We're not just good. We're DAM good.
No fee Unless We Win.
We're not just good. We're DAM good.
No fee Unless We Win.
Danielle Grassmyer is a Social Security disability attorney with more than 15 years of experience in disability law and administrative adjudication. Her career has spanned private practice, service as an Administrative Law Judge, and nearly a decade with the Social Security Administration, giving her a comprehensive understanding of how disability claims are developed, evaluated, and decided.
Danielle earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 2006 after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Wayne State University.
Danielle joined Disability Attorneys of Michigan in 2008, where she represented individuals seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. She advocated for clients at administrative hearings and handled disability claims involving a wide range of physical and mental health conditions.
After leaving private practice, Danielle served as an Administrative Law Judge with the Michigan Administrative Hearing System, presiding over administrative hearings and issuing written decisions.
In 2015, Danielle joined the Social Security Administration as an Attorney Adviser, where she spent nearly a decade primarily drafting disability decisions at the administrative hearing level. Her work involved reviewing complex medical and vocational evidence, applying Social Security law and policy, and preparing legally sufficient decisions for Administrative Law Judges. She also completed an extended detail with SSA’s DDS Initial Claims Cadre, adjudicating initial disability claims for the State of Florida and gaining firsthand experience with the disability determination process at the state-agency level.
During her time with SSA, Danielle also served as a mentor and trainer, developing and presenting agency training on Social Security disability law and policy. Her training work covered topics including Continuing Disability Reviews, the mental and musculoskeletal listings, proffering evidence, and best practices for drafting fully favorable decisions. She received multiple performance awards during her federal service.
In 2025, Danielle returned to private practice, representing Social Security disability claimants throughout the administrative process. She managed a diverse caseload, counseled clients on complex legal and vocational issues, developed case strategy, reviewed and analyzed extensive medical evidence, prepared written legal arguments, represented claimants at administrative hearings, and pursued appeals before the Social Security Appeals Council. This experience brought her back to direct client advocacy and allowed her to apply the knowledge and perspective gained during nearly a decade within SSA on behalf of individuals seeking disability benefits.
In 2026, Danielle returned to Disability Attorneys of Michigan, bringing her career full circle. She returned to the firm with a breadth of experience gained from representing claimants, serving as an Administrative Law Judge, and working within the Social Security Administration. Her experience has reinforced her belief that effective representation requires not only a strong understanding of Social Security law and policy, but also an understanding of the person behind each case.
Danielle knows that people seeking disability benefits are often navigating the process during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. She believes in listening carefully, preparing thoroughly, communicating honestly, and making sure clients understand what is happening with their case.
Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, reading, live music, camping, and exploring Michigan.