Law Office

Disability Lawyer Helping My Clients and Their Families Feel More Secure and Sleep Better at Night

Hilgers & Watkins PC

Right after law school graduation, I worked as a litigation association in one of the largest Austin, TX law firms, which has since merged with another firm. I worked on large and small cases. The firm took on a lot of pro bono work in the area of Social Security Disability/SSI cases. I found that I loved the disability cases more than any of the other work, so since opening my own firm in 1996 my focus has been in the area of disability law.  I now work almost exclusively on VA disability appeals for military veterans and on Social Security Disability/SSI cases.  I really value the time I worked at Hilgers & Watkins because I met great people, got important experience, and the experience showed me my passion for helping disabled clients get the disability benefits they deserve.

Associate Attorney

Disability Lawyer Helping My Clients and Their Families Feel More Secure and Sleep Better at Night; I Also Love Helping Other Attorneys and Professionals; Experienced in Federal Court Appeals.

I am excited to help disabled Veterans and other individuals get the disability benefits they need and deserve from the VA and the Social Security Administration. In the last few years, it's become harder and harder to prove disability to these agencies but my team and I know how to navigate these complicated, convoluted, and frustrating bureaucracies. We also know how to appeal these cases to the federal courts, unlike many other attorneys. I'm trying to help as many disabled people as possible. 

At the beginning of my career, I discovered a passion for disability law.  Now, I successfully assist U.S. military veterans with VA disability appeals all over the country. My father was a Korean War Veteran, and was known for always helping his neighbor.  I try to follow his example.  

For over 20 years, I have also helped clients with Social Security Disability and SSI disability claims. I encourage my clients not to give up when these vast government bureaucracies make unfair decisions. I recently wrote a book about disability law, including some of my best tactics and strategies to win cases. You can find it at https://amzn.to/3apiUcQ.

My disability clients benefit from my extensive experience with disability appeals at all levels, including in the federal courts. I have argued cases before federal District and Circuit courts. I teach other attorneys how to do what I do, and I contribute to the community through pro bono activities. I am honored and excited to do my work, and I find it incredibly rewarding for me and my clients. 

All of my clients receive respect, professionalism, and caring, and I work very hard for them. Clients pay NO fee up front and I don't get paid if you don't get paid (except in certain federal cases in which the government, NOT you, pays my fee); we're in the fight together. 

You can find more information on YouTube and I'm active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (see below).  I’m available for public speaking gigs on many topics, including inspirational talks and the areas of law, attorney marketing online, disability, and veterans. 

Lisa McNair Palmer, Esq.      
918-401-9801
lisapalmer@usa.net
FB:  @VADisabilityHelp
Tw:  @DisabledVetLaw
YT:  Lisa McNair Palmer
IG:  @VADisabilityHelp
LisaLawyer.com
Lisa@LisaLawyer.com
My DISABILITY book: https://amzn.to/3apiUcQ

Lisa McNair Palmer

Douglas J Utberg, MBA

I help executives rebuild clarity when the system stops telling the truth.

For 20+ years, I’ve worked at the fault line between finance, technology, and leadership—stepping into organizations where growth stalled, data fractured, or confidence quietly collapsed. My work centers on one thing: restoring decision-grade reality so leaders can act without guessing.

I’ve led SAP and ERP transformations, rebuilt FP&A and EPM architectures, and guided GTM and operating teams through layoffs, restructures, and post-growth reorientation. The common thread isn’t software—it’s removing ambiguity. Most breakdowns aren’t caused by lack of data, but by numbers no one can fully trust.

My background spans FP&A, enterprise systems, IT program leadership, and executive advisory. I specialize in environments where accountability matters, pressure is real, and “close enough” reporting quietly destroys outcomes.

That work is formalized in Transformation OS—a diagnostic and operating framework that exposes where clarity breaks down across finance, systems, incentives, and leadership signal. It’s designed for leaders who don’t need motivation—they need truth.

Outside client work, I host Second Life Leader, a podcast exploring professional reinvention after collapse—layoffs, burnout, identity loss, and rebuilds. The throughline is the same: leadership isn’t granted. It’s rebuilt under pressure.

I write at DougUtberg.com about strategic clarity, career sovereignty, and rebuilding after systems fail. I also guest lecture on systems thinking and post-crisis leadership for executive and MBA audiences.

If you’re operating in a mission-critical environment—or trying to rebuild one that’s drifted into ambiguity—I’m always open to a serious conversation.

Principal Consultant & Podcast Host

Terminal Value is a little different from the average consultancy.

We partner with startups to design and implement a business architecture that facilitates rapid growth, cost optimization and end-to-end data integration.

In the end, we are about superior value for our clients.  

Achieving similar results typically requires retaining a team of consultants from a firm with a national brand that carries an enormous price tag and involves long lead times to accommodate managerial reviews.

End to End Business Architecture:
Getting from 'I have an idea' to 'I have a business' can be a very complex and chaotic journey when navigating the jungle of vendors, clients and investors.  Our 'secret sauce' is to ensure that you step past the typical business landmines while transforming your idea into a disruptive business.

Transparency:
Learning from mistakes is the fastest way to create success.  Our commitment is to share both in an open manner so that nothing is hidden.

We believe in the importance of the local community.
I am active in the Newberg Rotary, partnering to place "Service Above Self" in my life and business.

Podcast:
The Terminal Value Podcast brings actionable insights & ideas to Entrepreneurs and Executives.  

Subscribe below and connect so that we can work together and create something wonderful.

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The Battle

Lisa McNair Palmer

Douglas J Utberg, MBA

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