Bethany K. Laurence

Bethany K. Laurence

Attorney

Bethany Laurence is a Senior Legal Editor at Nolo, where she has worked since 1997. She holds a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and is a member of the California Bar. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Boston University. 

Disability law. At Nolo, Bethany is the editor for the Disability Law Center and the Social Security and Medicare Center. She edits the books Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability; The Complete IEP Guide; Social Security, Medicare, and Government Pensions; and Long-Term Care. Bethany is a member of NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives).

Business law. Bethany has also combined her legal and financial expertise to edit many Nolo small business books, such as LLC or Corporation and How to Form an LLC, and is the lead editor for Nolo’s online LLC and corporation services. Over the years she has co-written several business books, including Business Buyout Agreements: Plan Now for Retirement, Death, Divorce or Owner Disagreements; Save Your Small Business: 10 Crucial Strategies to Survive Hard Times or Close Down & Move On; and Bankruptcy for Small Business Owners: How to File for Chapter 7. 

Other pursuits. In addition to her work at Nolo, Bethany co-founded several educational nonprofit organizations, including River Montessori Charter School and Red Barn Montessori, and served on their boards of directors. She most recently served on the board of the Magnet Program Foundation of Hillcrest Middle School. Bethany has also volunteered her time at a disability law clinic in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco.  

Originally from Rhode Island, Bethany enjoys reading and hiking in the redwoods of Northern California.

Articles By Bethany K. Laurence

How to Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
To file for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), you can fill out an application online at Social Security’s website or you can call or go to your local Social Security office. If you call Social Security, an appointment will be set up for you to be interviewed.
How to Get Disability Benefits for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis of the Liver
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic disease that leads to the eventual destruction of the bile ducts in your liver. Because the liver no longer functions properly, toxins and other harmful substances can build up and cause permanent scarring to your liver. The scarring (cirrhosis) leads to poor liver function.
Disability Benefits for Heart Attack or Heart Disease
Heart disease can be a catchall term that refers to various disabling heart conditions, but most often it refers to coronary artery disease (CAD), also called coronary heart disease (CHD). CAD is the narrowing or hardening of the coronary arteries -- those supplying the heart with blood.