When Charla Tadlock was in high school, one of her teachers told her that she was too idealistic to be a lawyer.
Fortunately for her clients, Charla didn’t listen.
In 1997, Charla attended Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa. After graduating with honors, she made “the single best move” in her law career and accepted a job at the Murphy Law Firm, where Tom Murphy quickly became a mentor in her practice of law and life.
Charla has worked at the Murphy Law Firm for 20 years, and in that time she has developed a strong statewide practice representing Social Security Disability claimants at all levels of review.
“I know Social Security Disability cases, says Charla. “I am committed to providing excellent local representation for Social Security claimants. I know the law and I take the time to know the facts of my clients’ cases inside and out.”
As it turns out, idealism, which the Cambridge Dictionary defines as “believing that good things can be achieved, often when this does not seem likely to other people,” is a good trait to have when you’re constantly fighting large insurance companies and navigating bureaucracies on behalf of your injured clients.
According to Charla, the hardest part of her job relates to the “politics, bureaucracy, and unnecessary delays put in place by the government and insurance companies.” However, the reward is well worth the challenges.
“The most rewarding part of my job is obtaining an award of benefits for my client. My clients come to me when they are facing difficult situations. I do good work that really helps them and makes a difference in their lives.”
Life outside of work
Charla was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana. She attended West Elementary, North Middle School, and Charles M. Russell High School. She received her undergraduate degree from Carroll College in Helena.
Apart from attending law school in Iowa, she has always lived in Montana and has strong family ties throughout the state.
Most of her days are spent reviewing and developing evidence, preparing arguments, writing letters and briefs, meeting with clients, and participating in hearings and trials. But when Charla’s not practicing law, she’s spending time with her children.
“I have three active teenagers, and I’m passionate about my kids and their activities. Throughout the school year, I spend weekends traveling our great state and cheering loudly from the bleachers.”
Advice for prospective clients
Charla wants prospective clients to know that while she can’t guarantee the outcome of their case, she can guarantee that she’ll treat every client with compassion — and she’ll fight tooth and nail for the best possible outcome, even when it may seem impossible to others.
Learn more about Charla Tadlock
Q: How did you decide to focus on workers’ compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law?
A: While in law school, I enjoyed my torts and workers’ compensation classes. I earned the highest grade in my Advanced Torts class. After law school, I came to work at Murphy Law Firm representing injured people. So many of our workers’ compensation and personal injury clients needed Social Security Disability that it was a natural fit.
Q: What’s one thing people should look for when hiring an attorney?
A: People should look for an attorney who specializes in the type of case they have.
Q: What’s the biggest or most important case you’ve ever worked on?
A: It is hard to pick just one. So many of my cases have had a huge impact for my clients. I think of the many federal court victories on denied Social Security Disability claims. By the time the claim reaches federal court, the client has already been denied by the Social Security Administration 4 times and the claim has been going on for years. The client feels beaten down, but they appreciate that I am still standing by him or her. And then the client gets vindication from the federal court. Oftentimes, these cases result in the client receiving more than 5 years of past-due benefits in a lump sum and ongoing benefits and medical coverage. That result is truly life-changing.
Want to talk to Charla Tadlock about your claim? Learn more about Murphy Law Firm below.
Murphy Law Firm has more than 60 years of experience representing injured Montanans. We have recovered over 10 million dollars in wrongfully denied benefits for our clients in the last year. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no fee unless you receive compensation. View our profile and visit our website today to schedule your free consultation.