Ben Glass is a nationally recognized ERISA long-term disability lawyer and founder of BenGlassLaw. For more than 40 years, he has helped people fight for the disability and insurance benefits they have earned, with a particular focus on ERISA long-term disability and life insurance claims.
Ben began practicing law in 1983 after earning his undergraduate degree from William & Mary and his law degree from George Mason University School of Law. He founded BenGlassLaw in 1995 and has spent his career building a firm centered on helping people navigate complicated legal and insurance problems with a clear plan and a strong advocate in their corner.
Ben has focused on ERISA long-term disability and life insurance litigation, building a track record that goes far beyond handling claims and appeals. Since 1999, BenGlassLaw has filed hundreds of disability and life insurance lawsuits in federal court against insurance carriers – and approximately 96% of those litigated cases have resulted in a win or settlement for the client.
That experience has also contributed to the development of ERISA law. Five of the firm’s litigated cases have resulted in federal court decisions establishing precedent that affects how similar disability claims are evaluated in the Fourth Circuit (most recently, in Cogdell v. Reliance Standard). Ben’s experience litigating these cases gives him a deep understanding of how ERISA claims are evaluated in federal court—and how to build a case designed to withstand that scrutiny.
Ben and the team have recovered more than $100 million in past and future disability benefits for its clients. Today, approximately $47 million in disability benefits are under active management for more than 100 clients. That experience has helped Ben and his team develop a detailed, 144-step process for managing ERISA disability claims and appeals, built from more than 25 years of handling these cases.
Ben also works with professionals before they ever file a disability claim. Through BenGlassLaw’s Guaranteed Long-Term Disability Pre-Claim Consultation, he helps people get a clear, written go/no-go plan for filing once, filing right, and avoiding delay, denial, and disappointment. The Playbook includes attorney review of the policy and medical records, a strategy consultation, a detailed written report, and 30 days of follow-up support. It is especially valuable for doctors, lawyers, business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and other professionals facing a high-stakes claim with six-figure consequences.
Ben has been recognized by his peers and the legal profession throughout his career. His honors include:
- Super Lawyers — Super Lawyer, 2006–2026
- Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation, 2022
- Martindale-Hubbell — AV Preeminent Rating
- Avvo — Client’s Choice Award
- Avvo — 10/10 Superb Rating
Ben is also a nationally recognized speaker and teacher on ERISA long-term disability law, insurance claims, and trial advocacy. He regularly teaches other lawyers about disability claims, representing disabled workers, expert witnesses, jury selection, and other aspects of litigation. He has spoken at legal conferences and professional events around the country and has been featured by major media outlets including The Washington Post, Newsweek, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal.
Ben’s work in disability law extends beyond individual cases. He hosts the ERISA Disability and Life Insurance Litigation Podcast, where he discusses disability and life insurance disputes and shares actual oral arguments from cases. Through his writing, speaking, and teaching, he continues to help both clients and other lawyers better understand the complicated world of disability insurance and ERISA.
Ben has also built a career around helping other lawyers build better law firms. He founded Great Legal Marketing, where he teaches solo and small-firm lawyers about marketing, business development, leadership, and building a law practice that supports the life they want to live. He is the host of The Renegade Lawyer Podcast, author of Renegade Lawyer Marketing and has appeared as a guest on more than 100 podcasts.
Outside of law and business, Ben has been a soccer referee since he was 16 years old. He played soccer at William & Mary on scholarship and was part of the Annandale Cavaliers team that won a national youth soccer championship in 1976. He continues to referee youth and high school soccer and enjoys mentoring younger referees – which is why he created The BenGlassLaw Referee & Umpire Scholarship, which awards $5,000 annually towards a young referee’s education.
Ben and his wife, Sandi, have nine children, four of whom were adopted from China, and ten grandchildren. He has also supported organizations serving vulnerable children and remains active in his community.
BenGlassLaw helps people who have been seriously injured in Virginia car crashes and people across the country who are fighting for the long-term disability benefits they’ve earned. The firm handles personal injury cases involving car and truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and other serious injuries, as well as short-term disability, long-term disability and life insurance claims. Whether someone is recovering from a serious accident or fighting an insurance company over disability benefits, BenGlassLaw believes the best law firm representation starts with listening, communicating clearly, and treating people like people—not just cases.
