, and dry cleaner assistant/cashier. While earning his Master of Public Administration from Troy University, he worked full time as a credit union teller/new account representative while attending school full time at night. Brian worked at the Disability Determination Service (DDS) in Birmingham, deciding over 1,000 SSDI and SSI claims. He went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law and launch his career at Wettermark Keith.

Notable Cases

Brown v. Social Security Administration, No. 21-13336 (11^th Cir. 2022)

Memberships

American Association for Justice
Alabama Association for Justice (Chair, Social Security Caucus)
Birmingham Bar Association
National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (Sustaining Member)
National Association of Disability Representatives
National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates, Inc.
Alabama Veteran, Advisory Board Member (2022)
National Association of Disability Examiners (2007-2011)

Recognition

Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives For The Disabled, Top 100 (2024)
Social Security Disability Leadership, Top 100 (2022, 2023)
Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Stars (2017-2023)

In The News

February 15, 2026 10 Signs You Will Be Denied Disability in 2026

February 15, 2026 Explaining SSA Grid Rules: Full Grid & How to Use

February 15, 2026 How Long Does it Take to Get Disability in 2026

Your Story Matters. Hear From Our Clients

“After being in a car accident in September of 2021 I had no idea of the issues I would face with the other motorist insurance company. After being shocked that the other insurance company would not entertain a pain and suffering settlement I reached out for help. My neighbor, a retired police detective, recommended Wettermark Keith. I reached out and we got the ball rolling. Roper Elrod was assigned to my case and I was very pleased with his help and support. He always kept me updated on the progress and changes of my case as well as providing me with the best advice. I am very pleased with how everything was handled by Roper and the Wettermark Keith team!! Thank you for representing me in the most professional manner!!”

Justin

“All was very nice. Always called me to get any new upcoming appts. I recommend this team for all your needs. They won my case. Thank you all and especially to my lawyer Susanne.”

Kim H

“I am so elated that I utilized Mr. Muhammad Abdullah’s services. In the beginning, he told me the compensation that I would receive for my personal injury claim and I actually received more than that! After my car wreck (in my brand-new vehicle), I was actually surprised that I was in the pain that I was in. Mr. Abdullah made sure I saw the necessary people for therapy and worked hard to get me back into my car after the accident. I felt that he was diligent, listened to my concerns, and quickly got me back in my car and compensated! I will be utilizing Mr. Abdullah again and again, anytime I ever have to hire a lawyer.”

Madinah

Serving Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, and beyond

With offices serving communities throughout Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, and beyond, our firm combines deep local roots with the resources of a large, experienced legal team.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury caused by someone else’s carelessness, don’t face the process alone. The Wettermark Keith legal team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact our personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation—you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. With our proven track record, regional expertise, and unwavering commitment to client care, we are proud to stand as one of the leading personal injury law firms in the Southeastern United States, helping accident victims rebuild their lives with dignity and justice.