Joseph Duerst

Attorney

(314) 450-4700

Joe grew up in Bend, Oregon, where he worked as a legal assistant for his father, Jonathan Duerst, an attorney.  After graduating high school with honors, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Film & Music Production at Oregon State University.  He became an award-winning writer and filmmaker before enrolling at Arizona State’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, one of the top-ranked law schools in the country.

​While at Arizona State, Joe focused on litigation and interned at the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office in St. Louis, MO, where he obtained the highest pro bono distinction while litigating DUII license revocations and working on a murder prosecution.  He also traveled abroad to Italy as a student of Arizona State’s Australian sister-school, Monash University School of Law, and developed a love of travel.

 After obtaining his Juris Doctor at Arizona State in 2012, Joe became licensed in Arizona and worked at the Law Offices of Stephanie Lake, P.C. (Now American Disability Law), where he managed the office and represented thousands of claimants in more than 3000 disability hearings across the country. 

 During his free time, Joe enjoys exploring the outdoors, cycling, exercising, all types of games and travel, as well as spending as much time as possible with his gorgeous daughter, Hayden Audrey.

Steph Waller

Case Manager

(314) 450-4700, extension 143

Amy Nguyen

Case Manager

(314) 450-4700, extension 889

Growing up in the DMV (DC, MD, VA) area with a background in administrative support, Amy has navigated roles ranging from working with children with disabilities to managing schedules of an executive team. At Access, she leverages technology to promote initial staff-client engagement and assists claimants with navigating the complex and confusing process. Before Access, Amy worked for NOSSCR, a specialized bar association for attorneys and advocates who represent Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income claimants

She enjoys listening to audiobooks and cleaning, accompanied by her two young cats, Purin and Castella.

Christie Mitchell

Medical Records Specialist

(314) 450-4700, extension 141