Dabney and Barnes is a professional corporation under the laws of Utah consisting of four licensed attorneys, Mr. Virginius “Jinks” Dabney, Mr. Jay Barnes, Mrs. Barbara Anne Dabney who is also married to Mr. Dabney, and Mrs. Natalie Bolli-Jones. We have our main office in St. George , Utah while Ms. Bolli-Jones works from her home office in Utah County . Our practice is currently limited to Social Security Disability claims. We also have a substantial federal court appeals practice for Social Security Disability claims that were denied by the Administrative Law Judge that is headed by Mrs. Bolli-Jones. All of our clients have experienced serious, work-terminating, changes in their health
If you have been off work and are unable to continue working for one year or more, particularly in accordance with your doctor’s orders, and have been prevented from returning to substantial, gainful employment because of serious physical and mental impairments, you may file for disability benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”). Please call us for a legal consultation on your Social Security claim at any point in the process. We can help you to file your application, appeal a denial, represent you at a hearing, or appeal an unfavorable decision from a judge.
FREE Consultation
We are happy to offer you a free consultation or answer general questions for you, whether or not you decide to hire us.
No Fee Unless You Win
Like most Social Security attorneys, we do not charge a fee unless we win your case. If we do win the fee is generally 25% of your past-due benefits only, up to a maximum of $6,000.00. There are no hidden fees or costs that you have to worry about. If we represent you and you don’t win you won’t owe us anything.
Very High Success Rate
About 70% of people or apply for benefits in Utah are initially denied their benefits. Most cases have to go before an Administrative Law Judge before they are approved. We have a great success rate at every level of the process. Overall, we win more than 90% of our cases. This number is particularly important when you understand that we don’t screen our cases. If you are applying for disability and need our help we will help you, regardless of how good your case is.
All Cases Handled by Experienced Attorneys
Every attorney in our firm has handled hundreds of Social Security cases. We know the judges, the experts, the local Social Security office personnel, the medical providers and the community resources available to help you. We have handled many types of conditions including mental conditions like depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and mental retardation and physical disabilities like back pain, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, migraine headaches, neck pain, COPD, skin disorders, and seizures. We have also handled many unusual or very rare conditions.
This experience means that we know what is needed to put on the best case possible for you at the earliest time possible to help you get benefits as fast as possible. While we can’t make any guarantees about the outcome of your case we can promise to use our knowledge and experience to help you get the best results possible.
Personal, Respectful and Honest
We know that filing for disability is the last straw. We know that you have worked hard your whole life and that if you could continue working you would. We know that your condition causes you serious problems and discomfort. We often hear our client’s frustrations with the length of time it takes to go through this process and with the fact that a well-deserving claim may be denied.
We will always be personal, respectful and honest. You will be able to talk directly to your lawyer when you have questions and your lawyer will provide you with honest answers. If your case has weak spots you will know about them. If there is some piece of evidence that can help you win your case you will know about it. We know that these benefits are something you have worked for and we will help you to both understand the disability process and rules and help you to get the benefits you deserve.
Aggressive Representation
We know that it takes a long time to go through the disability process. We will help to make that time as short as possible. We make every effort right from the beginning of your case to make the best possible case for you and get your claim approved as quickly as possible.
Attorney Profiles
Virginius “Jinks” Dabney
- Overview
- Jinks Dabney has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years, and plans to continue practicing law until it ceases to be fun. As a professional speaker, Jinks is a member of the National Speakers Association Las Vegas chapter and has been a member of Toastmasters International for over 25 years. He is a Distinguished Toastmaster – two times – and has received the Presidential Citation from the President of Toastmasters International for his accomplishments in helping others in the public speaking arena.
- Jinks is an active member of his community. He is a member of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, the St. George Exchange Club, the NAACP Salt Lake Branch, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, and the U.S. Civil Rights Commission’s Utah Advisory Committee. As an attorney, he is a Diplomat of the Court Practice Institute, a member of the Utah Association for Justice, the Workers Compensation Applicants Attorneys Association, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives. Jinks loves working with people, playing with his grandchildren, serving in his community, and living life to its fullest potential. Jinks resides in St. George, Utah with his wife Barbara, who is also a lawyer. They have four children and twelve grandchildren.
- Practices
- As a Professional Speaker Jinks provides educational, motivational and humorous presentations in business, speech and law seminars and training environments, including keynote speeches, master of ceremonies performances and after dinner and luncheon speeches. His presentations always include stories, messages, humor and motivational words of wisdom. His goal and guarantee is to deliver meaningful content in his performances, and to do so in such a way that the audience knows he cares about them “getting it” and that they are left with the feeling that together, they have made and are going to make the world a better place.
- His current law practice is limited to geographic areas, Workers Compensation in Utah (acting almost exclusively as co-counsel in claims) and Social Security Disability in Mesquite, Nevada and surrounding towns. He also continues to assistance with our Utah Social Security Disability Practice with our new partner, Mr. Jay K. Barnes, a very experienced, knowledgeable and bright young attorney from Provo, Utah.
- Jinks has been practicing Workers Compensation, Black Lung, Social Security Disability, and Personal Injury Litigation law since 1981. Almost his entire legal career has been spent representing injured and disabled people – children as well as adults – in instances where they were injured at work or in an accident, and sometimes where events resulted in their deaths, or where they were either born with congenital medical problems – both physical and mental – or were in some way forced to endure them as they grew up or grew older and were unable to work or work enough to provide for their families. The bulk of his practice over the years has focused on Workers Compensation cases which involved those who were injured at work due to unsafe working conditions, violations of state regulations or just simply neglect by employers who were more concerned with making money than caring enough for their employees to at a minimum provide them a safe place to work. Jinks believes his job as a lawyer is to provide them with the best legal assistance he could to “level the playing field” and make up for at least some of the financial and personal hardships occasioned by industrial accidents.
- For the past 3 years, he has also been assisting Workers Compensation Attorneys in several locations in the state of Utah to better represent the families of injured workers at mediation, settlement, trial and appeal levels. His primary assistance is in co-counsel capacity, emphasis in permanent total disability and death cases occasioned by accident, cumulative trauma or occupational disease.
- Jinks now also trains, mentors and educates new and old lawyers in starting a law practice and making a living and a life in the practice of law. While lawyers are trained extensively in the law, they are not told how to begin a practice, market themselves in a competitive environment or how to lay a proper foundation for retirement, all of which he have done three times in my legal life and which he share with attorneys who attend his seminars. He enjoys presenting to lawyers and helping them become successful.
- Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science – University of Nevada-Reno (1965)
- Juris Doctor, SJ Quinney College of Law – University of Utah (1972)
- Bar & Court Admissions
- Utah State Bar
- Professional Activities
- Utah Association for Justice
- National Speakers Association
- American Civil Liberties Union (ALCU)
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Advisory Committee for Utah
- National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representative (NOSSCR)
- Civic Involvement
- National Exchange Club
- St. George Exchange Club
- Lifetime Member (Gold) of NAACP
- Southern Utah Wildness Alliance (SUWA)
- Toastmasters International – Two Time Distinguished Toastmaster, International Presidential Award & District 15 Hall of Fame
- Rare Dinosaur Replica Donation (The Scalidasaurus Harrisonii) at the St George Dinosaur Museum.
- Seminars
- “How to sell your Law Practice” – December 2013
- “Killer Ideas and a Killer RFC Form” – NOSSCR Conference April, May & October 2013
- “How to Read Henningson Correctly” – October 2013
- “How to Begin a Successful Law Practice” – June 2013
- “Updates to Social Security Disability Law” – May 2013
- “Workers Compensation Law Seminar” – February, April & June 2011, September & November 2012
- “The Importance of Business Cards” – November 2012
- “Small Business Marketing Techniques” – December 2011
- “Learn to Speak Successfully in Your Business” – September 2011
- National Speakers Association – January 2010
Jay K. Barnes
- Overview
- Mr. Barnes became the owner of Dabney & Barnes (formerly Dabney & Dabney) on January 1, 2010. Prior to joining the firm he was a partner at Myler Disability, one of the largest Social Security disability firms in the country.
- Mr. Barnes was born and raised in Utah County, primarily American Fork. He moved with his wife and four children to St. George in December of 2009 to take over the Mr. Dabney’s practice. His two older children, both girls, are serious swimmers so he spends a lot of time traveling to swim meets. He also spends a lot of time hunting upland game and hiking in Utah’s great outdoors. He is the oldest of 6 siblings, all of whom still live in Utah County with their families. His younger brother, Nathan, was killed in action on July 17, 2007, while in the U.S. Army. A significant part of his disability practice focuses on helping disabled veteran’s get disability benefits.
- Practices
- Mr. Barnes practices almost exclusively in Social Security disability. He has handled cases of disability from multiple causes such as fibromyalgia, low back pain, depression, bipolar, anxiety, lupus, multiple sclerosis and many, many others. Some of his clients have suffered from extremely rare conditions. He also handles private long-term disability claims. A significant part of his practice is focused on pro bono representation in disability overpayment cases. Mr. Barnes also maintains one of the largest federal court Social Security Disability practices in the mountain west. These are cases that have been denied by the Social Security Administration and are appealed to the Federal District Courts. He handles cases primarily in Utah, Idaho, & Colorado but has handled cases in several other states as well. He has argued cases at the appellate level before the 10th Circuit court of appeals.
- Education
- Associate of Arts – Utah Valley University (1998)
- Bachelor of Arts, International Politics – Brigham Young University (2000)
- Juris Doctor, J. Reuben Clark Law School – Brigham Young University (2003)
- Bar & Court Admissions
- Utah State Bar Association (also a member of the Southern Utah Bar Association)
- Idaho State Bar Association
- Supreme Court of Utah
- Supreme Court of Idaho
- Utah Federal District Court
- Idaho Federal District Court
- Colorado Federal District Court
- Federal Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
- Work Highlights
- Mr. Barnes’s experience is quite extensive. Jay has represented more than 1,200 claimants in hearings before the Social Security Administration. He has also handled several cases in the federal appeals courts including cases before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Federal District Courts of Utah, Idaho, Colorado, and others. He has served on the board of the Social Security section of the Utah Association of Justice and has given several community and professional presentations to help others learn about benefits available under the Social Security system
- Professional Activities
- Mr. Barnes is an active member of the Social Security section of the Utah Association for Justice. He has given many presentations on law practice management, Social Security appeals strategies and procedures, and law office technology.
- He is also a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. He has given numerous presentations to local organizations such as the Southern Utah Bar Association, Utah Office of Rehabilitation, Red Rock Center for Independence, and the Southwest Behavioral Health Center.
- Civic Involvement
- Mr. Barnes is a member of the National Exchange Club and the St. George Exchange Club. These organizations have a primary goal to reduce child abuse and donate considerable funds and service hours towards that goal each year
- He is a past president and vice president of the St. George Exchange Club Foundation, the foundation arm of the St. George Exchange club that funds the clubs local activities such as the Southern Utah Performing Arts Festival, the Book of Golden Deeds, the Give Me Liberty program in many schools, and the installation of Freedom Shrine memorials in public buildings. He is an active member of the club and participates in multiple events each year in a service role
- Mr. Barnes is also an active member of his church and spends time in teaching and leadership roles.
- Seminars
- Mr. Barnes has given many presentations to lawyers and other professionals about Social Security Disability benefits and he is available to do so upon request. He has also given presentations on law office management for Social Security practitioners and law office technology. He regularly participates in local and national programs to increase his skill and understanding of Social Security disability law and the practice of law generally.
- He has also given many community presentations to help others understand the Social Security disability process and the importance of disability benefits in our community.
Barbara
Mrs. Barbara Dabney was previously a Staff Attorney with the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in Salt Lake City , Utah . She has extensive experience and expertise in cases before the Appeals Council of the Social Security administration where she has a very high success rate. She is a sustaining member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives and the Utah State Bar. She graduated from the University of Utah , S.J. Quinney College of Law.
Natalie Bolli
- Overview
- Mrs. Bolli joined Dabney & Barnes in early 2010 with Jay Barnes. Before working with Mr. Barnes at Dabney & Barnes, Natalie was employed by Myler Disability.
- Mrs. Bolli was born and raised in Eureka, California and moved to Utah in 1995 to pursue her Law Degree. She now lives in Mapleton, Utah with her husband and two children. In her free time she loves to spend time with her family as well as traveling, reading and cooking.
- Practices
- As an associate of Dabney & Barnes, Mrs. Bolli handles the firms Social Security Federal Appeals as well as Social Security Disability cases for our clients that are living in Northern Utah
- Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Summa Cum Laude
- Juris Doctor, J. Reuben Clark Law School Cum Laude
- Bar & Court Admissions
- Utah State Bar
- Utah Federal District Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit
- Work Highlights
- Mrs. Bolli has worked on more than 100 federal court cases all over the country including Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Illinois
- Professional Activities
- National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives
- Utah Association for Justice
- Awards & Honors
- BYU Law Review
Legal Assistants
Nicole Hansen
- Overview
- Nicole joined Dabney & Barnes in January of 2011. She is an Advanced Certified Paralegal to Jay Barnes as well as the Office Manager. Before moving to this company, Nicole had been working as a Paralegal and Supervisor at Myler Disability since 2006.
- She was born and raised in Washington State and moved to Orem, Utah in 1999 to attend Utah Valley University.
- After 6 years of working for Myler Disability, Nicole relocated to St. George with her husband and three children.
- In her free time, Nicole enjoy reading, piano, hiking, kick boxing, spending time with her children and traveling.
- Education
- Bachelor of Science, English (Writing) – Utah Valley University (2006)
- Associate of Science, Paralegal Studies – Utah Valley University (2006)
- Work Highlights
- Nicole has been helping people get their Social Security benefits since May 2006. She has filed thousands of appeal and prepared hundreds of cases for hearings.
- She worked as a team leader, trainer, and office manager where she was supervising anywhere from 1-15 paralegals and legal assistants at one time
- Professional Activities
- Member of The National Associate of Legal Assistants (NALA) since 2012
- Earned her Paralegal Certification from NALA in 2012
- Earned her Advance Paralegal Certification from NALA in 2013
- Active member of the St. George Exchange Club and volunteers her time to their activities and events in the community. The goal of this organization is to raise awareness and raise funds to end child abuse.
- Seminars
- Social Security Disability from Start to Finish for Paralegals from the Institute for Paralegal Education (2012)
Melinda R. Suttner
- Overview
- Mindy joined Dabney & Barnes in December 2011 as a Legal Secretary to Jay Barnes.
- She was born and raised on a small farm in Christian County, Kentucky where she learned the value of hard work and the law of the harvest. She served a full-time mission for the LDS Church in Southern California. As a missionary she discovered her first love—helping others achieve a better life.
- She and her husband visited St. George in June of 1990 and became enamored with Southern Utah’s red hills and sunshine. They bought a small company here and made St. George home to their expanding family. Mindy is mother to eight children and soon-to-be eight grandchildren. Despite her busy lifestyle, Mindy finds time to enjoy cooking, gardening, hiking, reading, writing, and family history.
- Education
- Bachelor of Arts, English (Writing) – Brigham Young University (1987)
- Professional & Civic Involvement
- After returning from her mission, Mindy remained active in church and community service. She has volunteered at the local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, nursing homes, and LDS Humanitarian Center. She has participated in numerous community-sponsored events, fundraisers, clean-up crews, and construction projects. She helped organize and fund a non-profit organization, called For The Mothers, which benefits single mothers with children. She has served as president of children, youth and adult church groups, as well as in Cub and Boy Scout Troops.
- Active member of the St. George Exchange Club and volunteers her time to their activities and events in the community. The goal of this organization is to raise awareness and raise funds to end child abuse.
- Seminars
- Social Security Disability from Start to Finish for Paralegals from the Institute for Paralegal Education (2013)
- Publications
- Mindy has published two children’s book, edited several others for both children and youth, and has published articles and poems in newspapers, magazines, and anthologies.
Emily M. Herzog
- Overview
- Emily joined Dabney & Barnes in November of 2012 as a Receptionist and Marketing Coordinator shortly after she moved to St. George from the mid-west.
- She was born and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin along the shore of Lake Michigan, and finds the winter weather and landscape of Utah more beautiful than she could have imagined. In her free time, Emily enjoys cooking, photography, rock climbing, hiking and spending time outdoors with her fiancé and 2 dogs.
- Education
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing – University of Minnesota Duluth (2012)
- Professional & Civic Involvement
- At the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), Emily was a member of the Advertising and Marketing Club (ADMAR) where she was part of a team which competed at the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC).
- In 2012 Emily studied abroad in Ireland for the ‘Innovation in Ireland’ program at UMD where she gave a presentation that was nominated for the Labovitz School of Business Student Showcase in 2013.
- Emily is actively involved in the Social Media platform of Marketing and is excited to be reaching our clients through a new medium: our Facebook page.
- Emily is an active member of the St. George Exchange Club and volunteers her time to their activities and events in the community. The goal of this organization is to raise awareness and raise funds to end child abuse.
- Seminars
- Social Security Disability from Start to Finish for Paralegals from the Institute for Paralegal Education (2013)