Attorneys

Paul E. Jensen, Esq.
Benjamin J. Symko, Esq.

Paul E. Jensen, Esq.

Grand Rapids, Mich.
President

Phone: 616-454-3300
Fax: 616-454-2427
jensenp@jensendehaan.com

Paul is a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and is actively involved in church activities. He graduated from Alma College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1967. He was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Fraternity.

Paul attended William & Mary Law School and graduated in 1970. He was a distinguished member of the National Moot Court Team and a member of Phi Alpha Delta. Upon graduation, Paul served as a Law Specialist in the United States Coast Guard from 1970 to 1973, serving in the 12th Coast Guard District, San Francisco, California, as a Lieutenant.

Paul has been active in Grand Rapids Bar Association activities for many years. He has served as Trustee and Secretary. He has served as past President and Vice President of West Michigan Legal Aid and has been a member of the Board of Directors for approximately 10 years and is an active participant in the Pro Bono Program. He is a recipient of the Michael Barnes Award.

With over 30 years of experience in civil litigation, Paul practices exclusively in the area of social security disability. He has successfully represented clients in hundreds of social security disability appeals. As a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives [NOSSCR], Paul is particularly interested in helping the disabled.

Paul was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1945. He is married to Judy and has three adult children, Ian, Ryan and Wendy. He has three grandchildren, Magnolia, Oliver and Chaya.

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Benjamin J. Symko, Esq.
Grand Rapids, Mich.

Phone: 616-454-3300
Fax: 616-454-2427
symkob@jensendehaan.com

Se Habla Español

Ben has spent most of his adult life in public service. Before joining Jensen & DeHaan, PC, Ben practiced law at the Kent County Office of the Defender where he handled hundreds of criminal, felony matters. However, long before he was a public defender, Ben served as a Catholic missionary in Italy for one year and then four years in the Dominican Republic, where he worked with wayward youth and their impoverished families. In 2000, Ben became a Certified Parent Teacher through BoysTown. Ben speaks both Italian and Spanish.

Ben is deeply committed to the community and has been recognized for his devotion and dedication to helping others. Ben was recognized as the Outstanding Young Michigander of 2009. Ben went on to receive the Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award of 2010 (an award won by individuals such as Presidents Kennedy, Ford, and Clinton).

In addition to his legal practice, Ben has served as an adjunct professor at his alma mater - Grand Valley State University, where he teaches liberal studies. Ben has also been invited to present various topics to several organizations as a guest speaker. The topics include professionalism, ethics, reputation, and self-improvement.

At Grand Valley State University, Ben graduated with high honors, obtaining a B.A. in Spanish and a minor in philosophy. His deep commitment to the greater GVSU community was demonstrated through his achievements both in the classroom and extracurricular activities.

Ben attended the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he also graduated with high honors. He was noted for his scholarship by receiving certificates of merit in several courses: Trial Skills, Evidence, Criminal Practice in Michigan, and Civil Procedure. In addition, Ben participated in moot court and the mock trial board and was recognized as the "Student Trial Lawyer of the Month."

During law school Ben clerked at the Michigan Migrant Legal Assistance Project, the Kent County Office of the Defender (where he later practiced law as a public defender), and Epstein, Becker & Green, PC (Miami, FL). Since he began practicing law, Ben has continued to be involved with Cooley Law School. He has been a guest speaker for topics about professionalism, ethics, candor, and reputation.

Ben exclusively practices in the area of social security disability. He represents clients at all levels of the social security process, including lawsuits against the Commissioner of Social Security and United States government in federal court. Ben handles all of his cases with expertise, understanding, and passion.

Ben has successfully represented clients in hundreds of social security disability claims. Ben was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1978. He is married and has two children.

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